Chinese Zodiac stencil

thingiverse

The ancient art of divination has captivated human imagination for centuries, and one fascinating aspect is the Chinese Zodiac, a system that assigns an animal to each year based on a complex cycle. Chinese culture has always been deeply rooted in tradition, with its rich history dating back thousands of years. One of the most enduring legacies of this civilization is the zodiac, which consists of twelve animals: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. According to legend, the Jade Emperor invited all the animals in China to join him for a grand celebration. Each animal was given an hour to arrive at the festivities, but when the time came, only twelve made it on time. The Jade Emperor then decided that these twelve animals would be associated with each year, with their order determined by the time they arrived. Each of the twelve animals is said to possess unique characteristics, which are believed to influence the personality and destiny of individuals born in a particular year. For example, those born under the sign of the Rat are known for being clever and resourceful, while those born under the sign of the Tiger are celebrated for their bravery and confidence. The Chinese Zodiac has been a cornerstone of cultural identity and spiritual practice in China for centuries. It continues to captivate people around the world with its mystique and timeless appeal. Here's a list of all twelve animals in the order they appear in the cycle: 1. Rat 2. Ox (or Cow) 3. Tiger 4. Rabbit (or Hare) 5. Dragon 6. Snake 7. Horse 8. Goat (or Sheep) 9. Monkey 10. Rooster 11. Dog 12. Pig