When a Vietnamese asks another how old she is, how do you expect her to answer? Those women also have good fortune with wealth. All Rights Reserved. Men born in the Rat year are clever, flexible and adaptable to new environments. Jade Emperor (in Vietnamese Ngọc Hoàng) held a race to Heaven to choose the 12 Animals for the Zodiac. Go Vietnam Tours tailor-makes unique tour packages, sightseeing adventures and activities to help travelers explore Vietnam on their way. Because of the use of the lunar calendar, the actual days of the New Year vary from year to year. Men born in the year of Goat are true gentlemen. ThingsAsian is an Asia travel website with stories contributed by a worldwide community. Since then, the cat and the rat have been implacable enemies. The Vietnamese horoscope uses a variation of the Chinese zodiac based on the lunar calendar. Men born in the Rooster year are always unpredicted, sometimes joyous but sometimes emotional. The BUFFALO symbolizes industriousness and patience. Pigs have beautiful personalities and are blessed with good fortune in life. Although we cover a wide range of topics, our emphasis is on art, culture, history and travel. His hours are between 7am and 9am. Cat hours are between 5am and 7am, when cats begin their prowling. The time between 3pm and 5pm is the monkey hour. While crossing the river on the water buffalo’s back, the cunning rat pushed the cat into the river to guarantee its 1st place. Well, it was a story of betrayal. On Lunar New Year across East and Southeast Asia, the story of how 12 animals ended up in the Chinese Zodiac – and its counterparts across the region – is told in various ways. A white cock is sometimes placed on the coffin of funeral processions to make the way free from demons. For example, the year of the dog sign can be "modified" by each of ten different associated "stems". When the horse neared the finish line, he popped out scaring the horse and consequently became the 6th one. Year of the horse. They are willing to do whatever they can to help others. Choose an animal from the Chinese or Vietnamese zodiac, and use it when that animal year comes around. Besides, many decide to stay alone to focus on their career. The year of the DOG indicates future prosperity. Those men are not conversationalists but treat everyone warmly. They love outdoor activities and being in nature. People of that year are thought to possess the characteristics of that animal: steady, placid, but stubborn when crossed. Vietnamese Zodiac Signs – The Rat (The Smart One) Rats are clever, quick thinkers, successful in life, but have a peaceful life. When Korea or China mark the … Their weakness lies in their tendency to be erratic and inconsistent. When each of the ten "stems" is matched with an animal, the result will be 60 different sets. Famine usually appears in these years. The Cat is the fourth animal symbol in the 12-year cycle of the Vietnamese zodiac and Gurung zodiac, taking place of the Rabbit in the Chinese zodiac. Therefore, the buffalo was pensive to be the later. 70, 31st Street, Yangon, Union of Myanmar, Copyright © 2021 Go Vietnam Tours. The horse is invested with purity, nobility and wisdom. Besides, they can make good use of taking advantage of opportunities. They love keeping things well-organized and put their family in the first place. Men born in the Tiger year are likely to be adventurous spirits. Our desire is to faithfully help you see Vietnam your way. Being a slow swimmer, the goat decided to make a deal with the monkey and the rooster forming a team in order to cross the river. He is the king of the jungle, nocturnal and evokes images of darkness and stormy weather. Water Buffalo are the hard workers in the background, intelligent and reliable, but never demanding praise. One of the most asked questions on when looking at the Vietnamese zodiac is: Why is there a cat instead of a rabbit? Editor's Note: This chapter was excerpted from Tet, The Vietnamese Lunar New Year, by Barbara Cohen & Huu Ngoc, The Gioi Publishers, Hanoi, Vietnam. They are in conflict with the rat. In other words, they cannot stand seeing others who are on a higher level. Its propensity to kick evokes images of a quick-tempered personality. Considering that the chinese zodiac was created thousands of years ago, it is not surprising that there are several interpretations of its origin. Monkeys are lighthearted pranksters who are able to achieve all their dreams. Vietnam’s territory is covered with ¾ areas of mountain and forest when the king roars following is the powerful sound. Vietnamese small businesses are very strict about their reopening day during the new year, wishing for a lucky and prosperous year ahead. Snakes symbolize the eternal revolution of the ages and the succession, dissolution and regeneration of humanity. This zodiac made its 4th after being betrayed by the rat in the Great Race. The 12-year cycle is an approximation to the 11.85-year orbital period of Jupiter. The 60-year cycle is made up of combinations of the twelve animals representing the earthly signs of the Vietnamese zodiac and ten heavenly or