History of the Chinese Zodiac is basically the history of the Chinese philosophy. The Chinese are acutely tuned to their surroundings and Nature and her objects pervade every aspect of their life. This philosophy of identification with natural objects carries over to their Zodiac system too. Hence the Chinese zodiac is represented by 12 animals instead of 12 constellation symbols. The Chinese Pillars of Destiny are named after natural objects like metal, wood, fire, water and earth.
History of the Chinese Zodiac is shrouded in myths and legends and no actual dates and figures can be found to determine when they were developed, although the Zhou and Shang Dynasties can make some claim as the pioneers. But some historians however look west towards Mesopotamia for the origins of the system. Legends however say that in sixth century BC the Jade Emperor organized the race between the Zodiac animals.
However it can be said that the Chinese zodiac have constantly evolved to keep pace with the Chinese life and times, with only one thing remaining constant and that is the animals which represent the Zodiac and their relative order. The animals in order are - the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep (ram or goat), monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.
Legendary origins of the history of the Chinese zodiac suggest that a race was organized by the Jade Emperor with the above animals and the cat to see who should be the representatives of the zodiac should be. The rat tricked all other animals to win the race and in its greed to win it, the rat gained the undying enmity of its former best friend the cat by disqualifying him by making him late. The other animals came in succession and were given positions accordingly.
History of Chinese Zodiac has many legendary variations however
the basic plot in each of the stories
remains the same . It is a most stimulating and spell binding study and could provide hours of study and amusement.
