Chinese Zodiac for Kids
The Chinese Zodiac is determined by the Chinese Lunar Calendar and is based on the cycles of the moon, unlike our western or Gregorian calendar which is based on the solar cycle. In Chinese astrology, because the moon's cycle repeats itself every 12 years, there are 12 animals in the Chinese Horoscope - one for each year of the lunar cycle. The 12 animals in the Western Zodiac in contrast, are assigned to each solar month. The LegendThe origins of the Chinese Zodiac go back a few thousand years. According to the myths, long time ago, Buddha decided to call all the animals on earth. But only twelve came:
In recompense, he assigned each of these animals a year on the cycle affirming that children born in that year would acquire the personality traits of the animal assigned to that year. In order to decide their order in the Chinese Zodiac cycle, the animals held a very exciting race. The first one to cross the river would be granted the first year, the second to come in would be the second animal in the cycle, and so on.
The Animals... which one is yours?In China, individual birth dates are not as important as the year in which a person is born. And if you want to know a person's age, you don't ask how old they are, you ask for their Chinese Zodiac animal.To know which one is yours, look up the year of your birth below and look at the qualities of that animal to see how much of it agrees with you:
The Five Elements and the Twelve Animals, what do they mean?In addition to the Twelve Animals in the Chinese Zodiac that determine a person's destiny, there is also the "Five Elements" which are associated with a certain "life force" or "qi/chi" and also have a bearing in determining your luck.These are the Five Elements in Chinese Culture, each is associated with a certain direction, season, color and energy:
Your birth date and time determine your lucky element. You will often see one of the five elements associated with a Chinese Zodiac animal. For example, 2010 was the year of the White Tiger, meaning, it was the Year of the Tiger, and the element was Metal, 2012 the year of the Water Dragon and also referred to as the Year of the Black Dragon. The Five Elements together with the Twelve Animals in the Chinese Zodiac form a 60 year cycle. Related TopicsAre Chinese Dragons Evil?Celebrating Chinese New Year Chinese New Year Traditions and Preparations The Chinese Dragon Dance The Year of the Dragon - 2012 the Year of the Water Dragon
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Here are some more of our favorite China Books and Resources for Children. Learn more about the Chinese ZodiacHere is a selection of books about the Chinese Zodiac, the animals, the legends, the horoscopes...Chinese Zodiac Gift ItemsSo, what's your Chinese Zodiac sign? Here are some great gift items in all 12 Animals of the Chinese Zodiac, mugs, posters, T-shirts...
Chinese Zodiac T-Shirt Year of the Tiger Made in USA US$19.95-$21.95+$5.98 shipping
Chinese Zodiac T-Shirt Year of the Dragon
Made in USA US$19.95-$21.95+$5.98 shipping
Chinese Zodiac Mug Year of the Rooster US$14.91 incl. shipping (in USA)
Chinese Zodiac Mug Year of the Snake US$14.91 incl. shipping (in USA)
Year of the Horse, Chinese Zodiac Pendant on Adjustable Cord Necklace US$13.99 incl. shipping (in USA)
Year of the Ox, Chinese Zodiac Pendant on Adjustable Cord Necklace US$13.99 incl. shipping (in USA) All above items available from Amazon.com, visit our Chinese Zodiac Store for more! |
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