celestial signs usually called "stems". which, each branch will correspond to one arc – corresponding to an angle of 30 degrees. The Vietnamese 12 zodiac animals I order are:Rat, Buffalo, Tiger, Cat, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Rats can have a positive side because if there are rats, it is a sign that there is grain in the storage bins, so rats can represent a bountiful harvest. The MONKEY is an erratic genius. Honest and loyal – Dogs are the truest friends and the most reliable partners. The PIG symbolizes the wealth of the forest because the boar maintains his lair in the woods. Vietnamese Zodiac Signs – Legend Stories & Personalities, Vietnamese Zodiac Signs – The Rat (The Smart One), Vietnamese Zodiac Signs – The Buffalo (The Born Leader One), Vietnamese Zodiac Signs – The Tiger (The “Power” One), Vietnamese Zodiac Signs – The Cat (The Flexible One), Vietnamese Zodiac Signs – The Dragon (The Holy One), Vietnamese Zodiac Signs – The Snake (The Lucky One), Vietnamese Zodiac Signs – The Horse (The Nomadic One), Vietnamese Zodiac Signs – The Goat (The Dreamy One), Vietnamese Zodiac Signs – The Monkey (The Cheerful One), Vietnamese Zodiac Signs – The Rooster (The Self-righteous One), Vietnamese Zodiac Signs – The Dog (The Faithful One), Vietnamese Zodiac Signs – The Pig (The Optimistic One), Vietnamese Zodiac Signs Recognized by Year of Birth. They are cheerful, skillful, curious and inventive, but they may drive people away by talking too much and being contemptuous of others. Let’s take a closer look at the legend stories behind these creatures and review your Vietnamese zodiac signs, characteristics as well as some predictions for the next year with Go Vietnam Tours. The Jade Emperor organized the race that animals were supposed to swim across the river, and the first 12 finishers would take a place on the calendar. SNAKES speak little but have tremendous wisdom. Origin of Vietnamese zodiac and horoscope and generally the 12 Zodiac signs back to 1645 BC, invented by ancient Babylonian Astrologers. Men born in the Dog year are straightforward, genuine, energetic, though they’re more pessimistic inside. It predicts your astrology based on birth date, year, time, and month. They are symbols of power, wealth and prosperity and of royalty. There is no need for their husband to worry since everything is taken good care of by them. Being scared half to death causing, the horse made it in 7th place. The hour of the pig is between 9pm and 11pm. If you want to spot out the mood of feelings of a cat person, you should have a great understanding. Each of the following animals sponsors a two-hour period of time of the 24-hour day. If not, they can also be great wives. Have you ever wondered how the rat, the smallest animal among all, could arrive at the 1st place? Although being a great swimmer, the dog was still on the bottom of the list because of its playfulness and excitement in enjoying the river. At the same time, he is a symbol of protection against fires. Most Vietnamese, even city dwellers and overseas Vietnamese, have a lunar calendar in their homes to consult for festivals and auspicious dates. In the origin of the story of the Vietnamese zodiac, the cat was the fastest animal in the race, but he was betrayed by the rat. Women born in the Buffalo year are calm and gentle. Dragons are sincere, energetic but short-tempered and stubborn. They are family-oriented and have a warm-hearted personality. The Vietnamese horoscope uses a variation of the Chinese zodiac based on the lunar calendar. The Vietnamese zodiac sets 12 animals over a 12-year cycle rather than 12 signs in one year. Women born in the year of Dragon are often mesmerizing and strong. Those who were born in Cat sign are quite well-mannered and outgoing. Their lives seem to go around work. The Vietnamese story has a different ending fo r Cat. If given the chance, they’ll show their hidden potential. The Race Story of Chinese Zodiac Animals There are 12 animals on the Chinese Zodiac calendar including Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, … Men born in the Cat year are supposed to be tender but secretive. They take great responsibility in everything they do. Not even the smallest things can escape from their eyes. In addition the Vietnamese use another set of names by repeating a cycle of 60. The cock controls the hours between 5pm and 7pm. Each year is "sponsored" sequentially by one of the twelve animals of the Vietnamese zodiac: the rat comes first, then the ox or buffalo, followed in order by the tiger, cat, dragon, snake, horse, goat or ram, monkey, cock, dog, and lastly, the pig. However, they are usually indecisive. It is the same holiday, but the animals of the zodiac are a little bit different, probably because of a translation error, although nobody really knows for sure. While crossing the river on the water buffalo, the scheming rat pushed the cat into the river to ensure its place at the top of the list. Year of the rooster. Year of the buffalo. Rather than prepare a clear plan, they often leave things decided by fate. A Local’s Share about Tet Holiday 