Chinese New Year and the Story of the Zodiac

In the Chinese calendar, the beginning of each lunar year falls between late January and early February, marked by the Chinese New Year, which corresponds to a new moon. Each year is associated with a different animal sign from the Chinese zodiac, a cycle that repeats every twelve years. The calendar is lunisolar, meaning it accounts for both lunar months and solar years, with years typically consisting of either twelve or thirteen months. Since the early 20th century, particularly after 1911 and the fall of the Qing Dynasty, the Gregorian solar calendar has been widely adopted in China for everyday use alongside the lunar calendar for traditional holidays and festivals. Many Chinese calendars feature both solar and lunar dates.

Zodiac Origins

The Western Zodiac is intricately tied to the positions of celestial bodies, particularly the sun's movement relative to the constellations, which define specific zodiac signs associated with distinct personality traits. This astrological system has roots in ancient Babylonian astronomy and has been further developed through Greek and Roman traditions.

By contrast, the Chinese Zodiac does not have the same associations with constellations. Instead, it is based on a twelve-year cycle of animal signs, determined by the lunar calendar rather than astronomical positions. The animals represent various characteristics influenced by folklore and mythology, reflecting cultural values rather than celestial observations. This fundamental difference highlights how astrology in different cultures interprets time and character in unique ways. 

The animals used in the zodiac, and how they came to represent it, are a wonderful Chinese legend with many variations. The most common version is the legend of the Jade Emperor, who wanted to hold a race across a river to give twelve animals the right to be a part of the zodiac. All the animals were given a chance to swim, and the first twelve to reach the opposite bank would win the positions in which they arrived.

Cat and Rat were the worst swimmers of all the animals, so they asked if they could cross the river on the back of Bull. Bull, being a kind and gentle creature, agreed to carry them. As the group reached the center of the rushing river, the ambitious Rat pushed Cat off Bull's back and into the water to ensure his victory. Rat's betrayal is why Cat and Rat have evermore been sworn enemies and why, to this day, cats despise swimming in water.

As Bull reached the riverbank, Rat darted atop Bull's head and sprang to the ground to reach the shore first and became the first zodiac animal. Bull was content to be given the second year. The third animal to successfully cross the river was Tiger, who was known to be the most powerful of all the animals. Exhausted, Tiger explained that the heavy currents of the river, coupled with an entangled log, had pushed Tiger further downstream, delaying the animal's arrival.

After Tiger was proclaimed the third animal of the zodiac, the Jade Emperor heard a thumping sound just as Rabbit bounded into view. Now the fourth animal, he explained his attempts at trying to cross the river by jumping from stone to stone. The stones eventually came to an end, leaving Rabbit stranded in the middle of the waters. Fearing he could lose the race, he thought quickly and hopped onto a floating log to reach the shore.

The fifth animal to reach the shore was Dragon. Dragon was as strong as Tiger, and even though he could fly, Dragon didn't come in first. When the Jade Emperor asked why, Dragon said that it was because he took time to stop and help the people and creatures of the earth who were suffering famine by causing rain. Then, seeing little Rabbit stranded on a rock, Dragon guided the log that was entangling Tiger away to instead help Rabbit float across the river.

Dragon had just finished this tale when a thunderous splashing was heard, and Horse reared towards the shore. But cunning Snake, having wrapped around Horse’s ankle of, suddenly dropped onto the bank just ahead of Horse. This sudden appearance spooked the poor Horse backward, giving Snake the sixth position, followed by Horse in seventh.

Next to arrive were Ram, Monkey and Rooster, who skidded to a stop on the shore riding a tangled reed raft. They told the Jade Emperor how they formed an alliance to help each other cross the river, beginning with Rooster, who had flown around until he spotted a suitable raft. Then he took Monkey and Ram to where it was. Ram and Monkey cleared the weeds, and they all glided upon it across the water to the shore. Delighted with their mutual efforts, the Jade Emperor gave Ram the eighth zodiac position, Monkey the ninth and Rooster the tenth.

Dog, known to be the best swimmer, was next to reach the shore and explained that upon seeing his dirt-smudged coat paired with the tempting clean river waters, he decided to stop and bathe, but Dog tarried for too long and almost didn't finish the race. Finally, Pig emerged squealing and sputtering from the waters as the twelfth and last zodiac animal. Pig's reason for a late arrival was that he’d become famished during the race, so he sniffed out a bountiful feast of grubs, berries and roots, followed by a short nap.

The Five Chinese Elements

Unlike the ancient Greeks, who viewed the world as being made of four elements (earth, water, air and fire), the Chinese worldview included five elements: earth, water, wood, fire and metal. Each element is deeply connected to a color: earth is yellow or brown, water is black or blue, wood is green, fire is red and metal is white. 

In the Chinese Zodiac, the elements also follow a cycle, pairing with each animal sign to create a more nuanced astrological system. This combination of element and animal gives each year unique characteristics and contributes to a repeating 60-year cycle. The interplay of these two factors adds depth and complexity to Chinese astrology, influencing personality traits and fortunes based on both the animal and its associated element.

