Twelve animals

Main article: Chinese Astrology

The Twelve animals ( sh'r shngxio, or colloquially sh'r shxing) representing the twelve Earthly Branches are, in order, the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep (or goat), monkey, rooster, dog, and pig (or boar). A legend explains the sequence in which the animals were assigned. Supposedly, the twelve animals fought over the precedence of the animals in the cycle of years in the calendar, so the Chinese gods held a contest to determine the order. All the animals lined up on the bank of a river and were given the task of getting to the opposite shore. Their order in the calendar would be set by the order in which the animals managed to reach the other side. The cat wondered how he would get across if he was afraid of water. At the same time, the ox wondered how he would cross with his poor eyesight. The calculating rat suggested that he and the cat jump onto the ox's back and guide him across. The ox was steady and hard-working so that he did not notice a commotion on his back. In the meanwhile, the rat sneaked up behind the unsuspecting cat and

shoved him into the water. Just as the ox came ashore, the rat jumped off and finished the race first. The lazy pig came to the far shore in twelfth place. And so the rat got the first year named after him, the ox got the second year, and the pig ended up as the last year in the cycle. The cat finished too late to win any place in the calendar, and vowed to be the enemy of the rat forevermore.

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A long, long time ago the Jade Emperor wanted to find a means of measuring time, and so he organised a race, and invited all the animals to take part. When they had all lined up on the bank of the river the Emperor explained that to win the big prize - a permanent place in the Zodiac they would have to be one of the first twelve to cross the swiftly flowing river and reach a designated spot on the opposite shore. Their order in the cycle would be decided by the order in which they finished the race. And so the race began. The cat wondered how she would get across if she was afraid of water. At the same time, the ox wondered how he would cross with his poor eyesight. The rat suggested that he and the cat jump onto the ox's back and guide him across. But as they were crossing the river, the rat snuck up behind the unsuspecting cat and pushed her into the water. Just as the ox came lumbering ashore, the rat jumped off and raced over the line first, closely followed by the ox. By the time the cat had managed to save herself from drowning and reached the finishing line it was too late for her to win any place in the calendar, and so she vowed to be the enemy of the rat forever after. After the ox came the tiger, out of breath as she explained to the emperor how difficult it had been to cross the river with the strong currents dragging her downstream all the time. But because she was so strong she had eventually made it to shore and so was named the third animal in the cycle. Just then there was a flash of fur and whiskers, and out of nowhere appeared the rabbit. He explained that he had crossed the river by jumping onto a floating log that had at first moved rapidly downstream, but had then suddenly been washed to shore. Thus he became the fourth animal in the zodiac cycle. Coming in fifth place was the dragon, flapping his great wings and breathing fire into the air. The Emperor was very interested to know to why such a great creature like the dragon, who could fly, hadnt managed to arrive first. The dragon explained that he had been close to finishing when he saw a poor helpless rabbit clinging to a log that was being washed downstream. He therefore stopped and gave a mighty puff of breath to blow the log to the shore. By the time this good deed had been done, four of the other animals had already arrived. No sooner had the dragon reached the finish line than the sound of galloping hooves was heard and the horse appeared. Hidden in the horse's mane was the snake, who hissed and moved just before the horse crossed the line. The horse got such a shock that she reared up and before she could recover the snake had slithered off her back and crossed the line in sixth place, beating the horse into seventh.

Not long after that, the sheep, monkey and rooster reached the bank of the river together. These three animals had helped each other all through the race. The rooster had found some logs tied together, and invited the other two creatures to go with it. The sheep and the monkey had worked together to clear the weeds, pulled and pushed and eventually managed to get to the other side. This cooperation greatly pleased the Emperor and he promptly declared that the sheep was eighth, the monkey ninth, and the rooster tenth Some time later the dog arrived in eleventh place. The Emperor expressed surprise that it had taken her so long despite the fact she was a better swimmer than most of the other animals. The dog explained that it was precisely her love of the water that had delayed her it had been so refreshing that she simply couldnt resist playing around for a while. Just as the emperor was wondering if no other animal would reach the finish, an oink, oink, oink was heard and of the pig came waddling into view. To nobodys surprise he related how he hadnt been able to resist the temptation of stopping and filling his belly with acorns. After that he had felt the need for a nap, and had only woken up a short time before. And so the pig became the twelfth and last animal of the zodiac cycle.

http://www.englishonline.org.cn/zh-hans/learners/listening/stories/legend-chinese-zodiac# 12 What animal sign were you born under ? I was born in the year of the Cock / Mine is the Coak. 12 Rat Ox Tiger Hare Dragon Snake Horse Sheep MonkeyRoosterDogBoar

Twelve Animal Signs for the Chinese

2005-3-11 10:49 Basic sentence 1.The Chinese animal system is similar to the twelve constellatio system in Western countries. 2.The coming year will be the Cock year. 3.Its said that ones time of birth has something to do with ones fortune.

