Chinese Zodiac
The Chinese lunar calendar is the oldest
chronological record in history, dating from 2637 B.C. when the first
cycle of the zodiac was introduced. One complete cycle takes 60 years and
is made up of five simple cycles of 12 years each. The 78th cycle started
on February 1984, and will end on February 2044. Twelve animals were
assigned to each of the 12 years when, according to legend, the Lord
Buddha summoned all the animals to come to him before he departed from
Earth. Only twelve animals came to bid him farewell. As a reward he named
a year after each one in the order that it arrived. First came the mouse,
then the Ox, the Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey,
Rooster, Dog and Pig. Thus, we have the twelve animal signs of today. The
animal ruling the year in which you were born exercises a profound
influence on your life. Chinese people say that this is the animal that
hides in your heart. During the complete 60-year cycle each of the animal signs (sometimes also referred to as the twelve Earth branches) is combined with the five main elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. The element of your lunar sign will exercise their influence on your life.
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Page established: Dec 27, 2003 Last updated: Dec 27, 2003 Information is from Chinavoc. Graphics are by me and from Country Patch Collections. |