Mǎ
o Tù - The Legend of the Rabbit in the Chinese Zodiac In Chinese culture, the rabbit is known for its calmness, gentleness, and versatility. It is also one of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac. According to legend, the Jade Emperor, who was ruling the heavens, wanted to establish a calendar cycle and decided to have twelve animals represent each year. The rabbit is one of them, and its place in the zodiac is fourth. Its animal sign is called Mǎo in Chinese, and its character traits are believed to influence people born in a particular year. People born in the year of the rabbit (1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2035, etc.) are thought to be sensitive, peaceful, and intelligent. They value honesty and harmony and are often admired for their beautiful appearances, kind hearts, and exquisite tastes. Due to their reserved nature, they often appear to be quiet and introverted. However, when they are provoked, they can be very stubborn and fierce in defending their beliefs. The Chinese also have many stories about the rabbit in their folklore. One of the most famous is the story of the Jade Emperor and the Great Race. The rabbit, along with other animals, wanted to be included in the twelve zodiac years. The Jade Emperor decided to hold a race to determine the order of the zodiac animals. The rabbit was one of the smallest participants and was not a strong runner. However, he was clever and resourceful. Before the race, he had a chance encounter with a group of other animals, including the rat. The rabbit offered to help them find the finish line. On the day of the race, the rat convinced the kind-hearted rabbit to take a nap, and when he awoke the rat had already reached the finish line. As a result, the rat was the first one on the zodiac calendar, and the rabbit was left in fourth place. In another legend, the rabbit is said to live on the moon with an elixir of immortality. In Chinese mythology, it is believed that the rabbit can influence people's fates. People pray to the moon goddess and the rabbit with the hope of gaining good fortune and blessings. In conclusion, the rabbit is an important symbol in Chinese culture and folklore, and its attributes are regarded as a reflection of virtues to strive for. Although the rabbit was not the first in the Great Race, it is still among the most beloved animals in the zodiac. People born in the year of the Rabbit are considered lucky and are believed to bring fortune and luck to those around them. Accessible, generous, and kind, the Rabbit embodies the best qualities of the Chinese zodiac and serves as an inspiration for individuals seeking inner peace, happiness, and harmony in their lives.