CHINESE ZODIAC Meaning and
Definition
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The Chinese zodiac, also known as Shengxiao, is a traditional classification system that assigns an animal symbol to each year in a 12-year cycle. This system is widely followed in Chinese culture, particularly for determining individuals' birth years and their character traits and fortune.
The Chinese zodiac is based on a legend that claims Buddha invited animals to participate in a race. The 12 animals that finished the race successfully were designated as zodiac signs in the order of their arrival. These animals, in sequence, are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
Each animal sign is believed to possess specific characteristics that influence the personality traits and destiny of individuals born during a particular year. According to the Chinese zodiac, those born in the Year of the Rat are said to be intelligent and resourceful, while those born in the Year of the Ox exhibit qualities like determination and perseverance.
In addition to character traits, the Chinese zodiac is also linked to fortune-telling and compatibility matching. Compatibility between individuals is assessed based on their zodiac signs, with certain signs believed to be more harmonious or aligned with each other.
The Chinese zodiac, with its rich symbolism and cultural significance, continues to be widely embraced and celebrated, particularly during the Lunar New Year, when each year is associated with a specific animal sign.
Etymology of CHINESE ZODIAC
The word "Chinese zodiac" is a combination of two elements, "Chinese" and "zodiac", each with its own etymology.
"Chinese" refers to anything related to China, its culture, or its people. It comes from the Portuguese word "chinês", which was derived from the Persian word "Chīn". This Persian term originally referred to the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE), the first dynasty to establish a centralized system in China. Over time, the term "Chīn" expanded to encompass the entire country.
"Zodiac" is derived from the Latin word "zōdiacus" and the Greek word "zōidiakos", both of which mean "circle of little animals". The term originally referred to the celestial band in which the sun, moon, and planets appear to move through the sky.
