What is the Chinese New Year Animal Origin Story?

In Chinese New Year 2016, it was the Year of the Monkey. The monkey is often seen as clever and mischievous in Chinese culture. It represents intelligence and agility. There are many stories about monkeys in Chinese mythology, like the Monkey King in 'Journey to the West' who was extremely intelligent and had great powers.

Sure. There was a race among animals for the Chinese New Year cycle. The rat won first by cheating a bit. Then came other animals like ox, tiger and so on in order.

Well, the origin of the Chinese New Year story has deep roots. In ancient times, farmers would celebrate the end of the harvest season. It was also a time to worship the gods and ancestors for a good new year. Over time, various traditions like family reunions, feasting, and using red decorations which were initially to ward off evil spirits became part of this big festival. And the story of Nian added more elements to it, making it a more vivid and meaningful celebration.

The origin of Chinese New Year is related to a beast called Nian. Nian was a fierce and cruel beast that would come out to harm people on the eve of a new year. People found that Nian was afraid of red color, fire, and loud noises. So they started to use red couplets, set off firecrackers and light lanterns to drive Nian away. This gradually became the traditions of Chinese New Year.

Well, in 2015 which was the year of the Goat in Chinese New Year. There's a story that the Goat is associated with prosperity in a way. Since goats can graze on the mountainsides and still be healthy, it symbolizes the ability to thrive in tough conditions. In some rural areas, when a family has a lot of goats, it was considered a sign of a well - off family. Also, in certain fables, the goat's horns were thought to have magical powers to ward off evil spirits.

Chinese New Year has a long history. It originated from ancient myths and traditions. It's a time to celebrate the start of a new lunar year and reunite with family.

The story of the pig in the Chinese New Year animal cycle is also interesting. The pig is often seen as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune. In the story, the pig was the last to reach the Jade Emperor in the race. However, its slow and steady nature was appreciated. It was considered hard - working as it plodded along the race. And in Chinese New Year, having pig - shaped dumplings or other pig - related decorations is a way to bring good luck and a prosperous year ahead, as the pig represents abundance in terms of food and wealth.

One more story is about the rooster. The rooster was very proud of its beautiful feathers and its ability to crow and wake up the world. In the race, it flew over some parts of the river but had to land and walk the rest of the way. It was determined to reach the end. The rooster in the Chinese zodiac represents confidence and punctuality. People born in the Year of the Rooster are thought to have these qualities, and this story is a way to explain the origin of such beliefs.

There is a story that during the selection of animals for the Chinese zodiac in the context of 2020 being the Year of the Rat. The Rat was underestimated by many of the other animals. But the Rat was determined. It planned carefully. It saw that the Ox was a reliable and strong 'vehicle' for it. So, it climbed onto the Ox. While the Ox was focused on running the race, the Rat was focused on winning. At the last moment, it jumped ahead of the Ox and secured its place as the first of the zodiac animals. This story has many interpretations, such as teaching people to be clever and make the best use of opportunities like the Rat did.

One popular Chinese Animal New Year story is about the Great Race. All the animals were invited by the Jade Emperor to take part in a race across a river. The rat was very cunning. It hitched a ride on the ox's back. Just as they were about to reach the shore, the rat jumped off and won the race. That's why in the Chinese zodiac cycle, the rat is the first animal.