Wood (Mu)

In Chinese philosophy, individuals born during wood years are believed to embody traits like growth, flexibility and vitality. Like a tree that continually reaches for the sky, wood people are known for their desire to expand their horizons, making them excellent planners and forward-thinkers. However, their drive for success and achievement can lead to competitiveness and overextension, as they sometimes focus too much on growth. Wood is associated with kindness, sociability and creativity, but those with this element should be mindful of balancing their ambitious nature with respect for others' boundaries.

Fire (Huǒ)

According to ancient Chinese astrology, individuals born under the Fire element are characterized by their intense energy, ambition and enthusiasm. They are known to be highly driven and passionate, often pursuing their goals with fierce determination. Fire people thrive in environments that allow them to showcase their creativity and leadership, and they tend to excel in dynamic careers like entrepreneurship, entertainment and public speaking. However, their impulsive nature can sometimes lead to challenges in maintaining patience or stability, whether in relationships or work. To balance their fiery temperament, practices like meditation or spending time in nature are recommended to help calm their energy and prevent burnout.

Earth (Tǔ)

As described in Chinese zodiac culture, those born under the Earth element are practical, reliable and grounded individuals who strive for stability and harmony in their environment. They are often seen as responsible and loyal, preferring to analyze situations carefully before making decisions. Earth types are natural caregivers, excelling at providing emotional support and fostering deep, trustworthy relationships. However, they can also be prone to overthinking or becoming too cautious, leading to indecisiveness or rigidity in the face of change.

Metal (Jīn)

In Chinese astrology, those born in metal years are often described as strong-willed, determined and disciplined. They value structure, have high moral standards and are excellent at organizing and completing tasks with precision. While their decisiveness and loyalty are admirable, metal types can be inflexible or overly rigid in their views, sometimes coming across as cold or judgmental. To balance this intensity, it's important for them to embrace compassion and humility through community involvement or mindfulness practices.

Water (Shuǐ)

In Chinese zodiac mythology, people born in water years are considered introspective, adaptable and sensitive, often inclined toward deep reflection and emotional understanding. Water types are known for their creativity and strong intuition, preferring to observe and analyze situations before acting. While they are empathetic and caring, they can also be prone to overthinking and may isolate themselves to protect their emotions. To find balance, water individuals benefit from nurturing social connections and calming environments.

Which Zodiac Animal Are You?

Find your year of birth below and see which zodiac animal it represents. Also, discover the animal character traits and strengths that you share with those born in the same year, beginning between late January and early February.

Explore the commonly attributed personality traits of each Chinese zodiac animal, along with their preferred jewelry and gemstones based on traditional beliefs.

Snake

When it comes to jewelry, Snakes are charmed by sleek, sinuous jewelry designs featuring opal, cat’s eye, fire agate and smoky quartz gemstone beads.

Horse

Horses are delighted by free-styled jewelry designs featuring topaz, agate, ruby and smoky quartz gemstone beads.

Ram (Sheep/Goat)

Cultivating an appreciation for the arts and nature, they are some of the most creatively inspired people and are sensitive to romantic jewelry designs that incorporate emerald, peridot and moonstone gemstone beads.

Monkey

Being cheerful and sanguine, Monkeys prefer contemporary jewelry designs that use peridot, tigereye, turquoise and clear quartz gemstone beads.

Rooster

Roosters know what they want and are complemented by jewelry designs that rely on citrine, topaz, moss agate, diamond and quartz crystal gemstone beads.

Dog

Such qualities make Dogs truly deserving of jewelry designs made of the finer quality gemstone beads such as diamond, citrine, tigereye and carnelian gemstone beads.

Pig

The sweet and gentle nature of Pig benefits from classical jewelry designs made with ruby, moonstone, turquoise, rose quartz and blue lace agate gemstone beads.

Rat

Rats harmonize with gemstone beads that promote balance, symbolize energy and encourage calm and growth, which is why they are drawn to jewelry designs that incorporate garnet, amethyst and aquamarine gemstone beads.

Bull (Ox)

Bulls tend to love earthy jewelry designs that focus on strength and simplicity with materials such as amethyst, aquamarine, jade and onyx gemstone beads.

Tiger

When it comes to jewelry, Tigers thrive best with gemstones promoting a calm, rational spirit and offering protection. Create with gemstones like sapphire, rose quartz, tigereye and all colors of jade.

Rabbit

Rabbits are blessed by jewelry designs that abound with cultured freshwater pearl, emerald and moonstone gemstone beads.

Dragon

Dragons thrive with jewelry designs with beneficial properties that incorporate gemstones such as amethyst for harmony, ruby for courage, citrine for clarity and peridot for friendliness.

Incorporating the rich symbolism of the Chinese zodiac into jewelry designs offers an opportunity for creativity and meaningful expression. Each zodiac animal, with its unique traits and paired element, provides inspiration for pieces that resonate on a personal level. Understanding which years align with which animals and elements can help jewelry designers craft pieces that embody specific qualities their clients seek to wear or gift. By selecting gemstones that correspond with each animal, designers can infuse their creations with added layers of meaning and intention. By combining ancient tradition with modern craftsmanship, artists can offer their clients not just beautiful jewelry, but pieces that hold significance and tell a story.