The Chinese New Year will take place on January 22, 2023. This day marks the first day of the Chinese calendar. Each Lunar New Year, a zodiac symbol defines the actions of the new year. For centuries, even millennia, these symbols have always given the principles to be respected so that the whole year is beautiful.
The Shengxiao or Chinese astrology in French is a cycle of twelve years. And, each year is represented by an animal and also an element. Indeed, Chinese astrology differs from those of European countries. They firmly believe in it because it is traditionally rooted in their culture. The zodiac animals differ and the interpretations are different. Each year, a zodiac animal symbolizes the year. In Europe, each month corresponds to a zodiac sign. The Chinese case is legendary, traditional and very cultural. Here’s why.
What is the history of the Chinese New Year zodiac symbols?
The stories told that symbolize these animals of the zodiac are numerous. We will start with the first which is shorter and the second longer.
The first history of the zodiac animals on the Chinese calendar
The first tells that in the 6th century BC or before the year 0, The Jade Emperor to celebrate the new year invited all the animals of the earth into his kingdom. Only twelve of all the animals on earth responded to the invitation.
The second story of the zodiac animals on the Chinese calendar
The second says that the god Jade, according to some sources “the most powerful god of the Taoist religion” was requested by all the animals who wanted to have their symbol first on the New Year calendar. To decide between them properly, this one organizes a race. The first to arrive at the Jade Emperor’s Palace will have their name listed first on the calendar of the New Year. However, the emperor pointed out that there was only 12 seats. So the 12 who manage to cross the threshold of the palace will be those who will have their names marked on the New Year’s calendar. All the animals set out to participate in this race. The cat who likes to spend his days sleeping tells the rat to wake him up so that they participate together. The rat smart and wishing to be first, not waking the cat. He left very early and started the race on the back of the buffalo who did not take part in the competition. He agreed to accompany his friend the rat. Seeing beef who was about to cross the arrival threshold, the rat leaned on the back of the buffalo and threw himself at the feet of Emperor Jade, while demonstrating that he is the first to enter the palace and therefore deserves his name first on the calendar. The ox came second and the tiger finished third. The rabbit comes in fourth, smarter than the Dragon who reaches the finish line in fifth position. The snake very flexible arrived in sixth faster than horse who took seventh place. Eighth place was stolen from the monkey by the goat and the monkey came ninth. The rooster used its wings to land in tenth position. A place that wanted to occupy the dog who finally finished eleventh. And the twelfth place is occupied by the pig. This is how the 12 places on the calendar of the New Year were occupied according to this legend.
What is the animal symbol on the Chinese New Year calendar?
As the legend goes, 12 animals symbolize the Chinese New Year calendar. And, it is these 12 that we will describe below in order of arrival according to the second legend.
1. The Rat
As mentioned in the caption, the rat symbolizes the year big decisions, a year of great skill. There where resourcefulness, kindness and intelligence will take precedence.
2. Beef
The year of the ox symbolizes tranquility, reliability, the quiet force and the determination. This year, prosperity is at the rendezvous. And discouragement has no place.
3. The Tiger
Discouragement can mark this year, but, resistance, tenacity, willingness and the strength to overcome will prevail. It is a year of bravery, confidence and competitiveness.
4. The Rabbit
The Year of the Rabbit symbolizes the peace, temporary calm, the courtesy, the silence. But also, elegance, kindness. During this year, the responsibility of each citizen is great to keep the spirit of peace.
5. The Dragon
The year of the dragon aims perfection, trust, enthusiasmmajor projects, Success, nobility. The year of the dragon also marks the year of talent, rhythm and the supernatural.
6. The Snake
The year of relaxation, great missions. But of prudence in stocks. Roughly speakingthis year marks clairvoyance, intelligencethe actions.
7. The Horse
Just like the horse, the year of the horse symbolizes energy, the actions. During this year, citizens must double their efforts even more, because prosperity won’t be quite there.
8. The Goat
The year of the goat symbolizes creativity, Justice, friendship, goodness, stability, calm, sweetness, tenderness, perseverance, strength, the power to excel and amaze everyone.
9. The Monkey
The year of the monkey symbolizes the year of curiosity, actions, smart, work and above all a lot of work.
10. The Rooster
The year of the rooster indeed symbolizes work, Success, franchise, prosperityhard work to achieve goals, courage and observing.
11. The Dog
The Year of the Dog marks the ultimate caution in stocks and in business, many loyalty, friendliness, reliability, authenticitythe relational but above all, franchise, honesty.
12. The Pig
The year of the pig symbolizes prosperity, generosity, hard work, prudence, but also losses. During this year, citizens must be careful and work a lot.
What is the Chinese New Year 2023 animal?
The Chinese new year begins its small year on January 15, 2023 and New Year’s Eve on January 21, 2023. The new year will therefore be January 22, 2023. This new year 2023 is marked by an animal. It’s about Rabbit. The year of the Rabbit will not bring about a great transformation nationally and internationally. Nor does it imply that it would be the status quo. However, this animal symbolizes peace and temporary stability after conflicts. This year will be marked by repair, prosperity and the building of lives nationally and internationally.
You may also be interested :
⋙ Lunar New Year: Origins, Traditions and Meaning
⋙ Why is the date of Chinese New Year changing?
⋙ Since when did the new year begin on January 1?
⋙ Why does the new year start on January 1?
⋙ Which countries celebrate the New Year first and last?
Chinese New Year: history and meaning of the symbol of the zodiac animals