Symbolism of the Twelve Zodiac Signs: Rat to the Pig

When a child is born, they are assigned a unique zodiac animal depending on the year and month that they are born. The twelve Chinese zodiacs each have their special meaning and rotate in a 12-year cycle. Each year corresponds to a single animal, and people born in a specific year have that animal associated with them. This is especially important when choosing to buy jade jewelry with Chinese zodiac carvings. However, before purchasing any natural jadeite jade, we recommend verifying if it is genuine. There are 5 methods you can do at home by yourself, you can learn more about this here.

Chinese Zodiac of the Rat

The rat is the crafty zodiac animal who came in first in the Chinese zodiac race myth. In the Chinese zodiac, the rat is the first animal in the repeating 12-year cycle. For the rat, these years include 1948, 1984, 1996, 2008 and 2020.

The tale of the Chinese zodiac details that the rat is first in the zodiac cycle because he placed first in a race where he ran against all of the other eleven zodiac animals. The rat got up early and persuaded the ox to help him across a river so he could be the first to make it to the seat of the Jade Emperor.

It is because of this story that people born during the year of the rat are believed to be diligent, energetic, creative, and able to form strong social connections. Are you born in the year of the rat? Purchase a jadeite jade zodiac rat pendant from Dahlia for yourself, a loved one, or a friend.

Chinese Zodiac of the Ox

The ox is a steadfast and reliable zodiac animal. As a member of the Chinese zodiac, the ox is often carved in jade, being the second animal represented in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac. The years of the ox include 1985, 1997, 2009 and 2021.

In China, the ox is an animal that was heavily relied on for farming practices and was utilized for such purposes. In the story of how the Chinese zodiac came to be, the ox humbly allowed the rat to climb upon its back and crossed the river with no complaint. Because of this, the ox symbolizes diligence, honesty, and persistence.

People who are born in the year of the ox are also associated with traits such as a strong faith, and a devotion to their work. Jade carvings of the ox would make a great gift for a friend or loved one who was born in the year of the ox, or someone who you believe to hold its virtues. Don’t be afraid to make a show of letting someone dependable know how you value them. Are you born in the year of the ox? A jadeite jade zodiac ox pendant from Dahlia would be an ideal gift for yourself, a loved one, or a friend.

Chinese Zodiac of the Tiger

The tiger is considered the king amongst the zodiac animals. It is the third animal represented in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac. The years of the tiger are 1986, 1998, 2010, and 2022.  The tiger holds significant symbolic value in Chinese culture and is therefore often carved in jade.

People who are born in the year of the tiger possess strong self-esteem, power, and independence. Tigers are seen as kings amongst animals, so these people are known as natural leaders. In ancient China, they were used as metaphors to describe emperors for their powerful strength.

Some traits related to the year of the tiger include courage, loyalty, and virtuousness. This jade piece is a great gift for friends and family who resonate with these traits or for those who were born in the year of the tiger. Perhaps there is a person in your life who shoulders a lot of responsibilities and puts themselves in charge of making tough decisions. This tiger jade pendant would be the ideal gift for them.

Chinese Zodiac Of The Rabbit 

As a member of the Chinese zodiac, the rabbit is often carved in jade. Being the fourth animal represented in the Chinese zodiac, the years of the rabbit are 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, and 2023. If you were born in one of these years, your Chinese zodiac sign is the rabbit.

Rabbits are often associated with the Moon Palace during the mid-autumn festival. It is a significant holiday in Chinese culture and has been celebrated for thousands of years. Friends and families gather around and bask in the splendor of autumn to indulge in seasonal delicacies such as mooncakes while appreciating the brightest and fullest moon together.

It is said that a jade rabbit joins the moon goddess, Chang’e, in the Moon Palace to keep her company during this time. The jade rabbit is responsible for mashing herbs and creating the elixir of life. Because of this, the rabbit is commonly known for the symbol of rebirth. The Chinese zodiac rabbit also symbolizes gentleness, compassion, and modesty. For Chinese people, rabbits are a sign of luck that brings hope and grants wishes to those close to them.

Celebrate Chinese New Year or a birthday with an authentic jade carving of the Chinese zodiac rabbit. This stunning piece of grade A jadeite pendant necklace makes a great gift for a friend or family member who are similar to the hare in likeness, as well as anyone who is born in the year of the hare.

Chinese Zodiac Of The Dragon

Jadeite dragon pendants are very popular in Asia for their natural beauty and meaning. Among the 12 Chinese Zodiacs, the dragon represents the fifth animal. The years of the dragon are 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, and 2024. If you were born in one of these years, your Chinese zodiac sign is the dragon.

Dragons are perhaps the most admired of the zodiac. One of the most famous Chinese legends tells of the selfless act of saving the village by the four dragons: the Yellow Dragon, Long Dragon, Black Dragon, and Pearl Dragon. The story begins where people in a village were suffering from drought and starvation. The four dragons felt pitiful and took it upon themselves to remedy the situation. They captured a great amount of water to create rain. People were relieved and happy that their needs were finally heard. From this, the dragon holds a special place in the Chinese zodiac as they earn the name for their courageous and noble deed.

