Year of the Rabbit or the Cat why? - briefly
The choice between "Year of the Rabbit" and "Year of the Cat" is influenced by cultural and linguistic differences. In Chinese astrology, it is traditionally referred to as the Year of the Rabbit, while in some other languages and cultures, such as Vietnamese, it is known as the Year of the Cat.
Year of the Rabbit or the Cat why? - in detail
The Year of the Rabbit, also known as the Year of the Hare in some cultures, is one of the twelve animals that appear in the Chinese zodiac cycle. This tradition originates from an ancient folk story about how these animals were chosen by the Jade Emperor to represent each year. According to legend, the Cat was originally supposed to be one of the zodiac animals, but due to a series of events, it was left out and replaced by the Rabbit.
The story goes that the Jade Emperor decided to choose twelve animals to represent the years in the calendar cycle. He sent word throughout the land that on the day of the New Year, the first animal to arrive at his palace would be the first year of the zodiac cycle. The Rat, being a cunning creature, tricked the other animals into believing the New Year would begin later than it actually did. When the Cat found out about this deception, it was too late, and the Rat had already taken the first place.
The Cat, feeling betrayed, decided not to participate in the selection process anymore. As a result, when the Rabbit arrived at the palace, it took the fourth position in the zodiac cycle, replacing the Cat. This is why the Year of the Rabbit exists instead of the Year of the Cat.
In Chinese culture, the Rabbit is seen as a symbol of peace, kindness, and good manners. People born in the Year of the Rabbit are believed to possess these traits, which contributes to their popularity and respect within society. The absence of the Cat from the zodiac cycle has led to the belief that cats bring bad luck, further cementing the Rabbit's place as a positive and auspicious symbol in Chinese astrology.
In summary, the Year of the Rabbit exists because the Cat was tricked and decided not to participate in the selection process for the zodiac animals. This historical event has shaped the cultural significance of both the Rabbit and the Cat in Chinese tradition.