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CID has created a Chinese Zodiac calculator to help convert the traditional calendar into a Chinese lunar calendar, and matching each birth date to its Chinese zodiac sign.
The Story Behind Chinese Astrology
More and more people know the twelve animal symbols of Chinese astrology, but not many people realize the story behind it. This year is the year of Rat in the Chinese lunar calendar. It is also the beginning of the new cycle of twelve years.
From Greek mythology, we learned about the story of twelve horoscopes. Each horoscope has its story of origin and each has the characteristics it represents. Nowadays, lots of people around the world are fascinated by the fortunetelling power of these signs. The Chinese have similar signs that are used for similar purposes, the twelve animals-- Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Ancient Chinese people used them as a way to differ the years and to judge the personalities of people who born in those different years.
The Chinese zodiac is more about mythology then astronomy. It was said that thousands of years ago there was no calendar for people to tell days and months, so one ancient Chinese went to the temple to ask for Emperor Jade's help. Emperor Jade thought it would be easier to use animals as symbols for people to tell the different years. The choosing of animals and deciding their order became the next issue. Therefore, Emperor Jade decided to hold a racing game and said that the first twelve animals getting to the destination on the game day would become the signs of the years.
At that time, Rat and Cat were very good friends. When they heard the announcement from Emperor Jade, they decided to work together. During the race, they needed to cross a river. Since both of them didn't know how to swim, the cat suggested asking for Ox's help by sitting on Ox's back to cross the river. Rat was quite happy about the idea and agreed with cat to go together. However, Rat had something else on his mind. He wanted to be the first place and began thinking about a way to get rid of the Cat.
Every step went as they planned. When they arrived by the bank of the river, they jumped on the back of the Ox. In order to get rid of the Cat, the Rat gave the cat a kick when Ox was in the middle of the river. The Cat couldn't hold his balance and fell to the water. Since Cat couldn't swim, he lost the chance to compete with others. At the minute Rat and Ox arrived the destination, the Rat jumped to the ground from the back of the Ox and arrived at the final point in first place, followed by the Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. The winners became the members of the twelve animals and the order of the years for the lunar calendar.
There is a saying that the reason Cats are always chasing Rats is because the hatred built during this race. Chinese people also use the characteristics of each animal has to define/describe the characters of the people born in certain years.
Use the Chinese Zodiac calculator to help you find out your Chinese astrological sign..
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