2021 – Vietnamese Lunar New Year, Feedback of Mr. George Filev on Vietnam Tour, Very Flexible, Adjust the Vietnam Tour Based on Our Request, Everyone We Met During Our Holiday in Vietnam Was Very Friendly & Hospitable, It is Time to Re-plan your Travel to Vietnam. They are determined and persistent. Ever since then the cat and the rat have been mortal enemies. Vietnamese make use of the lunar calendar and Chinese zodiac variations to generate a horoscope. He sent an immortal being into man's world to spread the message that the earlier one went through the Heavenly Gate, the better the rank one would have. © 1994-2015 Global Directions, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The buffalo hours are from 1 am to 3 am when buffalo are feeding and the day's farm work begins. 21, 22 or 34? Snakes have a deep and complex mind, but if they fall in love with someone, they will be loved with their entire heart. Besides, they can make good use of taking advantage of opportunities. Legends relating to the order of the Chinese zodiac often include stories as to why the cat was not included among the twelve. When he woke up, he realized he was still in a race and panically ran into the finish line. The buffalo is the second animal sign in the 12-year cycle of the Vietnamese zodiac and also a symbol of the wet rice civilisation in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam. The rest of the story, as has been mentioned earlier, explained the reason why the buffalo just the second one after the rat. Therefore, they became enemies. ×  4  =  thirty two .hide-if-no-js{display:none!important}, Filming in Vietnam Vietnam DMC Vietnam ho chi minh tour package Asia travel packages Cambodia tours Laos tours Myanmar tours Shore excursions Nepal tours Bhutan tours Hanoi tours Team Building school trips to Vietnam Vietnam tour China tour packages sri lanka sightseeing packages Viet vision team building, Cambodia: Borey Angkor Shopping Arcade B18, Road No6, Krous Village, Siem Reap, Cambodia. His comb is a mark of high intelligence and of a literary spirit. In addition the Vietnamese use another set of names by repeating a cycle of 60. Home / Travel Guide / Tradition & Culture / Vietnamese Zodiac Signs – Legend Stories & Personalities. “The Chinese Zodiac Story” is one of the stories included in new book, Our Folktales – The All-Time Favourite Folktales of Asia. The equinoxes and solstices that marked the beginning of the European seasons were taken as the midpoint by the Asian calendar with the result that each Vietnamese season begins six weeks earlier than its European counterpart. The horse's speed has caused him to be compared with the sun that traverses the earth daily. They trust others easily and are often scammed, which can make them lose a fortune. The hour of the dog is 7pm to 9pm when people of rural Vietnam have gone to bed and leave the dog to keep watch. Book review: Warrior Odyssey - Antonio Graceffo. The riskier something is the eager they want to try it. Worldwide, the dog is used as a guard against intruders. Happily, all three of the animals rode the raft across the river to the finish line. The sign of the Tora applies to people born in twelve year periods since 1914, like … They rode the back of Water Buffalo across the river and were nearly to … Vietnamese Zodiac Signs – The Tiger THE TIGER is one of the holy animals in Vietnam which is recognized as the king of the forest. As such, the traits associated with the Rabbit are attributed to the cat. However, because of their confidence, they can be overly optimistic. However, they always eager to be the center of attention and easily become jealous, which makes them harder for them to socialize. Dragons are strong and independent figures, but they yearn for support and love. In Vietnam, the calendar was devised based on the regularly changing phases of the moon. Men born in the Snake year are mysterious, experienced, gentle and romantic. Despite this stubbornness, they think and react quickly. We are a passionate team of one hundred avid travelers who love to share our experiences of Vietnam with those looking for a more authentic travel experience. HORSE year people are smooth talkers and given to compliments and generosity, therefore, they are popular, but rarely listen to advice. In their excitement, they cannot remember to give others personal space. These men take good care of their family, which results in harmonious family life. It is a water sign and a propitious sign for agriculture. However, it is also the motivation for them to work harder. Goats are loving and selfless; always think for others, even it works against their own interest. Snake year people are considered calm and gentle, profound, compassionate, but may fly off the handle at times. People born in the year of the cock are considered profound thinkers. He had so much fun that he nearly forgot the on-going race and finally made it in 11th place. CATS are smooth talkers, talented and ambitious and will succeed in studies. Women born in the Dog year are very independent, cautious but somehow indifferent. They are the typical opportunists and cannot hold long-term relationships. In legend, the sun is associated with fiery steeds. Men born in the Buffalo year are reliable and trustworthy. TIGERS are quick to anger, indecisive but can be flexible and accommodate their personalities to suit the circumstances. Women born in the Rat year are the traditional ones. Men born in the Dragon year are committed, devoted and responsible. For toddlers, it is best to use an animal theme. They are typically home-oriented but yearn for a position of high power. The Jade Emperor wanted to select 12 animals to be his guards. 