The 12 Chinese Zodiac Animals: Which One Comes First?
The Chinese Zodiac is an ancient tradition that has been an integral part of Chinese culture for centuries. It is a cyclical calendar system that consists of 12 animal signs, each representing a year in a 12-year cycle. But have you ever wondered which Chinese Zodiac animal comes first? Let's dive into the world of Chinese astrology and explore the answer.
The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac
According to Chinese mythology, the 12 animals were chosen by the Jade Emperor, the ruler of heaven and earth. The legend goes that the Jade Emperor invited all the animals in the forest to a grand banquet, but only 12 animals attended. As a reward, he gave each of them a year in the 12-year cycle.
The Order of the Chinese Zodiac Animals
So, which Chinese Zodiac animal comes first? The answer is the Rat! Here is the complete list of the 12 Chinese Zodiac animals in their correct order:
1. Rat (1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020)
The Rat is considered the most clever and adaptable of all the Chinese Zodiac animals. People born in the year of the Rat are known for their quick wit, resourcefulness, and charm.
2. Ox (1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021)
The Ox is a symbol of strength, hard work, and determination. Those born in the year of the Ox are known for their reliability, honesty, and practicality.
3. Tiger (1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022)
The Tiger is a powerful and confident animal, known for its courage and passion. People born in the year of the Tiger are energetic, adventurous, and naturally born leaders.
4. Rabbit (1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023)
The Rabbit is a gentle and sensitive animal, known for its creativity and compassion. Those born in the year of the Rabbit are gentle, sensitive, and extremely artistic.
5. Dragon (1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024)
The Dragon is a powerful and charismatic animal, known for its confidence and enthusiasm. People born in the year of the Dragon are energetic, optimistic, and natural-born leaders.
6. Snake (1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025)
The Snake is a mysterious and alluring animal, known for its cunning and diplomacy. Those born in the year of the Snake are charming, sophisticated, and extremely intelligent.
7. Horse (1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026)
The Horse is a free-spirited and adventurous animal, known for its confidence and independence. People born in the year of the Horse are energetic, independent, and naturally curious.
8. Goat (1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027)
The Goat is a gentle and creative animal, known for its kindness and gentle nature. Those born in the year of the Goat are gentle, creative, and extremely compassionate.
9. Monkey (1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028)
The Monkey is a quick-witted and curious animal, known for its agility and cleverness. People born in the year of the Monkey are curious, inventive, and extremely adaptable.
10. Rooster (1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029)
The Rooster is a proud and confident animal, known for its honesty and responsibility. Those born in the year of the Rooster are proud, reliable, and extremely detail-oriented.
