Understanding the Meaning and Purpose of the 12 Chinese Zodiac Animal Signs

Most people have heard about the 12 Chinese Zodiac animals and may even know which sign is theirs, but many do not fully understand the origin, meaning, or purpose of the signs. The Chinese Zodiac and Lunar cycle can be confusing due to their intricate nature but as the Chinese New Year is approaching, it is important to understand exactly what they mean. 

Rather than January 1st, the day of the 2015 Chinese New Year begins February 19th because it follows the Chinese Lunar Calendar system, based on the movements of the moon. The coming of February 19th will mean the beginning of the 4712th Chinese year- wow!

The Chinese Zodiac was created as a system for counting years. The ancient time division was most often based upon the number 12; one ji equals 12 years, one year equals 12 months, and so on. This was most likely due to the fact that ancient people observed that there were 12 full moons in each year. So it makes sense that there would be 12 animal signs given to this counting system.

Where it starts to get even more complicated is that in addition to the 12 signs, the calendar is also connected to the five elements, (Earth, Water, Wood, Fire, and Metal). So each year is not only given an animal sign but also paired with one of the five elements. So 2015 is not only the Year of the Sheep, but more specifically the Year of the Wooden Sheep, because this year falls on wood for the five elements. This gives way to even more meaning and predictions for the upcoming year. 

The 12 Zodiac signs are purposed to represent a systematic plan of future events and actions, in other words it helps people to predict what is to be expected for that upcoming year. Or, if one knows their “sign”, it helps them to determine their strengths, weaknesses, and perhaps even their fortune. 

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The Origin of the Chinese Zodiac Animal Signs

It is no secret that there is a long standing relationship or link between the Chinese culture and 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac- but when did this relationship first develop? And for what purpose? 

The Chinese Zodiac, also referred to as Sheng Xiao, was originally created as a counting system for counting the years according to the Chinese Lunar calendar. The ancient Chinese observed that there were 12 full moons per year, developing a link between time and astronomy- what many of us now may think of as astrology. 

It was during the Han Dynasty where the order and characteristics of the 12 animals became considered a direct influence on the lives of people. It became believed, and still is today, that depending on the year of your birth you became associated with one of the 12 zodiac animals and this knowledge could yield predictions on everything from your personality and habits to what kind of year you might have. 

The year of your birth, or your animal year, is known as your Benming Nian and based on the Chinese New Year, your animal year only comes about every 12 years- making it a very special year for you! 

So if it is your animal year, how can you ensure that the fortune it brings about is good and not bad? The Chinese say the best way to ensure good fortune during the arrival of your animal year is to wear red on the New Year as well as a necklace purchase by someone else- it doesn't count if you buy it for yourself!