Well, in the Chinese lunar calendar animal race story. There was this great race organized by the gods. The animals all had different strategies. The rat was small but sly. It managed to use the ox as a means of transport. The ox was hard - working and just plodded along not realizing the rat's trick. The other animals like the energetic tiger, the nimble rabbit, the majestic dragon etc. all raced according to their own natures. And based on their finishing positions, we got the 12 - year cycle of animals which is an important part of Chinese culture and is used to mark the years in a unique and traditional way.
Well, it has multiple significances. Firstly, it provides a cycle for the Chinese lunar calendar which is 12 years long. This cycle is used in many aspects of Chinese life, like traditional Chinese medicine and fortune - telling. Secondly, the animals in the story each have their own personalities and qualities associated with them. People born in different animal years are believed to inherit some of those qualities. It also helps in creating a sense of cultural identity and continuity among the Chinese people.
The story of how the animals were chosen for the Chinese zodiac is quite famous. Long ago, the Jade Emperor decided to select 12 animals to represent the years. All the animals were invited to a race. The Rat won first place by being cunning, as I mentioned before. The Pig was the last because it was slow and a bit lazy. This story is famous as it explains the origin of the Chinese zodiac cycle.
One of the well - known Chinese lunar animal stories is about the Rat. It is said that in the race to decide the order of the Chinese zodiac animals, the Rat was very clever. It hitched a ride on the Ox's back and just as they were about to cross the finish line, the Rat jumped ahead and became the first. This shows the Rat's intelligence and cunning in Chinese folklore.
The story of the Tiger in the lunar new year animal cycle is quite interesting. Tigers are known for their bravery. In the old tales, Tigers were seen as the protectors of the mountains. During the lunar new year, people often tell stories of Tigers fending off evil spirits. It is said that the Tiger's powerful presence can keep bad luck away. Tigers represent strength and courage, and their stories are meant to inspire people to be brave in the face of difficulties.
Well, in the lunar new year animal race story, there was this big race among animals. The Jade Emperor set up this race to pick the 12 animals for the Chinese zodiac. The rat managed to be the first, which was quite cunning of it. Each animal has its own characteristics that are related to those born in that year. For example, people born in the year of the ox are often seen as hard - working, just like the ox in the story who was so dedicated in the race but got tricked by the rat.
One of the most well - known is the race among the animals to decide the order of the Chinese zodiac. As I mentioned before, the Rat's cunning in this race is a very popular part of the story.
The key event is the race itself. The animals all set off to reach the finish line first. Another key event was the rat's trickery of using the ox to get ahead.
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.
The Rabbit has an endearing lunar new year story. Rabbits are associated with good luck and fertility. There was a story where a Rabbit found a magic carrot during the lunar new year. This carrot could grant wishes. The Rabbit used the carrot to bring good fortune to the whole forest. All the animals were happy, and this story spreads the idea that Rabbits can bring positive things, like good luck and prosperity, during the lunar new year.