In Chinese culture, they refer to themselves as descendants of the dragon. Ancient Chinese emperors often called themselves dragons because they were beings who symbolized power, good luck, wisdom, and longevity. Because of these positive attributes in a dragon, this beautiful hand-carved jadeite would make an excellent gift for people who are decisive, inspiring, ambitious, and sensitive. A jadeite dragon necklace is also a perfect gift for family or friends who were born in the year of the dragon.

Chinese Zodiac of The Snake

The snake is the sixth animal represented in the 12 Chinese zodiac year cycle. The year of the snake includes 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, and 2025. If you were born in one of these years, your Chinese zodiac sign is the snake.

According to ancient Chinese myths, the snake was known as the little dragon because of its similar rough and smooth texture to dragon’s skin. Snakes often carry the negative connotation of being mysterious and malevolent. This representation is the same in Chinese culture. People born in the year of the snake may appear cold and strict. However, on the inside, they are intuitive, calm, passionate, and determined.

Celebrate Chinese New Year or a birthday with a natural jade carving of the Chinese zodiac snake. A gift like this is meaningful as they represent luck and authority. You can buy a snake jadeite necklace at Dahlia for yourself or for someone who was born in the year of the snake.

Chinese Zodiac of The Horse

As a member of the Chinese zodiac, the horse is often carved in jade. Being the seventh animal represented in the Chinese zodiac, the years of the horse are 1978, 1990, 2002, and 2014. Most commonly associated with the horse is the symbolism of energy and enthusiasm. The belief for Chinese people is that a horse’s spirit also represents integrity and the characteristic of never giving up. This is a great jade piece for someone who has the charisma and spirit of a horse as well as someone whose birth year is the year of the horse. This horse jade pendant is available at Dahlia where it is  ensured that it is 100% percent authentic grade A jadeite jade.

Chinese Zodiac of The Sheep

As a member of the Chinese zodiac, sheep are often carved in jade. Being the eighth animal represented in the Chinese zodiac, the years of the sheep are 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, and 2022. People born in the year of the sheep are well-liked, whether it is because of their personality or the fact that people have used fleece for material since ancient times. Common traits for people born in the year of the sheep are being kind hearted, clever, and gentle. They are also known to be considerate and good willed.

 This jade carving is a great gift for kids and adults, especially for those born in a year of the sheep. Purchase a sheep jade necklace for your loved one at Dahlia, where we only sell natural grade A jadeite jade.

Chinese Zodiac of The Monkey

As a member of the Chinese zodiac, the monkey is often carved in jade. Being the ninth animal represented in the Chinese zodiac, the years of the monkey are 1980, 1992, 2004, and 2016. Monkeys are known to be clever and mischievous animals. This trait is said to carry over to those who are born in the year of the monkey, along with others such as enthusiasm and curiosity. Many Chinese people know the story of the Monkey King, a character which is often referenced as an inspiration for other deities. Jade carvings of the monkey are a great gift for adults and children, males and females, and for anyone born in the year of the monkey. You can buy the monkey jade necklace at Dahlia where we only sell certified premium grade A jadeite jade.

Chinese Zodiac of The Rooster

As a member of the Chinese zodiac, the rooster is often carved in jade. Being the tenth animal represented in the Chinese zodiac, the years of the rooster are 1981, 1993, 2005, and 2017. People born in the Year of the Rooster are thought to have many positive elements, such as honesty, a positive nature, ambition and charisma. Most of them are born pretty or handsome, and prefer to dress up. In addition, Chinese people value the rooster for being punctual, as their cry or crow wakes up people and is useful for consistency. This jade carving is a great gift for adults and children, males and females, and for anyone born in the year of the rooster. You can get your own rooster jade necklace over here at Dahlia where we make sure every jade is grade A.

Chinese Zodiac of The Dog

The dog is the eleventh animal represented in the 12 Chinese zodiac year cycle. The years of the dog include 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018. Chinese people consider dogs as favorable or successful to have by their side. They are known for loyalty, as well as bringing in great fortune for those around. People born in the year of the dog are usually independent, sincere, loyal and decisive. Everyone needs a dog friend for advice and guidance. A natural hand-carved dog jadeite jewelry makes a perfect gift for kids and adults or for those who were born in the year of the dog. Dahlia offers this dog jade necklace ensuring that it is made of authentic grade A jadeite jade.

Chinese Zodiac of The Pig

The pig is the twelfth animal represented in the Chinese zodiac. The years of the pig are 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, and 2019. People who are born in the year of the pig are easy-going, responsible, independent and optimistic. They always show generosity and mercy to endure other people’s mistakes, which makes them sympathetic and understanding. Although they may not be held as high in regard to Chinese culture, they are usually acquainted with wealth. A pig’s physical attributes such as their chubby faces and big ears signify great fortune. This charming  jewelry of a hand-carved jade pig would make a heartwarming gift for those who were born in the year of the pig. You can buy this pig jade necklace over at Dahlia where we ensure that it’s certified genuine grade A jadeite jade.

Curious for more information on jade? Interested in purchasing your own jadeite jade jewelry? Visit us at https://www.dahliany.com/collections/jade

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