The Chinese animal symbols for zodiac signs are something which we know already. The New Year celebrations highlight this concept to a great extent and explain how they are part of the Chinese culture.
The Chinese people feel that their zodiac symbolism is scientifically verified. But as you get to know the legends behind these signs you may not feel the same way. However the theory of drawing a parallel between human nature and zodiac animals' behavior by the ancient philosophers is a source of interest for many.
The initial calendar of 12 years followed by the ancient Chinese was complex by nature. The ordinary people failed to follow it because of their complexities. Thus came the calendar with 12 animals which keep repeating themselves after every 12 years cycle and replaced the earlier system.
The Chinese have a system of repeating the animal zodiac symbols every twelve year. Each year is attributed one animal which reappears after twelve year. The people born under the sign of a particular animal are supposed to have traits belonging to the same animal. Only trouble is that the thinkers who put forward this thought may not have realized the true qualities of the animal or its comparison to human behavior.
The animal symbolism for each year is given a lot of significance during the New Year celebrations. There will be many activities in regard to this animal. Suppose the animal of the year is ox. Then people would have ox puppets or wear ox costumes and present live shows pertaining to the animal.
The animal of the year is found everywhere in China during the New Year festival. From street stalls to proper stores would be promoting decorative items around the idea of the animal. People will be wearing t-shirts with this animal's print represented artistically. Also you will see a number of fashion accessories which represent the zodiac animal of the particular year and are in great demand.
Ever since China has begun to experience an influx of tourists during the New Year season they have started to sponsor the Chinese New Year animals in a different way. Not only are foreigners intrigued with the concept rather they also want to seek more information about it including the origins. Many are even fascinated in finding out about the year of the animal in which they were born and then like to look at their characteristics and see if they match their personality.
The zodiac animal symbols are essentially a source of entertainment for the westerners. Even in China nowadays no one has much belief in the parallel drawn between human behavior and animal characteristics with too much seriousness except the people who are orthodox and follow the ancient traditions firmly. Chinese give importance to the animal symbolism only to carry on with the ancient tradition and provide entertainment to people.
When you consider the legendary origins of the innovation of the theory of the twelve animals the story becomes even clearer. Basically the New Year zodiac animals are a figment of someone's imagination that has found currency over the centuries and has become a prominent part of the Chinese culture.
The Chinese people feel that their zodiac symbolism is scientifically verified. But as you get to know the legends behind these signs you may not feel the same way. However the theory of drawing a parallel between human nature and zodiac animals' behavior by the ancient philosophers is a source of interest for many.
The initial calendar of 12 years followed by the ancient Chinese was complex by nature. The ordinary people failed to follow it because of their complexities. Thus came the calendar with 12 animals which keep repeating themselves after every 12 years cycle and replaced the earlier system.
The Chinese have a system of repeating the animal zodiac symbols every twelve year. Each year is attributed one animal which reappears after twelve year. The people born under the sign of a particular animal are supposed to have traits belonging to the same animal. Only trouble is that the thinkers who put forward this thought may not have realized the true qualities of the animal or its comparison to human behavior.
The animal symbolism for each year is given a lot of significance during the New Year celebrations. There will be many activities in regard to this animal. Suppose the animal of the year is ox. Then people would have ox puppets or wear ox costumes and present live shows pertaining to the animal.
The animal of the year is found everywhere in China during the New Year festival. From street stalls to proper stores would be promoting decorative items around the idea of the animal. People will be wearing t-shirts with this animal's print represented artistically. Also you will see a number of fashion accessories which represent the zodiac animal of the particular year and are in great demand.
Ever since China has begun to experience an influx of tourists during the New Year season they have started to sponsor the Chinese New Year animals in a different way. Not only are foreigners intrigued with the concept rather they also want to seek more information about it including the origins. Many are even fascinated in finding out about the year of the animal in which they were born and then like to look at their characteristics and see if they match their personality.
The zodiac animal symbols are essentially a source of entertainment for the westerners. Even in China nowadays no one has much belief in the parallel drawn between human behavior and animal characteristics with too much seriousness except the people who are orthodox and follow the ancient traditions firmly. Chinese give importance to the animal symbolism only to carry on with the ancient tradition and provide entertainment to people.
When you consider the legendary origins of the innovation of the theory of the twelve animals the story becomes even clearer. Basically the New Year zodiac animals are a figment of someone's imagination that has found currency over the centuries and has become a prominent part of the Chinese culture.
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The Chinese zodiac is a fascinating subject with many facets. To read further on Chinese new year public parades please click on the links.
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