12 animals in the zodiac correspond with 12 hours in a day, 12 months in a year. Because ghosts disappear at sunrise it is believed that the cock drives them away with his crowing. Women born in the Snake year are graceful, elegant and pretty. Some of the countries we currently cover are Burma, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. The following story template works best for preschool or family story time. The Chinese zodiac is a classification scheme based on the lunar calendar that assigns an animal and its reputed attributes to each year in a repeating 12-year cycle. Year of the monkey. During an argument, they’re often the peacemaker. They are clever and skillful when making financial deals. Women born in the Goat year are reliable, motivated and attentive. Most Vietnamese, even city dwellers and overseas Vietnamese, have a lunar calendar in their homes to consult … Women born in the Cat year are likely to be more courteous and sociable, yet they still keep for themselves a secret. The most popular legend behind this arrangement is an interesting ancient story about a competition.It is The 60-year cycle is made up of combinations of the twelve animals representing the earthly signs of the Vietnamese zodiac and ten heavenly or celestial signs usually called "stems". Both Korea and Vietnam borrowed from the Chinese zodiac when they adopted the Chinese lunisolar calendar for their own, so it is little wonder that all three share a similar zodiac for the 12-year cycle, with one key difference in each culture: while the Chinese and Vietnamese zodiacs have the Goat zodiac, the Korean zodiac has the Sheep zodiac instead; while the Chinese and Korean … Laos: Hom07, Ban Nasamphan, 13th North Road, Luang Prabang, Laos Myanmar: No. It does matter here in the country which sign or animal a person belongs to since it can decide how the rest of her life is going to shape (cartoon modified from original work by Phu Khanh on zda.vn). The answer probably is “I am a buffalo”. They’re confident, but not conceited. However, they also often overestimate themselves. Roosters are complex people who seem strong but need validation from loved ones in fact. It is our pleasure to take care of you, to share with you interesting information, mysterious history, long-established culture, and insiders’ travel tips to perfect your experience during your Vietnam tour. Our writers, photographers and contributors are real people who tell you the stories of … In response to your love for Vietnam and your trust in Go Vietnam Tours, we offer the best team of local tour guides with deep and diverse knowledge, professional attitudes as well as enthusiastic personalities. There is a saying "In the year of the dragon, everyone keeps his food for himself". If you underestimate them, watch out. Every twelve years, the sponsorship reverts to the same animal. His hours are between 1pm and 3pm. Long, long ago, there was no Chinese zodiac. The years 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012 are dragon years. Our writers, photographers and contributors are real people who tell you the stories of their personal travels and experiences. In other words, no matter what happens, they will go on the road they choose until the end. Besides, they also provide their friends and family with intensive protection. They are often taken advantage of because of their natural kindness and timidity. The year is one of slow, steady progress and patient strength; traits suitable for a scientist. They hardly think of an alternative, which can give a sign of a struggle life. Select from one of the signs below: Year of the rat. If not, they need someone that can help and support his career. Year of the tiger. Cat and Rat were such good friends they decided to go together. However, pessimism and anxiety should be avoided. Rat people are active and dynamic but can be fussy about little things. The Greek myth related to this is of Apollo driving the chariot of the sun across the skies each day. The Vietnamese Zodiac. They sometimes are lively and friendly, like a little cat, but still, keep their claws sharp just in case. Their stubbornness fades in the face of their loved ones. Pictures of a red cock are hung in houses for that reason. They’ll also consider all aspects before making a decision. A cat person knows how to wait for favorable conditions before taking action. The Vietnamese zodiac features a different animal for each year in the lunar calendar, with a total of 12 animals. The snake was another scheming animal