1、【標題】    中國生肖與西方星座的文化對比 【作者】王 慶 【關鍵詞】中國文化；西方文化；生肖；星座 【指導老師】程 瓊 【專業】英語 【正文】I. IntroductionCulture, usually defined as the total of material and spiritual products, shapes peoples speech, ways of life and thinking, aesthetic sense, etc. Consequently, everything we live with bears an

2、 indelible mark of our own culture. The twelve symbolic animals are part of Chinese culture which functions in classifying Chinese people born in different years. While, in western cultures, the twelve star signs serve people born in different months. A look at the Sino-western Zodiac can give us an

3、 idea of these two different cultures. In this thesis the present writer focuses his attention on the cultural similarities and differences of the two Zodiacs. It covers their origins, characteristics, choices and calculations on born people respectively so as to show a picture to people in differen

4、t cultures. Through a discussion of the cultures of the Zodiac at home and abroad, the writer hopes to enhance the awareness of similarities and differences for peoples in these two cultures.II. Culture of Chinese ZodiacA. Legends of the Chinese Zodiac SignsThe Chinese Lunar New Year is the longest

5、chronological record in history, dating from 2600BC, when the Emperor Huang Ti introduced the first cycle of the zodiac. The Chinese Lunar Calendar names each of the twelve years after an animal. The 12 Animals Signs are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and

6、Pig.     1. Chinese Zodiac Signs Legend 1     There are many legends about the picking of the twelve signs. One legend has it that the Lord Buddha summoned all the animals to come to him before he departed from earth. Only twelve came to bid him farewell and a

7、s a reward he named a year after each one in the order they arrived.     2. Chinese Zodiac Signs Legend 2     According to another legend, many years ago Buddha summoned all the animals to a meeting in which he would designate the first 12 animals arriving, to

8、 be signs of a year respectively. On the night before the departure, cat notified his pal, rat, and they agreed that the one waking up first the next morning must awake the other so they can depart for the meeting together. However, rat broke his promise and arrived for the meeting alone. Then, ox,

9、tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig arrived one after the other. When cat woke up and hurried there, the meeting was over. It is said that is the reason why the cat kills rats.3. Chinese Zodiac Signs Legend 3According to another Chinese legend, the twelve animals

10、 quarreled one day as to who was to head the cycle of years. The gods were asked to decide and they held a contest: whoever was to reach the opposite bank of the river would be first, and the rest of the animals would receive their years according to their finish. All the twelve animals gathered at

11、the river bank and jumped in. Unknown to the ox, the rat had jumped upon his back. As the ox was about to jump ashore, the rat jumped off the oxs back, and won the race. The pig, which was very lazy, ended up last. That is why the rat is the first year of the animal cycle, the ox second and the pig

12、last. 1B. Order of Chinese ZodiacAccording to Chinese legend, when the system was created, thirteen animals argued about who got to be first in the cycle of years. The gods (or the Jade Emperor or the Buddha, depending on where you hear the story) decided that a contest was the only fair way to

13、 settle the matter. The animals would race across a river and be placed in the cycle in the order that they finished.The Rat & the Ox: The thirteen animals gathered on one side of the river and jumped in. The rat was a poor swimmer and decided that the best way to cross the river was to rid

14、e on the oxs back. The oxapparently a little na?velet the rat on board. As soon as the ox crossed the river, the rat jumped off his back and, in a photo finish, touched the shore first.     The Tiger: Not far behind was the tiger, which had a harder time fighting the rivers curre

15、nt than the ox, but was just strong enough to come in third.     The Rabbit & the Dragon: The rabbit arrived next, explaining that it planned to cross the river by jumping from one stone to another. Halfway across, though, the rabbit hopped onto a floating log and almost

16、 got swept downstream. The log somehow washed up on shore. The dragon, which flew across the river, came in fifth. The gods were curious as to why a mighty flying dragon didnt come in first place. The dragon explained that it had to stop to make rain for the earth. On the way to the finish line, the

