Author | Kathrine (Kate) Griscom
Every so often, whenever a new year begins, many people like to remember old traditions and customs. An example of such a custom is the Chinese zodiac. The Chinese zodiac is a continuing cycle of twelve years, with each year being represented by an animal and its character traits, and our year of 2020 is the year of the rat. The Chinese zodiac was invented around the Han dynasty in 300 B.C., and gained popularity in 500 A.D. around the North Zhou Dynasty. The zodiac features twelve animals: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. The rat itself, according to the zodiac, is known as a smart and quick-witted character. It comes with numerous praises for its intelligence and charm, and people born within its years are supposedly likely to inherit the same traits. The year of the rat is supposed to bring prosperity in education and health, but challenges in financial issues and careers.
According to legend, the story behind the twelve zodiac signs began when the Jade Emperor, the ruler of all the deities in heaven, announced a race. The first twelve animals to cross the Heavenly Gates would be the Jade Emperor's guards and represent the zodiac signs. The rat was one of the first animals who started on his way towards the Heavenly Gates. He even lulled the cat to sleep and didn't wake him win the race begun. The cat missed the race and slept through. The rat quickly realized with his small size and short stature that he wouldn't make it on time. The rat hitched a ride on the next animal who came on his way to the Heavenly Gates, which happened to be the ox. The ox arrived at the Heavenly Gates, but before he could cross, the rat leaped off the ox and in front of him, winning the race. Because the rat finished first, he was to symbolize the beginning of the zodiac cycle. 2020 is a new beginning. The Chinese zodiac is starting a new cycle. The rat is just a simple reminder of the new. Though 2020 will undoubtedly present unique challenges, remember that it also offers brand new chances and keep moving forward.
"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." - Isaiah 43 : 18-19