The Chinese zodiac differs from the Western one. It endows 12 animals with certain features in a 12 year cycle, which was initiated by ancient Chinese astrologists of 3,000 years ago. Even now many still believe that astrology affects their fate maintaining customs to avoid demons and to provide good fortune.
The 12 animals are rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. They often symbolize or predict harvests, a person's fortune, career, friendship and marriage prospects. Here are some interesting traditional thoughts on the zodiac:
- Usually people believe that the years of horse and sheep can bring pleasant weather and a good harvest, and people born in those two years can have a happy marriage together.
- Those born in the year of tiger should not marry one born in the year of dragon, for they might fight and try to excel the other in their lives.
- Every twelfth year following a person's birth becomes his 'Benmingnian'. In each of these years he should wear a red waistband, or red coat and socks to ward off devils. For example, if a person was born in the year of the rat, then he must wear red in every succeeding year of the rat.
- People born in different years often have diverse characters. For example, one born in the year of dog is thought to be alert and faithful; another one born in the year of ox, diligent and moderate; etc.
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