Chinese zodiac animals: The sheep and what it represents

By Zhou Jing: 0 Comment(s)Print E-mail China.org.cn, January 31, 2025

Editor's note: The Chinese zodiac, or "shengxiao," consists of 12 animal signs that mark the years. Each animal represents one year in a repeating 12-year cycle, which is calculated based on the Chinese lunar calendar.

The 12 animals, in order, are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. These animals, along with the 10 Heavenly Stems and 12 Earthly Branches, are traditionally believed to significantly influence human personalities, marriages, careers and fortunes, thereby holding great importance in individuals' lives.

Some historians believe the Chinese zodiac took shape during the Han dynasty (206 B.C.-A.D. 220), while others trace its origins back to the Western Zhou dynasty (1046 B.C.-771 B.C.). Throughout its development, the Chinese zodiac has inspired a variety of widely accepted animal-related legends and folktales.

Legend has it that in ancient times, there were no grains in the human realm, leaving people to survive on vegetables and grass. One day, the divine sheep descended from the Heavenly Palace to the mortal world and found many people starving. The sheep then flew back to the Heavenly Palace, gathered seeds of rice, millet, wheat, beans and hemp, and brought them to the human realm. The people planted the seeds and enjoyed a bountiful harvest. In gratitude, they worshipped the sheep and voted to include it in the 12 zodiac animals.

In traditional Chinese culture, the sheep is a symbol of gentleness, humility and harmony. People born in the Year of the Sheep are often thought to be gentle, tolerant, warm-hearted, considerate and compassionate. They are typically encouraged to pursue careers as teachers, editors, painters, musicians and investors, as well as professionals in the service and medical sectors.

The Sheep years include 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027 and 2039.

According to the Chinese lunar calendar, the 2025 Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, falls on Jan. 29, 2025. This day marks the beginning of the Year of the Snake, which will last until Feb. 16, 2026. Since 2025 overlaps with most of the Year of the Snake, it is commonly referred to as such.