because it nested itself into the hoof of the horse. The Race Story of Chinese Zodiac Animals Order of 12 Chinese Zodiac Stories Folktales about Why No Cat in Chinese Zodiac? The reason why the pig ended up at the end of the great race was that it stopped a bit to eat a huge meal and then fell asleep. This is similar to the Chinese tale, except the 4th animal is Cat, not Rabbit. The ROOSTER year represents a period of hard work and activity as the rooster is busy from morning to night. The rat pushed the cat down to the river and jumped off the head of the buffalo when they neared the finish line and crossed first. Tora or The Tiger. Horses are free spirits who need space to be themselves. Seven are domesticated. Sometimes they are gentle cute ponies, but they can also turn into wild stallions. He is the traditional symbol of spring and agriculture because of his association with the plow and his pleasure in wallowing in mud. Year of the snake. People born in the year of Tigers are courageous and active who always seek for challenges and adventures in their life. They may visit a fortune teller or check the lunar calendar book and pick the date that best match their zodiac. People born in the cock year earn their living from small businesses they practice with diligence like a "cock scratching the soil for worms". Even the great strength could not help the tiger become the winner as the currents of the raging river were too strong. However, due to their confidence (sometimes arrogance), they don’t allow anyone to go against their rules and expect unrealistic things. Here are some possible ex… Why was a legendary dragon with the ability to fly not in the first position? The 60-year cycle begins when the first of the twelve zodiac signs is joined with the first of the ten celestial "stems". Cats are in conflict with the Rat.. Women born in the Tiger year are intelligent, charming and attractive. Year of the goat. Sometimes their confidence makes them difficult to interact with others so they need to open up more. Women born in the Monkey year are socially responsible and flexible. Vietnamese folk tale about how the animals got selected for Zodiac years. Boar year people are chivalrous and gallant, honest, courageous, but headstrong and short tempered, impulsive, studious and well informed. Vietnamese Zodiac Signs 18 Comments The calendar in Vietnam’s ancient agricultural society was based on the regularly changing phases of the moon. In Vietnamese tradition, it is widely known that each year is “sponsored” respectively by one of the twelve animals of the Vietnamese zodiac: the first one is the rat, then comes the buffalo, followed sequentially by the tiger, cat, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and lastly, the pig. ThingsAsian is an Asia travel website with stories contributed by a worldwide community. A RAT year prophesies a year of chaos. The Vietnamese zodiac is used to calculate the lunar years. Instead of a rabbit, Vietnam has a cat. Men born in the Rat year are clever, flexible and adaptable to new environments. After being informed by the rooster about a raft floating nearby in the marshy grasslands, the goat cut through the weeds and grass with its sharp teeth and helped the monkey pull the raft out of the river. These examples are given in the order that they occur in the year. This telling involves an emperor, a race and a friendship that dissolves into an eternal feud. Rats are clever, quick thinkers, successful in life, but have a peaceful life. They have a sense of responsibility and ability. As long as they are doing what they love, they will easily get success. They are social as well as sensitive to others’ needs. But they still need to control their changeable personality and listen to what others say. As such, the traits associated with the Rabbit are attributed to the Cat. Each year has import for humans who have converging or diverging signs. According to folk beliefs, buffaloes help humans with physically demanding works in … Shortly before reaching the other side, the two-faced and deceitful rat pushed the cat into the raging river, quickly hopped off to the finish line and obviously became the first animal of the zodiac list. According to ancient Astronomers, the 12 zodiac circle is a perfect 360 degree circle divided into 12 branches. The dragon is in its element everywhere; under water, on the ground and in the air. However, it didn’t notice the snake hiding in its hoof. The explanations I have read have to do with the sound of the words in Chinese and their translations to Vietnamese. They are clumsy in speech so they are poor salespersons, but are compassionate for the less fortunate, and help others. It is esteemed for altertness, intelligence, strength and is a friend to man. Despite their kindness towards others, they are strict with themselves and never feel satisfied. Women born in the Horse year are beautiful and impressive. Year of the dragon. Why are the animals are arranged in such order? The DRAGON in eastern mythology can be protective and a symbol of the male (yang) principal of the universe of royal authority.