Chinese Zodiac

Many Chinese restaurants use the Chinese Zodiac as their paper place mat. Patrons are invited to read about which animal they most resemble based on their year of birth. As I read about being the Year of the Tiger, I see a striking resemblance to my own personality. "Tigers are blessed with endless enthusiasm for life's simple pleasures." Apparently one of those pleasures involves dissecting the Chinese Zodiac.

The Chinese Zodiac is based on an extremely complex ancient agricultural calendar. Rumor has it Buddha invited all of the animals on earth to visit him New Year's Day. When the day arrived only 12 animals showed up. They were the Rat, the Ox, the Tiger, the Rabbit, the Dragon, the Snake, the Horse, the Ram, the Monkey, the Rooster, the Dog and the Pig. From these 12 animals he gave each animal their own year. Chinese calendars run on this cyclical calendar of time where the beginning of the year falls between January and February.

Chinese horoscopes are also based on the five elements water, earth, fire, wood and metal. The Zodiac can be further divided into complex segments based on these elements. These modifiers further affect the characteristics of animal signs. The interpretation of universal harmony and balance impacts the horoscope through Yin (female) and Yang (male).

While many people look at their paper disposable place mats of the Chinese Zodiac and chuckle, it is surprisingly more complex than meets the eye. Certain animals are compatible and incompatible with other animals. This is very similar to American horoscopes and people's compatibility, or lack thereof, with other astrological signs. I may not always believe what the stars say, but I do take to heart knowing I am compatible with the Horse and Dog.