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Vietnamese zodiac

Vietnamese zodiac: an insight into cultural and astrological traditions

25/02/2024 702 views
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Vietnamese zodiacs play a vital role in traditional Vietnamese culture and the locals’ spiritual life. Dive into the narratives surrounding the 12 Vietnamese zodiac animals to discover their unique stories!

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.

Vietnamese zodiac

Where does the Vietnamese animal zodiac originate from remains a question that sparks diverse perspectives and theories (Source: Collected)

>>> Get to know more about Vietnamese people and outstanding traits you may not know

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.

Tiger – courageous and fearless

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.

Snake – wise and intuitive

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.

Vietnamese zodiac Monkey

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.

Vietnamese zodiac Pig

The Vietnamese zodiac Pig symbolizes prosperity and a leisurely life (Source: Collected)

>>> Discover Tet Holiday, one of the most significant celebrations in Vietnam 

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.

Vietnamese zodiac Cat

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

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

 

>>> Facts about life in Vietnam to help you plan your best itinerary

The Vietnamese zodiac plays a crucial role in Vietnamese astrology and folk beliefs, symbolizing various traits and qualities of the people. If you are fascinated by the Vietnamese zodiac and its significant cultural meaning, don’t hesitate to pack your bags, free up your schedule, and dive into the natural beauty and unique culture of this S-shaped country.

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