CHINESE NEW YEAR

February 12th will be the start of the year of 2021 according to the lunar calendar! This day is referred to as Chinese New Year, Spring Festival, and Lunar New Year. It is the most important holiday in China and many other Asian countries. While celebrations on January 1st only last for a single night and day, celebrations for Lunar New Year last for 15 days in China.

2021 - YEAR OF THE OX (牛)

Oxen are the hard workers in the background, intelligent and reliable, but never demanding praise. People born in this year are patient, calm, and reliable, and they often inspire confidence in others.

You can find your Chinese Zodiac on this website: https://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/social_customs/zodiac/

THE STORY OF THE 12 ZODIAC

The Jade Emperor ordered that animals would be designated as calendar signs and the twelve that arrived first would be selected. Thus a race ensued for the coveted spots. 12 species arrived at the starting line: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.

The cunning Rat thought up a plan in order not to fall behind. Seeing the straightforward Ox leading the race, he made the ox carry him across the river on the condition that he sang for the ox. At last, the ox and rat arrived first. The ox was elated thinking that he won the first spot on the calendar, but the rat had already slid in front, and became the first animal of the Chinese zodiac. That's how the rat won the race.

What were the results of the rest of the race? Following Rat and Ox, are Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig.

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