Recently, online discussions in China have centered around the 12 zodiac animals, with some suggesting to replace the animals like “rat, snake, rooster, pig” with more endearing creatures such as “lion, fish, phoenix, and crane.”
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| The Year of the Rooster is often associated with famine. (Photo: browntrout) |
The reasoning behind this proposal lies in some negative perceptions surrounding these animals in Chinese folklore. For instance, rats are often seen as sneaky and destructive, snakes are associated with malicious intent, pigs are considered lazy, and roosters are linked to the word for “hunger” (ji), leading to fears of famine during the Year of the Rooster. Consequently, these zodiac signs are viewed as unlucky.
In contrast, lions are regarded as the king of beasts, embodying strength and majesty; the phoenix is a symbol of good fortune, often associated with the saying “dragons flying and phoenixes dancing”; and cranes symbolize longevity. Additionally, the word for fish (yu) sounds like the word for “abundance,” suggesting that a year of fish would bring plenty throughout the year.
If the proposed changes are made, the 12 zodiac signs would encompass animals from land, water, and sky. Importantly, these animals are generally well-liked by the public.
Mr. Zhang, a supporter of the change, shared, “I was born in the Year of the Pig, and every time I have to introduce my age, I feel embarrassed, as if being a pig means I must be lazy.” However, many others express indifference, believing that in today’s age, there is no need to concern oneself with the zodiac signs.
