To represent years, China uses 12 different animals, each of which corresponds to one of the Earthy Branches. These animals are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. Collectively, these twelve animals are known as the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac.
Every Chinese person has a zodiac sign according to the year in which he or she was born. There are a lot of interesting stories about Chinese people’s love for some of the 12 animals.
Wedding of Mice
According to a Chinese legend, there is one day every year known as the “Wedding of Mice”. This is the day when mice get married. On this day, people are supposed to place some delicious foods in the corner and go to bed early so as not to disturb them. If mice are not satisfied on this day, they will bring people trouble for the entire year.
The Mystical Ox
The Chinese character for the “ox” is quite like the head of an ox. The Chinese people are very fond of oxen and believe that oxen are hard-working and competent. In the past, the Chinese people used cattle primarily to cultivate the land. Therefore, eating beef was prohibited during some periods of ancient China. Oxen can also pull carts and wagons. According to a Chinese legend, there was once a mystical ox that emitted light from its horns and could run 400 kilometers in a single day.