The Twelve Animals of the Chinese Zodiac, also known as the Twelve Earthly Branches, consist of the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. They are used to record years, months, days, and hours, with each year corresponding to a specific zodiac sign. 

In China, everyone has their zodiac sign. The signs link to more than just ordinary animals, their natural characteristics are also endowed with various cultural attributes, possessing certain symbolic meanings. Popular and enjoyable folk culture featuring these zodiac signs was thus developed, giving birth to numerous folk customs and artistic works.

The Myth of the Twelve Chinese Zodiac Signs

According to an ancient folk story the "Great Race", the Jade Emperor decreed that the years on the calendar would be named for each animal in the order they reached the finish line of the running race. On the day of the race, the cunning rat hid on the back of the ox, and suddenly sprinted near the finish line, winning the first place, with the ox settling in the second place. The following animals reaching the line are tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig, creating the ranking of the twelve zodiac animals.

Tang Tricolor Pottery (The twelve Chinese Zodiac Signs)

As one of the important birthplaces of the Chinese civilization, Shaanxi boasts abundant cultural resources, including 91 national intangible cultural heritages and 674 provincial intangible cultural heritages.

Upon the upcoming Chinese New Year, Shaanxi Nature Museum held a featured exhibition featuring the Chinese Zodiac Signs, demonstrated through 9 traditional intangible cultural heritage techniques from Shaanxi, totalling 108 zodiac-themed works. This exhibition aims to enable visitors to experience the profoundness and charm of traditional Chinese culture.

Whistle made of clay (The Twelve Chinese Zodiac Signs)

Fengxiang Grass Weaving (The Twelve Chinese Zodiac Signs)

Shaanxi intangible cultural heritage featuring the Chinese dragon

Fengxiang Clay Sculpture

Ansai Paper-cutting

Paper-made Window Decoration 

Huaxian County Shadow Puppet Play

Yaozhou Kiln Porcelain

Gaoling Paper Lantern

As a part of Chinese traditional culture, the Twelve Zodiac Signs convey rich cultural connotations and historical background, well reflecting the customs, ways of thinking, values, and aesthetic feelings of different ethnic groups in China. They are crucial derivatives of the Chinese agricultural civilization.