Based on an ancient agricultural calendar, the system is based on the influences of the different forces. Although the exact origins remains a mystery, legend abound on how it came to be.
One has it that on one of his birthdays, Yuhuang Dadi (The
Jade Emperor of Heaven) invited all the animals on earth and in heaven to join in the celebrations. But only 12 turned up and the party animals were Rat..Ox..Tiger..Rabbit..Dragon..Snake..Horse..Goat..Monkey..Rooster..Dog..and Pig.
For their effort, the Emperor honoured each animal a year of its own. It was also decreed that henceforth, those born in the year of the animal would assume the nature and characteristics of that animal influenced by the different elements.
Will continue tomorrow....
~Selina
