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Hello everyone, I am a bookworm from Zhenshui Academy, and I am very happy to share with you the topic of "Zodiac". There are many versions of the legends of the zodiac, and these different versions also reflect the different characteristics of various genera. What other interesting zodiac legends do you know, you are welcome to share them, so that more friends who care about horoscope culture and zodiac culture can increase their knowledge.
One. 12 Legends of the Zodiac
One of the most famous versions of the legend of the zodiac is about how they were chosen as zodiac signs. This story is often referred to as the story of the "Zodiac Race", and here's a rough idea of what the story is about: The Legend of the Zodiac Race.
A long time ago, the Jade Emperor wanted to select twelve animals, representing the heavenly and terrestrial branches, to keep track of time. To this end, he announced that a contest would be held - a race to cross a vast river, and the first twelve animals to reach the opposite bank would be chosen as the zodiac signs.
Rat: The rat is very smart, it knows that it is not a good swimmer, so it jumps on the back of the cow before the start of the race. When the ox was about to reach the opposite bank, the rat jumped down and grabbed the first place, becoming the first of the 12 zodiac signs.
Ox: The ox has a steady personality and works hard, and although it is overtaken by the rat, it still reaches the end at a steady pace and becomes the second zodiac sign.
Tiger: The tiger is powerful and jumps bravely, and despite the rapidity of the river, it finally wins third place.
Rabbit: The rabbit didn't find a good way to cross the river, so he found a piece of floating log, and with a little bit of luck, jumped ashore and became fourth.
Dragon: The dragon could have flown across the river and won the championship easily, but it stopped on the way to help some animals in need and a gust of wind that helped the rabbit reach the opposite bank. Thus, the dragon became the fifth.
Snake: The snake is skillfully wrapped around the horse's hooves, and just as the horse is about to sprint to the finish line, the snake suddenly pops out, startling the horse, and the snake takes the opportunity to slide to sixth place.
Horse: Despite being frightened by the snake, the horse bravely crossed the finish line and became the seventh zodiac sign.
Sheep, monkeys, chickens: these three help each other to find a small boat and cross the river together. Because the sheep gave the most effort, it was eighth, the monkey ninth, and the chicken tenth.
Dog: The dog used to be a good swimmer, but because it played in the water and lost time, it ended up in eleventh place.
Pig: The pig stops in the middle of the race to rest and forage, so the last one to arrive, becoming the twelfth zodiac sign.
This story is not only vivid and interesting, but also reflects the unique character traits and wisdom of each zodiac animal, and has become a widely spread legend of the origin of the zodiac.
Two. Why the genus of pigs is more popular
There are many reasons for the popularity of the pig in the Chinese zodiac, and these reasons are deeply rooted in Chinese culture, history, and folk beliefs:
Symbolizing wealth and contentment: In traditional Chinese culture, the pig is often seen as a symbol of wealth and abundance. Because pigs can reproduce many offspring and are fat, they have been considered a sign of family wealth and food since ancient times. As a result, the Year of the Pig is believed to bring wealth and a good harvest.
Gentle personality: The pig's personality is often described as docile, tolerant, and lazy, and these traits make the pig more affectionate and endearing in folk tales and cultural expressions.
Good fortune and good luck: In some parts of China, the pig is also seen as a symbol of good fortune and good luck. For example, expressions such as "the golden pig sends blessings" and "good luck in the Year of the Pig" are very common during the Spring Festival and other festivals, and people use the image of the pig to express their wishes for a better life.
Cultural expression: In Chinese literature, art, and animation, pigs often appear in various roles, such as Zhu Bajie in "Journey to the West", as well as various modern ** images, which enhance the positive image and popularity of pigs in culture.
Zodiac Traits: Among the personality traits of the zodiac, Pig people are usually considered to be honest, generous, hardworking and unconcerned, and these excellent qualities make Pig people loved and respected by people.
Food Culture: Pork is one of the most common meats in the Chinese diet, and the related food culture has also made pigs an important place in daily life.
Although the pig is the last in the Chinese zodiac, it is for the reasons mentioned above that the pig has a place in Chinese culture and folk beliefs and is loved and welcomed by people.
Three. Some afterwords about the zodiac
Zodiac related afterwords are widely circulated in Chinese folk, and these afterwords are interesting and symbolic, often metaphorically alluding to people's personality traits or social phenomena through the description of the characteristics of zodiac animals. Here are some afterwords related to the zodiac:
Rat: Rats steal oil – shrewd thieves (to describe people who are cunning and careful).
Cow: The head of the bull is not in the horse's mouth - irrelevant (describing the topic or thing does not match).
Tiger: Tiger butt – untouchable (describes someone or something that is not easily approachable or touchable).
Rabbit: Rabbits don't grow tails – they can't fool people (tricks don't last).
Dragon: The finishing touch – to add a lot of color to things (to describe the key strokes that make the whole come alive).
Snake: Snake walking - insidious and cunning (describing the action of secretive, unrighteous and bright).
Ma: Immediate success – immediate victory (describing things as a success).
Sheep: Sheep intestine trail - winding path (describing the narrow and winding road).
Monkey: Monkey to the sky - everywhere (describes people who are lively and active, running around).
Chicken: Chicken flies and eggs - both are lost (describing the loss of the whole game).
Dogs: Dogs take rats - nosy (describes people doing things that have nothing to do with them).
Pig: Pig friend and dog friend - a person who is not careless (describes carelessness in making friends).
These afterwords are often used in oral communication to convey opinions or evaluations in a humorous or sarcastic manner, reflecting the traditional Chinese cultural perception of the character and habits of zodiac animals.
There are many interesting topics about the 12 zodiac signs in China, and you are welcome to share what other stories and legends you know about the zodiac signs. Follow me, love life, love work, love exploration, and have gains. I wish you good luck in the Year of the Dragon 2024.