In China & Vietnam, the beginning of every year falls between late January and early February, and is marked by an animal sign of the Chinese & Vietnamese zodiac that is repeated every twelve years. Each year is given a different animal sign as a way of counting the years. The years are scheduled according to the lunar cycles of the moon as compared to the solar-based calendars of the West. Since 1911, the Vietnamese have adopted the solar calendar and use it alongside the lunar calendar for holidays. Many Chinese & Vietnamese calendars have both solar and lunar dates printed on them.
Legend of Twelve Animals
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 being the legend of the Jade Emperor and how he wanted to hold a race across a river to give twelve animals the right to rule for a year. All 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 designed a plan to ask 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 Cat bounded into view. As 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 Cat stranded in the middle of the waters and, fearing he could lose the race, 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 Cat stranded on a rock, Dragon guided the log that was entangling Tiger away to instead help Cat float across the river.
Dragon had just finished this tale when a thunderous splashing was heard and Horse reared towards the shore but the cunning Snake, having wrapped around the ankle of Horse, suddenly dropped onto the bank just ahead of Horse. This sudden appearance spooked the poor Horse backwards, 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 a suitable raft was spotted and then took Monkey and Ram to where it was. Then 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 last and twelfth zodiac animal. Pig's reason for a late arrival was being "so ravenous with the exertion of finding a good crossing spot that a meal was needed," so he sniffed out a bountiful feast of grubs, berries and roots, followed by a short nap.
Rat
Rats are sentimental and sensitive, intelligent and charming and very ambitious. Their quick optimism and cheerful resourcefulness make it easy to see why they are so successful in business ventures. Rats are thought to love to dig for hidden potential in projects, people and circumstances and they adore putting their cleverly creative ideas into motion. While Rats enjoy finding a good secret or treasure, they are well known for not being able to keep it a secret for long.
Partnership:
Get along: Dragon and Monkey
Non Partnership:
Not get along: Cat, Horse, Rooster
Rat's gemstone:
Garnet, Emerald , Sunstone , Lemon quartz
Bull
Bulls have a steady, honest, gentle and reliable personality that builds plans and ideas on firm ground. Patient, logical and hardworking, a successful Bull needs peace and quiet to work through ideas and labors best when given space. If pushed, Bulls can become frustrated, unyielding and unmovable. They work well with their hands and thrive on steadiness and situations that require patient strength of character.
Partnership:
Get along: Bull, Snake, Rooster
Non Partnership:
Not get along: Dragon, Goat, Dog
Bull's gemstones:
Aquamarine:Lapis Lazuli, Onyx, Marble,Sardonyx
Tiger
Tigers are natural-born leaders who love to travel. They tend to be determined, enthusiastic and optimistic with a strong sense of authority. Preferring to be established, Tigers will leave or ignore a situation if it does not easily conform to their ideals, and they can become unfriendly at best if they feel trapped. They do enjoy discovering the potential found in improbable circumstances and prefer roles where they can help guide others.
Partnership:
Get along: Tiger, Horse and Dog
Non Partnership:
Not get along: Snake, Monkey and Pig
Tiger's gemstone:
Sapphire, Ruby, Tiger, Tiger eye, Jade
Cat
Charitable, welcoming and peaceful by nature, Cat thrive on routines and can become anxious if they have to step outside of the lines or make risky decisions. They thrive on details of the minutest kind and thoroughly enjoy creating a home of solace and beautiful tranquility. Cultivated and artistic, Cat are brilliant at remembering.
Partnership:
Get along: Goat, Pig
Non Partnership:
Not get along: Rat, Horse, Rooster
Rabbit's gemstone:
Pearl, Sapphire, Moonstone, Tourmaline
Dragon
The charismatic, enthusiastic and self-confident personalities of Dragons help them excel at creating a good first impression. Dragons have good judgment and tend to take a keen interest in the world around them, often stepping in at the right moment to help those in need. Both decisive and dignified, Dragons take a wholehearted approach to life and they see themselves as protectors.
