Chinese Zodiac plays an important role in Chinese folk culture. In fact, each animal has symbolic meanings.
Rat is smart, quick-witted, alert and has the ability to deal with adversity. It has the auspicious meanings of continuous reproduction and eternal prosperity.
Ox, which is diligent, simple, sincere, honest, brave and unyielding, and endures humiliation, has the auspicious meanings of getting rich through hard work and good weather for the crops.
Tiger, which is mighty, bold, brilliant, righteous and imposing, has the auspicious meanings of warding off evil spirits and good health.
Rabbit, which is gentle, quiet, pure, elegant, intelligent, sensitive, honest and kind, has the lucky implied meanings of unconventional grace and immortality.
Dragon, which is considered noble, sacred, ambitious, flexible and open, has the auspicious meanings of punishing the evil spirits, peace and prosperity.
Snake, a symbol of beauty, love, righteousness, generosity and flexibility, has the symbolic meanings of conquering the unyielding with the yielding and perseverance.
Horse, which is vigorous, majestic, faithful, unrestrained and brave, has the symbolic meanings of marching forward courageously and endless vitality.
Sheep, which is tender, kind, quiet, obedient, pure and noble, has the symbolic meanings of good harvest and wealth bred by peace.
Monkey, which is smart, free, brave, resourceful and faithful, has the symbolic meanings of driving away evil spirits, subduing monsters and happy days.
Rooster, valiant, aggressive and progressive, is an auspicious sign of peace and detoxification and has the symbolic meanings of family peace and harmonious marriage.
Dog, a symbol of wisdom, courage, faith, sacrifice and righteousness, has the auspicious meanings of health, safety, and peace.
Pig is considered bold, humble, sincere, honest, adaptable, and always in harmony with the rest of the world, and it has the symbolic meanings of living and working in peace and contentment and being well-fed and well-clothed.