4.Chinese name each year with an animal,which is the animal sigh system. 5.No one knows when the animal sign system came into being. 6.Chinese traditional holiday and lunar calendar go very well. 7.Chinese used to track the days with the Heavenly-stem and Earthly-branch system. 8.The Chinese people seem to value the old lunar calendar a lot and celebrate a lot of traditional holidays by lunar calendar. 9.Some of the Chinese believe that the animal sign is the primary factor in determining ones life. 10.The Chinese seasonal divison points are arranged according to the lunar calendar. 11.There are twenty-four seasonal division points in Chinese lunar calendar.

Dialogue 1 A: The long-expected holiday came finally.How do you like the winter holiday? B: Just as youve said,I had long expected it.Because during the holiday will come the most important Chinese festival A: You mean the Spring Festival? B: Absolutely.Its the most important festival to the Chinese.A time for family reunion. A: Just as important as the Christmas or New Years Day to us Westerners? B: Yea.The coming year will be the Cock year, which is also my benmingnian. A: Halt!What do you mean by Benmingnian? B: Well,its an old custom in China to name each year with an animal.It consists a cycle of 12 years.If this year is the same with the year in which I was born,then this year is called my benmingnian. 12 A: Are all animals included? B: No,only twelve were selclected.You know,its cycle of 12 years. 12 12

A: Thats to say, the benmingnian will be the 12,24 and so on? 1224 B: Thats right.I will be 24 years old,so my second benmingnian will come soon. 24 A: Good luck with your benmingnian.

Dialogue 2 A: Yesterday you said that Chinese name each year with an animal.What are these animals? B: Including rat,ox,tiger,rabbit,dragon,snake,horse,sheep,monkey,cock,dog and pig. A: Slower,please.Is what you said in order? B: Yeah,just as they should be. A: Then please tell me what year I was born in.I am five years older than you. 5 B: Oh,really?You were born in the year of dragon.Good luck you will have.Its said that the persons born in the dragons year are the luckiest. A: Does ones year of birth have anything to do with ones fortune? B: At least in fortunetellers view.Many of the Chinese believe that the animal sign is the primary factor in determining ones life. A: What aspect will it influence? B: A lot.Personality traits,physical and mental attributes and degree of success and happiness throughout the lifetime. A: What will my life be like? B: Let me see.I remember that the dragon character will be somewhat complex.Brave,healthy,passionate,intelligent and successful will be your main traits.In a word,you will possess the best luck possible. A: Quite interestingh indeed.

Dialogue 3

A: How did you pass these days? B: Well,I watched a lot of TV programmers,a lot of entertainment programmes.I have been eating quite a lot and I am now afraid I have put on considerably. A: No worring about that.By the way,dont you think the holiday is a bit too long? B: Not a bit.I just think its too short. A: The Chinese people seemed to value the old lunar calendar a lot and celebrate a lot of traditional holidays by lunar calendar. B: Traditional holidays, traditional calendar.They go well together. A: When did the Chinese begin to have the lunar calendar? B: Quite early.In the unearthed bones which date back to the 16 th B.C.,the Chinese had been using the lunar calendar. 16 A: How does it work? B: Quite complicated.The Chinese used to count time by using Ganzhi. A: What is Ganzhi? B: In this system are two aspects:10 heavenly stem and 12 earthly branches which identify with the twelve animals.And each year is just a combination of the heavenly stems and earthly branches. 10 12 A: Sounds a bit too abstract. B: Not really. Suppose that the 10 heave stems are number 1 to 10 and 12 earthly branches are letters A trough L.The years will be 1A,2B and on and on. 10 1 10 A L 12 1A2B, A: But there will be only 60 years before the end is reached.Then how will people go on? 60 B: People will keep on tracking the days by staring all over again. A: Do people still use it this way? B: In official publishings we use the modern calendar,but in rural areas,the method survives and will continie to work.

 Chinese Traditional Festivals

2005-3-11 7:48 Basic sentences 1.Happy New Year.I wish you health and success in the New Year. 2.Were going to see the old year out and the New Year in. 3.Spring festival is the biggest Chinest holiday. 4.The peak of the celebration activities fall on the New Years Eve and the day after. 5.Spring Festival ends after the traditionl Lantern Festival. 6.Each family has a great reunion dinner on New Years Eve. 7.Dragon boat races are held every year on the day of the Dragon Boat Festival. 8.A particular food for the Dragon Boat Festival is sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves. 9.We will hold a celebration on National Day. 10.The holiday season is a time to think of family and special friends. 11.In Mid-autumn Festival,the farmers give thanks to the Harvest God and celebrate the full harvest with moon cakes and other delicacies. 12.He came back to his home village to sweep his ancestors tombs on the day of the Tomb Sweeping Festival.

Dialogue 1 A: Hi,Im glad I ran into you. B: Whats up?

