How the 12 animals in Chinese astrology came to be ...

The year of your birth does not just indicate your age! According to the Chinese system of Astrology, the year of birth indicates a certain phase or aspect of a sixty-year 'cycle of time'. The cycle is divided into the five elements: Water, Wood, Fire, Earth and Metal as well as 12 animals, which represent each year. The system is influenced by both Yin (female) and Yang (male) cosmic force which is said to be an interpretation of universal harmony and balance.

The Chinese, and many Westerners, believe that understanding the characteristics of the animal that rules a year will afford a better understanding and tolerance of that person. It can also offer an increased awareness of one's own strengths and faults.

The exact origins of the twelve animal system remain unknown. However, legend has it that, once upon a time, the Jade King was bored, having nothing to do in Heaven. As he had servants fulfilling his every wish and desire, he did not see what was happening on Earth. So, deciding that he wanted to see the animals that inhabited the earth, he sent word to his advisors to bring him twelve animals (which he considered to be a good sampling.) The advisor first sent an invitation to the Rat, telling him to also bring the cat. However, the Rat's jealousy prevented the cat from actually receiving the invitation.

Further invitations were sent out to the Ox, the Tiger, the Rabbit, the Dragon, the Snake, the Horse, the Ram, the Monkey, the Rooster and the Dog, requesting their presence at the palace the following day. When they lined up in front of the king, he found that they numbered only eleven, instead of twelve as he had requested. The king sent his servant down to Earth to retrieve a twelfth animal. The servant ran into a man carrying a Pig, and he hastily grabbed it and delivered it to the king.

The animals stood in front of the king in no particular order. The Rat, being smaller than the rest, hopped on the Ox's back and proceeded to play the flute. The king was very impressed by this display. He gave the Rat first place. Second place was given to the Ox for its good sportsmanship, and third was given to the Tiger, who appeared so courageous. The Rabbit was given fourth place, the Dragon fifth, the Snake sixth, the Horse seventh, the Ram eighth, the Monkey ninth, the Rooster tenth and the Dog eleventh. By default, and due to the king's just nature, twelfth place went to the Pig. After the ceremony concluded, the cat (who missed the invitation) begged the king to reconsider. He was told it was too late!

In order to honour the animals that had turned up, the king decided it was only fair that they and they alone should be awarded a year of their own. The following is a summary of the main characteristics the years for each animal.

Our other Chinese Astrology FAQ summarises the main characteristics for each animal, and gives an animal for any birth date.