More than 30,000 years ago, Chinese ancestors invented the 10 Tian Gan(or heavenly stems)and 12 Di Zhi(or 12 earthly branches for chronological purpose. Later, people used 12 animals to symbolize the 12 earthly branches in order to make things easier to memorize and the animals 中國十二生肖 in order are:
You might found out that many Chinese people strongly believe that the time of a person's birth is primary factor in determining that person's characteristics.
According to one legend, Buddha invited all the animals to his kingdom, but unfortunately, only a total of 12 turned up, the mouse was naturally the first, followed by the ox, then tiger, the rabbit and so on. Out of gratitude, Buddha decided to name the year after each of the animals in their order of arrival. It is essential in China that every person knows which animal sign he is born under and most of Chinese truly believe that the signs reveal the hidden secrets of a person's birth is primary factor in determining that person's characteristics.
