CHINESE ZODIAC Dr. Jack Liu

Chinese Zodiac Background The Chinese animal signs are a 12-year cycle used for dating the years. Represent a cyclical concept of time, rather than the Western linear concept of time. The Chinese Lunar Calendar is based on the cycles of the moon, different from solar calendar.

Story Long ago, in China, the Jade Emperor decided there should be a way of measuring time. The first twelve animals across the fast flowing river would be the winners They would each have a year of the zodiac named after them.

Rat 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996 Character traits such as wit, imagination and curiosity. Rats have keen observation skills: people and other situations Rats are full of energy, talkative and charming but they have a tendency to become aggressive.

Ox 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997 Dependability, strength and determination. Tolerant individuals who believe that the road to success involves hard work and meticulous behavior; they don’t believe in taking shortcuts. 

Tiger 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998 Bravery, competitiveness and unpredictability. Tigers love to be challenged and will accept any challenge if it means protecting a loved one or protecting their honor. Confident Don’t let their calm appearance fool you; Tigers will pounce when they feel it’s necessary.

Rabbit 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999 Creativity, compassion, and sensitivity. Rabbits are friendly, outgoing and prefer the company of others They also prefer to avoid conflict. Rabbits believe strongly in friends and family

Dragon 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000 Dominance and ambition. Live by their own rules and if left on their own, are usually successful. They’re driven, unafraid of challenges, and willing to take risks. Unfortunately, this passion and enthusiasm can leave Dragons feeling exhausted and interestingly, unfulfilled.

sssSnake 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001 Intelligence, gracefulness and materialism. When it comes to decision-making, Snakes are extremely analytical and as a result, they don’t jump into situations. Effective at getting the things they want, even if it means they have to scheme and plot along the way.

Horse 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002 Horses are cheerful, skillful with money and perceptive although they sometimes talk to much. They are wise, talented, very independent and rarely listen to advice.

Sheep 1943, 1955, 1967, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003 Elegant, and highly accomplished n the arts. Often shy, pessimistic, and puzzled about life. Sheep are always passionate about what they do and what they believe in.

Monkey 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004 Clever, skillful, and flexible, they are remarkably inventive and original and can solve the most difficult problems with ease. Although good at making decisions, they tend to look down on others.

Rooster 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005 Deep thinkers, capable, and talented. Brave. They like to be busy and are devoted beyond their capabilities and are deeply disappointed if they fail. They can be selfish and too outspoken, but always interesting and can be extremely organized individual.

Dog 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1070, 1982, 1994, 2006 Possess the best traites of human nature. Have a deep sense of loyalty and honest. They care for wealth, yet somehow always seem to have money.

Pig 1935, 1947, 1959, 1071, 1983, 1995, 2007 Chivalrous and gallant. They are extremely loyal and don’t talk much but have a great thirst for knowledge. They are quick tempered, yet they hate arguments and quarreling.

New Words Rat (鼠) shǔ Ox (牛) niú Tiger (虎) hú Rabbit (兔) tù Dragon (龙) lóng Snake (蛇) shé Horse (马) mǎ Sheep (羊) yáng Monkey (猴) hóu Rooster (鸡) jī Dog (狗) gǒu Pig (猪) zhǔ

Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgXhb4eyLi4&feature=related

Works Cited http://www.chinesezodiac.com/ http://www.astrology.com/chinese-astrology http://www.topmarks.co.uk/chinesenewyear/zodiacstory.aspx http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgXhb4eyLi4&feature=related http://www.c-c-c.org/chineseculture/zodiac/zodiac.html