The twelve zodiac signs are a unique way of chronology in traditional Chinese culture and an important component of Chinese folk culture. The twelve zodiac animals include the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, chicken, dog, and pig, each with its unique symbolic significance and cultural connotations. The earliest records of the twelve zodiac animals can be traced back to the Book of Songs and the Book of Changes, but the complete system of the twelve zodiac animals was not established until the Eastern Han Dynasty. In traditional Chinese culture, the twelve zodiac animals are used to represent years, months, dates, and times, as well as to predict destiny and good or bad luck. Like Western wizards who predict the future, ancient Chinese feng shui masters and fortune tellers also made predictions based on a person's birth year and time, including the year of birth, which is the zodiac sign.
Each zodiac sign has its unique symbolic significance. For example, the mouse represents wit and agility, the cow represents diligence and steadfastness, the tiger represents bravery and independence, the rabbit represents gentleness and kindness, the dragon represents authority and nobility, the snake represents mystery and change, the horse represents boldness and freedom, the sheep represents gentleness and obedience, the monkey represents wit and initiative, the chicken represents diligence and punctuality, the dog represents loyalty and bravery, and the pig represents open-minded and cheerful.