A: Howd you like to go on a spring outing this weedend? B: Id love to,but it is Qing Ming Festival this Staurday.Im going back home. A: Oh,are you sweeping your ancestral tombs? B: Yeah.My family is very traditional.We still do that and show respect for our ancestors. A: Do you think it is worthwhile to do it every year? ? B: Its hard to say.Its a tradition in my hometown.Well,anyway,its bright in late spring and the air is fresh.It feels comfortable to have a walk in the country. A: Indeed.Thats why were planning an outing.The grass has turned green and peach trees,plum trees and pear trees are all in blossom. B: Sounds wonderful.

Dialogue 2 A: Hello,its nice to see you back.How was the Spring Festival? B: It was very great.We had a family reunion at my grandparents,my cousins,uncles and aunts,my parents and Iall together ten of us.We had a wonderful time. 10 A: That must have been fun. B: Yes,it was.Did you have a good time? A: Not really.People in the village know each other very well.Every one drops in to sayHappy New Year,and youve to pay a New Year call in return to every house.You cant avoid them,can you? B: No.We pay lots of New Year calls in the city,too.Do you do anything to celebrate the Spring Festival? A: Yes.We put up a new picture of the Kitchen God and paste a picture of the God of Good Fortune on the front door and the Spring Festival couplets on the gateposts.

Dialogue 3

A: Are you doing anything special tomorrow? B: No,why? A: Its the ninth of the ninth month of the Chinese lunar calendar. B: Oh,the Double Ninth Festival.I almost forgot.I promised to go to climb the Green Mountain with my parents.Will you join us? A: No,thanks.I am thinking of accompanying my grandpa to Central Park. B: Its good of you to do so.By the way,how is your grandpa? I remember meeting him once at your home.Is he still staying with you? A: Yes.He thought about moving to the nursing house last year,but we persuaded him to stay with us.You know he enjoys our company. B: But you dont spend much time together,do you? I mean,you live on the campus and your parents are doing full time jobs.Does he feel lonely at home? A: Sometimes.But he keeps himself busy.He goes to the park every day.There he stays with people of his own age.

[ ] Twelve Zodiacs john2005 UID 169759 0 19800 8981 94 26570 19800 70 2006-11-6

1 2007-1-19 14:36

[ ] Twelve Zodiacs

Year 2002 is the Year of Horse, The road ahead is still filled with unexpected twists and turns, particularly in financial matters. So remain diligent, and keep your decision in check. But don't let this discourage you, trust yourself and don't be blinded by others' advices. Rat: The Year of Snake is not a good year for a carefree rat. The live-day-by-day attitude sounds no good, so better prepare for difficult times. It could be a tough year as your personality fights with circumstances. Always be diligent, for loss might be on the cards. Ox: This is a year of fortune for you, but there may still be a few tricky moments ahead. Be diligent, for some minor mistake will deprive you of the success that has been already around the corner. Tiger: A better year than the one just went by. Take care of your health. While facing money matters, remain diligent and patient, and remind yourself that it's just a matter of time. Rabbit: Last year may not have been a remarkable one, but with the dragon year over, the snake brings much more opportunities for you. These may have an impact on your family life, so carefully take care of family matters. Better weigh up the pros and cons of your decisions. Dragon: Your fortune will improve and remain stable this year. Lucky stars appear to accompany you throughout the year. The Snake will offer you more opportunities, and success is not far away. Remember one thing: pay respect where it is due. Snake: Your fortune looks quite good this year as long as you keep an eye on the bigger picture. Don't narrow your mind in what you do, and balance your social life with work. The Snake will promise you success. Horse: The road ahead is still filled with unexpected twists and turns, particularly in financial matters. So remain diligent, and keep your decision in check. But don't let this discourage you, trust yourself and don't be blinded by others' advices. Ram: Last year might have been a tough time for you, but collect yourself

now, for the Snake will offer you more chances. No need to be afraid of taking challenges any more. Seize opportunities and push forward. Persistence and hardworking will finally pay off at the end of this year. Monkey: Your fortune will fluctuate this year, particularly in relationships. Manage to be modesty and moderate, although they sound like a mission impossible for a monkey. Think before you act, and learn to respond rather than react. Any flamboyance may lead to resentment by your peers. And be careful with envious people around you. Rooster: Always remember that there are both positive and negative sides to everything in your life. Don't be discouraged by difficulties, for they may turn out to be blessings in disguise. Be ready to take challenges, and you will find that the obstacles are actually stepping-stones to future success. Dog: This year is the best time to make the best of what's given you. The Year of Snake is a year to prepare and accumulate, and it's especially true for the dog. However, beware of greed, for it will make the Snake dizzy. Get prepared for the costs that come with success. Pig: The initial part of this year is a good time to cash in. But keep in mind that this is the Year of Snake, a year for preparing rather than indulging. So even in fair whether, always prepare for foul. Always keep in mind financial needs in the second half of the year. [ john2005 2007-1-19 14:39 ]