Shier Shengxiao-shen - Animal Spirits of the 12-year cycle

The system of designating the year of birth according to one of the 12 cyclic signs is called in Chinese "shengxiao" (生肖, "sheng" - the year of birth, "xiao" - "resembling a sign")
The order of the 12 animals of the zodiacal Chinese calendar is as follows: rat, bull, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.

The origin of these signs is a very interesting story and the people of China believe that this is the most amazing thing that happened in their centuries-old history.

As history tells us, there are several versions of how these animals appeared on earth and how they became part of the great Chinese zodiac system, which has existed on Earth for 4000 years! One legend says that it was the Buddha who invited these animals on the occasion of leaving this mortal world. And another says that it was the almighty Jade Emperor, who invited these majestic animals to his birthday.

There is also a legend that these great animals were invited to a great feast by the former emperor. According to another legend, all these animals were invited to take part in racing competitions. And the twelve winners of these competitions are animals that are included in the Chinese horoscope system. And in these races, the rat was the first to cross the finish line.

"Tzu - shu", Rat
The hieroglyph "Zi" (子) in ancient Chinese meant "seeds", "roots", "fruits", the meaning of procreation and inheritance. "Zi" - the first sign of the duodecimal cycle, corresponds to the time interval from 23 hours to 1 hour (3 guards), as well as the direction to the North (352.5 - 007.5 degrees). The 12th lunar month corresponds to the month "Tzu" in the calendar. The "Tzu" hour corresponds to going to bed after a hard day's work. At this hour, the rats are most active.

Born -1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996 and 2008