What is the symbolism of the animals in the Chinese zodiac?
Lord Buddha himself realized the need for changing the Chinese nation and thus called a meeting of the entire animal kingdom to this effect. This meeting was called on the day of Chinese New Year, which does not fall on the same day each year, but anywhere from mid- January to mid-February. In spite of calling the entire animal kingdom, only 12 animals actually turned up for the meeting. These were, the rat, the ox, the tiger, the cat, the dragon, the snake, the horse, the goat, the monkey, the rooster, the dog, and the pig; in that order. To honor these 12 animals for their attendance, Lord Buddha gave each animal their own year, and also the people born in the same animal year with their individual characteristics and personalities.
