Chinese New Year 2016 Animal Story: What was the significance of the animal in Chinese New Year 2016?

The Chinese New Year is associated with a 12 - year cycle of animals. Legend has it that the Jade Emperor decided to hold a race to select the animals for the cycle. The rat was clever and hitched a ride on the ox's back and jumped off at the last moment to win first place. Then came the ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig in order according to the story.

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.

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.

Well, for Chinese New Year 2020, the animal was the Rat. One story about the Rat in Chinese culture is that it was seen as a symbol of prosperity and adaptability. Rats are known for being able to survive in various environments. In the zodiac story, the Rat was not the strongest or the fastest. However, it used its wits. It found a way to hitch a ride on the Ox, and just at the right moment, it scurried ahead to claim the first place. This story has been passed down through generations, and during the Year of the Rat in 2020, people might have reflected on the Rat's characteristics like intelligence and the ability to thrive even in tough conditions.

One interesting story could be the Monkey King's influence on the Year of the Monkey in 2016. The Monkey King is a well - known figure in Chinese mythology. His courage and intelligence are often admired. In 2016, people might have been inspired by his stories to be more brave and resourceful.

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.

The Chinese New Year Animal Race Story goes like this. The Jade Emperor decided to name the years in the order that the animals reached him in a race. The rat was very clever. It hitched a ride on the ox's back. Just as they were about to reach the finish line, the rat jumped off and scurried ahead, becoming the first animal in the Chinese zodiac cycle.

The story of the Tiger in the Chinese New Year zodiac is quite interesting. In ancient times, the Tiger was seen as a very powerful and brave animal. It was said that the Tiger had to pass many difficult tests to be one of the zodiac animals. It had to fight against other fierce beasts and show its courage. And because of its strength and dominance, it was included in the Chinese New Year zodiac, representing power and fearlessness.