![]() ![]() The ox, who was one of the most adept swimmers among the dozen, jumped into the river zealously aiming the opposite end in full spirit. They were almost in an equal speed until they arrive at a very wide flowing river that separated the earth from the heavenly gate. In the meantime, the rest twelve vigorously raced towards the Jade emperor. Nonetheless, the cat was dropped out from the race even before it started, and there began a never-ending tale of rivalry between the two species. Some tales say the rat purposefully did so to avoid a competition, while some other interpretations suggest that he actually forgot the case of his sleep-loving friend. The race starts the next morning, so the cat requested the rat to wake him up in the morning, while the rat smilingly nodding to his friend’s wish. The initial line-up of animals also included the cat, who was the best friend of the rat at that time. Originally, 13 species of animals came forward to take part in the race, while each of them secretly wishing to be the first one to arrive the garden gate. ![]() The Jade Emperor wished to conduct a race for the creatures on the earth to pick animals to act as guards for the Chinese zodiac. The origin of the Chinese zodiac and the ranking of the animals in the zodiac are better explained with the help of a folklore that is linked to a very prominent Chinese mythical figure called Jade Emperor, who is considered to be the first god. Legend of the Chinese New Year Animals and Their Respective Ranks There is a curious legend behind the origin of Chinese zodiac animals which is linked to a Chinese heavenly figure called Jade emperor. The 12 Chinese zodiac animals are listed below in their respective ranks: Year 2021 was associated to the Ox, 2022 is the year of Tiger, whereas 2023 will be known as the Year of the Rabbit. Starting with the rat, and ending with a pig, the cycle of 12 animals repeats in this order incessantly. The Chinese Zodiac, which is based on the classical lunar calendar, follows a 12-year cycle of years, and each year of such repeating cycle is linked to one from a cluster of 12 different animals. ![]() In this article, we are attempting to summarise the origin and meaning of Chinese New Year animals. This system was formalised during the Han dynasty, which makes it a system that is more than 2000 years old. Historically, the Chinese zodiac and the usage of the animal mascots were in use since the 5 th century BC. What do these Chinese New Year animals represent, and how did such an iconic affection towards animalia originate in the Chinese culture? In addition to the colour and splendour of the Chinese new year, each year’s unique animal mascot also instils significant enthusiasm and curiosity in the minds of everyone to take part in celebrations. It's not just the decorations that require thorough planning.Ī days-long feast is also carefully curated.įor several days - starting on their New Year's Eve - people indulge in food with symbolic meaning, either based on appearance or word association.ĭumplings and spring rolls, for instance, represent wealth because they are thought to resemble silver ingots and gold bars.The aura of the Chinese New Year festivities, with a glorious image of the associated animal of the Chinese zodiac, is ceremoniously brought to our minds during the first weeks of every calendar year. The animals of the Chinese zodiac symbolise a deep connection with that nation’s ancient cultural heritage, each one holding a unique place in Chinese history, mythology and customs. ![]() Rat, ox/buffalo, tiger, rabbit/cat, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. There are 12 animals following a repeating, 12-year cycle and they go by the following order: While customs, rituals and the length of celebrations vary, one thing stays true: honouring a fresh start. Koreans and Vietnamese also revel in new year festivities as they celebrate Seollal and Tết, respectively. To Chinese, Koreans, Taiwanese and those living in Hong Kong, the year is the Year of the Rabbit. To the Vietnamese, for example, this Lunar New Year will welcome the Year of the Cat. Although some traditions are shared, others are unique to each country's cultural identity. Lunar New Year is celebrated in many other Asian countries, including Vietnam, the Koreas, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |