- 1. Where does the Vietnamese zodiac come from?
- 2. The order and characteristics of Vietnamese zodiac animals
- 2.1. Rat – resourceful and quick-witted
- 2.2. Buffalo – strong and dependable
- 2.3. Tiger – courageous and fearless
- 2.4. Cat – mysterious and independent
- 2.5. Dragon – powerful and charismatic
- 2.6. Snake – wise and intuitive
- 2.7. Horse – adventurous and free-spirited
- 2.8. Goat – gentle and compassionate
- 2.9. Monkey – intelligent and energetic
- 2.10. Rooster – confident and diligent
- 2.11. Dog – loyal and protective
- 2.12. Pig – kind and generous
- 3. Frequently asked questions about Vietnamese zodiac
The Vietnamese zodiac influences various aspects of life in Vietnam (Source: Collected)
Every country has its own astrological system, and Vietnam is no different. Thanks to the dynamic moon phases, Vietnam embraces the lunar calendar and a unique set of zodiac signs. 12 Vietnamese zodiac animals align with 12 signs in a year, captivating the interest of many visitors. These animals hold a significant place in traditional Vietnamese culture. In this article, we will delve into the distinct characteristics of each Vietnamese zodiac sign, unraveling the cultural richness of Vietnam through the stories of these captivating animals.
1. Where does the Vietnamese zodiac come from?
In the past, the Western world used a zodiac system with 12 signs, but in Eastern cultures like Vietnam, they relied on 12 animals to keep track of time, including the Vietnamese New Year holiday. The debate about where these animals originated is ongoing.
Many people believe that the 12 Vietnamese zodiac animals come from Chinese traditions, established during the Qin and Han periods in this order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig, and they have remained unchanged until now.
The order of the 12 zodiac animals, according to Southern Song scholar Ly Truong Khanh, aligns with their daily activities. For instance, rats are most active during the hour of the Rat (11 PM – 1 AM), and dogs are most alert to guard homes during the hour of the Dog (7 PM – 9 PM). Despite the fascinating correlation between activities and hours, there is still no concrete evidence supporting the exact origin of the 12 zodiac animals.
Where does the Vietnamese animal zodiac originate from remains a question that sparks diverse perspectives and theories (Source: Collected)
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2. The order and characteristics of Vietnamese zodiac animals
2.1. Rat – resourceful and quick-witted
In regions where farming is crucial, like Vietnam, rats are important in nature’s food cycle and carry cultural significance. This is why the Rat comes first in the 12 Vietnamese zodiac signs. If you are born in the year of the Rat, you might be extra aware of money matters because rats are linked to having plenty of rice. People with the Rat sign are also admired for being clever and quick-witted.
2.2. Buffalo – strong and dependable
In ancient Vietnam, the concept of happiness was tied to things like rice plants and fields. Buffalos are regarded as the farmers’ greatest asset, symbolizing hard work and patience, and hold significant importance in Vietnamese agriculture. Those born in the year of the Buffalo often display enduring strength and effective leadership, making them well-suited for scientific pursuits.
2.3. Tiger – courageous and fearless
The tiger holds a revered status in Vietnam as the forest’s king. Individuals born under the Tiger sign are known for their bravery, intelligence, and adventurous spirit. They are anticipated to undertake unique and extraordinary endeavors, often achieving remarkable success in their lives.
The Vietnamese zodiac Tiger embodies bravery, strength, and resilience in traditional Vietnamese culture (Source: Collected)
2.4. Cat – mysterious and independent
The Vietnamese zodiac Cat holds a special place, diverging from China and other countries that honor the Rabbit. This contrast stems from the vital role cats play in safeguarding the rice harvest by catching mice. Individuals born in the year of the Cat are frequently known for their eloquence, talent, ambition, and academic achievements.
2.5. Dragon – powerful and charismatic
In Eastern legends, the dragon symbolizes royal authority, representing the nation’s prosperity. People born in the year of the Dragon are known for their honesty and dynamism, although they may display traits of being hot-tempered and stubborn.
2.6. Snake – wise and intuitive
Within Vietnamese zodiac animals, the Snake holds a revered status. Individuals born in the year of the Snake are known for their wisdom, accompanied by a reserved manner of speech. As symbols of generational succession, those under this sign exhibit qualities of calmness, gentleness, depth, and occasional flashes of anger. Additionally, they demonstrate resilience and persistence in their endeavors.
The Vietnamese zodiac Snake is regarded as a sacred creature, representing wisdom, calmness, and occasional bursts of anger (Source: Collected)
2.7. Horse – adventurous and free-spirited
In the Vietnamese zodiac, individuals born in the year of the Horse are typically characterized by gentleness, an easy-going nature, and open-mindedness, despite occasional stubbornness. They tend to be straightforward and may exhibit a degree of temperamental behavior. The association of the horse with the speed of the sun shining daily links this sign to notions of good health.
2.8. Goat – gentle and compassionate
Those born in the year of the Goat usually possess a serene and humble demeanor, coupled with a reserved nature. While they may not excel in activities or occupations that require extensive communication or eloquence due to potential awkwardness in speech, their natural compassion and willingness to assist those in need are noteworthy. Their inherent kindness often proves to be an advantageous trait.
2.9. Monkey – intelligent and energetic
In the Vietnamese animal zodiac, Monkeys are recognized for their spirited and playful disposition, coupled with a high level of intelligence. Those born in the year of the Monkey are often remarkably talented, possessing distinctive personalities. They tend to be cheerful, resourceful, curious, and brimming with innovative ideas. However, their weaknesses lie in the unpredictability and inconsistency of their temperaments.
Individuals born under the Vietnamese zodiac Monkey are celebrated for their lively and playful nature (Source: Collected)
2.10. Rooster – confident and diligent
Roosters symbolize a period of industrious activity, reflecting the busy schedules roosters maintain from dawn to dusk. Their unique comb serves as a symbol of exceptional intelligence and scholarly wisdom. Individuals born in the year of the Rooster are acknowledged for their profound thinking abilities. They often sustain themselves through dedicated small business ventures, persistently working akin to “a rooster digging the ground to find worms.”
2.11. Dog – loyal and protective
Vietnamese zodiac Dog foretells a phase of security and prosperity, echoing the global role of dogs as home guardians. Individuals born in the year of the Dog are commonly characterized by honesty, sincerity, diligence in their work, and a desire for stability in life. Their lives typically reflect a robust sense of family unity and the pursuit of security.
2.12. Pig – kind and generous
The year of the Pig signifies prosperity and a relaxed lifestyle. People born in the year of the Pig are usually known for their generosity, bravery, kindness, and courage, although they may occasionally exhibit stubbornness and a quick temper. Nevertheless, they are diligent and attentive listeners.
The Vietnamese zodiac Pig symbolizes prosperity and a leisurely life (Source: Collected)
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3. Frequently asked questions about Vietnamese zodiac
3.1. Why does the Vietnamese zodiac have a cat?
In Vietnam, the Cat holds a special place in the zodiac, in contrast to China and other nations that celebrate the Rabbit. Various theories attempt to explain why Vietnam opted for the Cat to represent the year of the Rabbit. Nguyen Huu Tin, an expert in traditional Vietnamese culture, suggests that the answer might be found in the precious rice fields.
“Rice is a crucial element in Vietnam’s agriculture. With the threat of various types of mice in the fields, cats, being adept at catching mice, became a common member of Vietnamese homes. Another explanation is the Vietnamese preference not to have two consecutive years with similar animals, seeing the rat and the rabbit as closely related.”
According to an alternate hypothesis, the Vietnamese may have linguistically connected “mao” (rabbit in Chinese) to “meo” (cat in Vietnamese), resulting in the addition of the Cat to the Vietnamese zodiac system.
The inclusion of the Cat in Vietnamese zodiac instead of the Rabbit as in other cultures reflects the unique role of cats (Source: Collected)
3.2. How is the Vietnamese zodiac used in decision-making?
In Vietnamese culture, the 12 zodiac animals play a pivotal role. They are used for predicting the future, evaluating personality traits, and assessing relationship compatibility. Their impact extends to crucial life events like marriage, house construction, and business ventures.
For instance, couples often take into consideration the Vietnamese zodiac when deciding on marriage, believing that zodiac compatibility influences the success of the relationship. Similarly, choosing an auspicious time based on the zodiac calendar is common when constructing a new house to ensure good fortune.
In the business domain, entrepreneurs often carefully research the meanings and impacts of the Vietnamese zodiac when launching ventures and making significant decisions, attributing luck and success to these signs. The Vietnamese zodiac serves as a guiding factor, blending cultural tradition and practical belief and shaping various aspects of life for individuals and communities.
Vietnamese zodiac actively shapes decisions in Vietnamese daily life (Source: Collected)
3.3. How to calculate Vietnamese zodiac years?
Rooted in tradition, the Vietnamese system relies on a calendar that designates zodiac animals, associating each with a specific year in a repeating 12-year cycle.
If you are curious about what your Vietnamese zodiac is, refer to the table below and identify your birth year to find out.
Zodiac | Year | ||||||
Rat | 1960 | 1972 | 1984 | 1996 | 2008 | 2020 | 2032 |
Buffalo | 1961 | 1973 | 1985 | 1997 | 2009 | 2021 | 2033 |
Tiger | 1962 | 1974 | 1986 | 1998 | 2010 | 2022 | 2034 |
Cat | 1963 | 1975 | 1987 | 1999 | 2011 | 2023 | 2035 |
Dragon | 1964 | 1976 | 1988 | 2000 | 2012 | 2024 | 2036 |
Snake | 1965 | 1977 | 1989 | 2001 | 2013 | 2025 | 2037 |
Horse | 1966 | 1978 | 1990 | 2002 | 2014 | 2026 | 2038 |
Goat | 1967 | 1979 | 1991 | 2003 | 2015 | 2027 | 2039 |
Monkey | 1968 | 1980 | 1992 | 2004 | 2016 | 2028 | 2040 |
Rooster | 1969 | 1981 | 1993 | 2005 | 2017 | 2029 | 2041 |
Dog | 1970 | 1982 | 1994 | 2006 | 2018 | 2030 | 2042 |
Pig | 1971 | 1983 | 1995 | 2007 | 2019 | 2031 | 2043 |
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