Partnership:
Get along: Rat, Monkey
Non Partnership:
Not get along: Bull, Goat, Dog
Dragon's gemstone:
Amethyst, Ruby, Jet, Turquoise, Chrysoprase
Snake
Preferring to always have control of their situation, Snakes are charming, captivating and often conservative. They frequently exhibit the alertness and perception of a cobra's mysterious gaze. Companionship, moral support and unconditional love are important to Snakes in all relationships. They are uncommonly patient with the ability to move on their desired target at precisely the right moment.
Partnership:
Get along: Bull, Rooster
Non Partnership:
Not get along: Tiger, Monkey, Pig
Snake's gemstone:
Opal, Serpentine, Amazonite, Prehnite
Horse
Horses reveal an independent, self-assured and highly motivated character. Intelligent, fashionable and articulate, they set out to achieve recognition for their talent and unique skills. They are devoted to their family, home and work but aren't afraid to cut loose and get a little crazy when the time calls for it. Even in the face of a crisis, Horses will push forward, using their tremendous inner strength to see things through.
Partnership:
Get along: Tiger, Dog
Non Partnership:
Not get along: Rat, Cat, Rooster
Horse's gemstone:
Topaz, Morganite, Smoky quartz
Sheep/Goat
Known to be elegant and patient individuals, Rams enjoy being moderately active and practice prudence in all aspects of their lives. Despite their appearance of vulnerability and routine worrying, they are able to tolerate intense pressure while remaining stable, often taking on insurmountable tasks and accomplishing them marvelously. Preferring to stay behind the scenes, steadfast Rams are excellent team players.
Partnership:
Get along: Cat, Pig
Non Partnership:
Not get along: Bull, Dragon and Dog
Sheep/Goat's gemstone:
Emerald, Sapphire, Malachite, Agate, Opal
Monkey
Fun-loving, spirited and genuinely happy, Monkeys have a generous and clever way of thinking outside-of-the-box. Their charm and humor, paired with their innate curiosity, make them excellent problem solvers and quick learners. Monkeys' emotions are plainly visible and they have but one weakness -- food. Monkey has a discerning palate when it comes to gourmet nibbles.
Partnership:
Get along: Dragon, Rat
Non Partnership:
Not get along: Tiger, Snake and Pig
Monkey's gemstone:
Peridot, Tiger eye, Jasper, Agate
Rooster
Roosters are confident, straightforward, observant and thrifty. Conscious of appearances, Roosters like to get noticed and will save in order to buy something a little extravagant. Roosters enjoy singing and music and can be very creative when they set their mind to it. They also have a powerful desire for perfection, and will take the necessary time to get a job done right. They have strength of persistence and often display strong personal power.
Partnership:
Get along: Bull, Snake
Non Partnership:
Not get along: Rat, Cat and Horse
Rooster's gemstone:
Citrine, Topaz, Magnesite, Jasper, Quartz
Dog
Dogs are sincere, loyal and faithful and will consistently defend justice and honorable duty. Long recognized to be attentive listeners, Dogs always seem to be ready for action. Also known for keeping commitments, Dogs will do anything to avoid betraying a confidence. Exuberant and playful, they offer devoted support to those who mean the most to them.
Partnership:
Get along: Tiger, Horse
Non Partnership:
Not get along: Bull, Dragon and Goat
Dog's gemstone:
Diamond, Labradorite, Larimar, Ruby
Pig
Recognized as being big-hearted, chivalrous and diplomatic, Pig is always admired for a warm and giving personality that seems too good to be true. They strive to find the best in people and give plenty of room for freedom of expression. They are well-known for exhibiting fine manners and well-chosen words that exalt those around them. They enjoy simple and earthy pleasures with a tendency to overindulge.
Partnership:
Get along: Cat, Goat
Non Partnership:
Not get along: Tiger, Monkey and Snake
Pig's gemstone:
Ruby, Apatite, Moonstone, Rose Quartz, Agate