6 Interesting Facts About The Chinese Zodiac You Probably Didn't Know
Ever wondered why the cat was not included in the Chinese zodiac?
Published for CARLSBERG MALAYSIA, 21 Jan 2022, 04:13 PM
1. The Chinese zodiac was used to tell the time in Ancient China
Back then, there were no watches or clocks to tell the time. So, the Chinese divided the day into 12 two-hour periods, with a zodiac animal being allocated for each slot. Putting it simply, each zodiac animal stood for two hours a day.
Besides that, each animal was allocated a specific time slot based on their personality. For example, the rat that actively scours for food during the night was allocated the 11pm to 1am slot. Meanwhile, the snake was given 9am to 11am, as that's when it leaves its hole in search for food.
2. Did the Chinese zodiac forget about the cat? Nope!
There have been several speculations regarding the cat's exclusion from the Chinese zodiac. The first speculation is that the Chinese zodiac is so old that it predates the arrival of cats in ancient China.
Another possible reason for the exclusion is that the cat and the tiger are both part of the feline family. Therefore, it was determined that the Chinese zodiac would only include the tiger.
Other than that, a potential reason for the cat's exclusion was also revealed in a popular Chinese fable. Titled The Great Race, the story is about animals competing in a race to be included in the Chinese zodiac. The cat ended up arriving in 13th place after being betrayed by the rat, which broke its promise to wake the cat up before the race.
3. Each zodiac has different elements that can only occur once every 60 years
Yep, each zodiac has different elements too, and is associated in a cycle consisting of five different elements — metal, water, wood, earth, and fire. Additionally, the five elements are also affected by the balance of yin and yang. Each zodiac sign can only take the form of yin or yang. As an example, the dragon is always yang, and the snake is always yin.
Each zodiac animal occurs once every 12 years, which means that it'll take 60 years to loop back to a particular elemental zodiac. For instance, 2022 marks the Year of the Yang Water Tiger. The last time the Year of the Yang Water Tiger occurred was in 1962.
4. Matchmakers and fortune tellers refer to the Chinese zodiac to determine whether a couple is compatible
Just like the horoscope (Capricorn, Leo, Aquarius, etc.), one's Chinese zodiac is often used as a reference by many families, fortune tellers, and matchmakers to test compatibility.
In fact, this method is still widely used these days, especially by mainland Chinese. They believe that a person's compatibility has been predetermined by their zodiac sign. For instance, if your zodiac sign is the tiger, it is said that you are least compatible with those born in the Year of the Snake, Tiger, Monkey, or Ox, but most compatible with Horse, Dragon, or Pig.
5. It is believed that your zodiac year is considered an unlucky year
Many of us would assume that our luckiest year is our zodiac year. It's actually the opposite.
According to Travel China Guide, it's considered unlucky because it offends Tai Sui, the God of Age who is in charge of everyone's fortune. That's why many Chinese practise traditions such as wearing red, going to the temple to burn incense, buying jade accessories, and more, to ward off bad luck in their zodiac year.
Besides that, it's believed that our luckiest years fall under other zodiac signs. For instance, the ox and goat are considered to be the luckiest zodiac signs in 2022. Additionally, those born in the Year of Rabbit, Dragon, Horse, and Rooster are said to enjoy a smooth life and money making opportunities this year.
6. Just like the horoscope, each Chinese zodiac sign also has fated personality traits
In other words, the year you were born in determines your zodiac sign, which tells you the possible personality traits you might have.
According to China Highlights, here are the general personality traits each zodiac sign carries:
Rat: Quick-witted, resourceful, and versatile
Ox: Decisive, honest, dependable, and hardworking
Tiger: Brave, competitive, unpredictable, and self-confident
Rabbit: Gentle, quiet, elegant, and alert; quick, skilful, kind, and patient
Dragon: Confident, intelligent, ambitious, persevering, and hardworking
Snake: Intelligent, courageous, confident, insightful, and communicative
Horse: Animated, kind, straightforward, active, and energetic
Goat: Gentle, shy, stable, sympathetic, and amicable
Monkey: Witty, intelligent, ambitious, and adventurous
Rooster: Observant, hardworking, resourceful, courageous, and talented
Dog: Loyal, honest, amiable, kind, cautious, and prudent
Pig: Diligent, compassionate, generous, easy-going, and gentle
Curious to dive deeper into each of your zodiac traits? Check out this 2022 zodiac forecast by Dato' Joey Yap in partnership with Carlsberg to get a better idea.
Speaking of the Chinese zodiac, did you know that certified feng shui consultant Dato' Joey Yap has been giving out his 2022 zodiac forecast?
In collaboration with Carlsberg, Dato' Joey Yap will tell you how you can have a smooth 2022 based on your zodiac animal, ong ahhh!
That's right! Whether your zodiac sign is the dragon or snake, Dato' Joey Yap and Bao Ya Good (Jaspers) are giving out CNY forecast and tips on what you can do to ensure a smooth 2022.
The best part? Each zodiac forecast is explained in a two to three-minute long video, so you won't have to scratch your head and bore yourself with complicated explanations, all thanks to Dato' Joey Yap and Carlsberg.
All you have to do is head over to this website, and click on your zodiac sign to watch the video.
Chupppp! It's not CNY without all the deals and promos, right?
Carlsberg is offering tonnes of promotions as well as a chance for you to score a hotpot set, a tiffin carrier, and huge ang pows!
With prizes worth over RM3,000,000 including 6,000 cash ang pows up for grabs, this is Carlsberg's biggest CNY celebration yet. Plus, Carlsberg is also giving away limited edition tiffin carriers and hotpot sets you confirm wanna get.
Check out the prizes and how to win them:
RM888 Red Packet and RM88 Red Packet
- Buy a big bottle (640ml) of any Carlsberg Danish Pilsner, Carlsberg Smooth Draught, or Carlsberg Special Brew
- Check your bottle cap to find out your prize
- RM888 Red Packet winners should WhatsApp +6016-668 8576 to redeem the prize
- RM88 Red Packet winners can instantly redeem their prizes at the outlet
- Additionally, you also get to instantly redeem a deck of Dato' Joey Yap Edition Playing Cards when you buy six bottles of Carlsberg beer
Neoflam Hotpot Set (worth RM209)*
- Buy any three cartons from Carlsberg, 1664, Asahi, Somersby, or Connor's
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Tiffin Carrier (worth RM79)*
- Buy any 6 x 4-can packs or 1 x 24-can pack of Carlsberg, 1664, Asahi, or Connor's
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Excited dy? You better hurry, 'cause the prizes are limited and available from now until 6 February only. In fact, over 10,000 Neoflam Hotpot sets have been redeemed so far!
*For West Malaysia only. While stocks last.
And while you're at it, don't forget to purchase limited edition CNY 2022 Carlsberg cans to add to your collection as well! So pretty lahhh.
So, whatchu waiting for? Head over to Carlsberg's website to learn about your zodiac forecast from Dato' Joey Yap, as well as find out more about all of the promos. Huat ah!
As a reminder, the legal drinking age in Malaysia is 21 years old. That means you need to be 21 and non-Muslim in order to buy and consume alcohol. Remember to always drink responsibly and in moderation. If you plan to drink, try carpooling with a friend who isn't drinking or catch a cab instead of driving. Also, make sure you always abide by the SOPs.
