Chinese New Year Animals
Chinese New Year is one of the most important festivals in Chinese culture. It is celebrated annually on a different date, as it follows the lunar calendar, and it usually falls between late January and mid-February. Each year is associated with an animal in the Chinese zodiac, which is a cycle of 12 animals that represent years in a recurring cycle of 12 years.
The 12 Chinese Zodiac Animals
The 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. According to Chinese astrology, each animal has its own unique characteristics and personality traits that symbolize the year it represents. The order of the animals is based on the order in which they arrived at the Jade Emperor’s party according to legend.
How the Zodiac Animals are Chosen
The selection of the animals in the Chinese zodiac is based on several myths and legends. One of the most popular stories involves the Jade Emperor, who invited all the animals in the world to a race. The first 12 animals that finished the race were chosen to represent the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac.
The Year 1990 and Its Zodiac Animal
The year 1990 was the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac. The Horse is the seventh animal in the Chinese zodiac and is known for its strength, loyalty, and independence. People born in the Year of the Horse are said to be energetic, intelligent, and adventurous, but they can also be impatient and stubborn.
Characteristics of the Zodiac Animal
The Rat, which represents the year 2020 in the Chinese zodiac, is known for its intelligence, quick wit, and resourcefulness. Rats are also believed to be charming, witty, and sociable, but they can also be greedy and manipulative. In Chinese culture, the Rat is seen as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune.
The Rat: Symbolism and Significance
In Chinese astrology, the Rat is the first animal in the zodiac cycle. It is believed that people born in the Year of the Rat are destined to be leaders and innovators. The Rat is also associated with wealth and abundance, as it is believed to be able to accumulate and store resources for the future.
Rat Years in Chinese Astrology
Rat years occur every 12 years in the Chinese zodiac cycle. In addition to 2020, other Rat years include 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, and 2020.
The Rat in Chinese Culture and Folklore
In Chinese culture, the Rat is a popular animal in folklore and legend. It is often depicted as a clever and cunning creature that outwits its enemies. The Rat is also associated with the Chinese god of wealth, and it is believed that having a Rat figurine or charm in your home can bring good luck and prosperity.
Rat-themed Celebrations in China
During Chinese New Year, many cities in China hold rat-themed celebrations to welcome the new year. In some places, people dress up in rat costumes and parade through the streets. In other places, Rat-themed lanterns, decorations, and food are popular during the festival.
Rat Art and Decorations for Chinese New Year
Rat-themed art and decorations are popular during Chinese New Year. Some popular symbols include red lanterns with Rat designs, Rat figurines made from clay or paper-mache, and Rat-themed paintings or calligraphy.
How to Celebrate Chinese New Year in 2021
Chinese New Year in 2021 falls on February 12th and will be the Year of the Ox. Celebrations typically last for 15 days and include rituals such as cleaning the house, giving red envelopes filled with money, and eating traditional foods like dumplings and fish. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many celebrations may be scaled back or held online.
Conclusion: The Rat and Chinese New Year Traditions
The Rat is an important symbol in Chinese culture and plays a significant role in Chinese New Year celebrations. Whether you are born in the Year of the Rat or not, embracing the qualities of intelligence, resourcefulness, and prosperity can be a powerful way to welcome the new year with optimism and hope.