The 12 Zodiac Animals

• The most well-known aspect of the Chinese calendar is its 12 Zodiac Animals, which embody the 12 Earthy Branches. These are used to name (but not to count) the passing years. In order, these are: the Rat, the Ox, the Tiger, the Hare, the Dragon, the Snake, the Horse, the Sheep, the Monkey, the Rooster, the Dog and the Boar.
  
  One of many legends tell that the gods were called to determine the order of the animals on the calendar. They decided to hold a contest: the animals would race to cross a river and would be placed in the order of their finish. So, the animals plunged in. Knowing he was clever but small and a terrible swimmer, the Rat climbed onto the back of the Ox. When the Ox reached the shore --- seemingly first --- the Rat hopped off and won the first place. Rooster came in tenth because he helped others get across and the Boar was last because he was so incredibly lazy.
  
  

The Rooster: Lucky No. 10

• Though the Rooster clocked in at No. 10 in the cycle of years, 10 is thought to be a lucky number in Chinese culture --- thus the Rooster is considered fortunate. He might not be as mighty as the Dragon or as fierce as the Tiger, but he has many noble qualities.
  
  The motto of the Rooster is: "I know." He is thought to be very sociable and communicative among friends and family, but a self-assured, self-reliant loner otherwise. He is beautiful, arrogant and opinionated, but also loyal, resilient, brave, reliable, observant and a deep thinker.
  
  The Rooster is known as a symbol for ambition, advancement and protection. The Chinese name for official --- "guan" -- is also the name for the Rooster's distinctive red crest. He is highly prized for his ability to exorcise evil spirits and protect against fire.
  
  

Other Characteristics

• Another less well-known reason why the Zodiac animals fall in the order they do is determined by the hours of the day and the 12 periods (two-hour segments) of time that were once a mainstay of Chinese culture. The Rooster is No.10 also because his ruling hours fall during the 10th period --- between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. --- when he returns home to roost because it is dark.
  
  Some of the Rooster's other stats are as follows:
  
  Direction: West
  
  Season: Autumn
  
  Month: September
  
  Fixed Element: Metal
  
  Stem: Negative
  
  Lunar Month Dates: Sept. 8 to Oct. 7
  
  Gem: Citrine
  
  Colors: White, Violet, Brown and Green
  
  Polarity: Yin
  
  

Curious Fact

• One of the little-known uses of the Zodiac animal signs is to discreetly determine age. Instead of asking directly (and to save face), a person merely asks for someone's animal sign and that knowledge places his age within a cycle of 12 years. With a little sense and calculation, age is easily established and the proper level of respect can be given.