17、 dragon saw rabbit clinging to a log and decided to do a good deed and blow the log to shore.The Snake & the Horse: The horse then came galloping up onto the shore, only to be surprised by the sight of the snake, which had hidden itself wrapped around the horses hoof. The startled horse fel

18、l backwards into the river, allowing the snake the sixth spot, while the horse placed seventh.The Ram, the Monkey & the Rooster: The ram, monkey and rooster came ashore together after helping each other across the river. The rooster spotted a raft at the start of the race and agreed to shar

19、e if the others rowed. The gods placed them in the order they stepped off the raft.The Dog & the Pig: The dog, which was supposed to be the best swimmer of the bunch, came in eleventh place. It explained that it was so far behind because it hadnt had a good bath in a while and decided to ta

20、ke one in the river. The pig, which finished last, also got held up when it got hungry during the race and stopped for lunch and a nap.2C. The Twelve Animal Signs1. Characteristics of the Twelve Animal Signs Characteristics of Rat: Rats are sensitive, resourceful, and adaptable. People born in

21、the Year of the Rat are kind, curious, and quick-witted by nature. They are good at seizing opportunity and can easily master a wide range of subjects. These qualities, along with their innate optimism, make them very lovable. Women born in the Year of the Rat are very clean and neat, and create met

22、iculously organized domestic environments.      However, people born in the Year of the Rat also tend to be rather timid and lacking in leadership qualities. They generally do not have the forcefulness to serve as authority figures.Characteristics of Ox: Like the diligent an

23、d earnest ox, people born in the Year of the Ox are enterprising, cautious, and sure-footed by nature. They carefully consider the consequences of their actions, stand by their convictions, and have great endurance and patience. People born in the Year of the Ox attach great importance to both work

24、and home, are conservative, and respect tradition.      People born in the Year of the Ox can also be bull-headed and stubborn, and are not particularly good at social interaction.      Characteristics of Tiger: Tiger is the fiercest of the twelve an

25、imals of the Chinese zodiac. People born in the Year of the Tiger are strong and self-confident by nature, and tend to be risk-takers. They thrive on challenge and hate to defer to others, preferring to be in charge. Like the tiger, they convey an air of calm dignity, and will not rest until they ac

26、hieve their goals.      People born in the Year of the Tiger tend to be overconfident, and have difficulty communicating effectively. They often go to extremes, and although they may have numerous acquaintances, they find it difficult to form deep friendships.  

27、60;   Characteristics of Rabbit: People born in the Year of the Rabbit are careful and prudent by nature. They prefer to have a calm and stable love life. They have a highly developed sense of aesthetics, and create beautifully arranged and furnished homes. Like the docile rabbit, people b

28、orn in the Year of the Rabbit are gentle and compassionate, and always willing to help others. They are outstanding workers, although they dont always stick to their opinions.      People born in the Year of the Rabbit are often overcautious. They are unwilling to reveal the

29、ir true feelings, and tend towards escapism. Due to their gentle and accommodating nature, they easily fall into emotional entanglements. Characteristics of Dragon: Dragon is the only animal in the Chinese zodiac that does not exist in the natural world. People born in the Year of the Dragon ar

30、e physically vigorous and full of energy. They are highly ambitious, and do not easily admit defeat. Their intense sense of self leads them to strive for perfection in all things and to be quite concerned with their public image.      Due to their constant pursuit of perfect

31、ion, people born in the Year of the Dragon may be rather irascible. They expect a lot from others, and tend to be intolerant. They are easily frustrated and lacking in tenacity, and prefer to retreat rather than risk failure. Characteristics of Snake: Clever and adaptable Snake is the only cold

32、blooded animal in the Chinese zodiac. People born in the Year of the Snake are cool and collected by nature. They are eloquent and tenacious, inspired and resourceful, and are unwilling to accept defeat.      However, people born in the Year of the Snake also tend to be self

33、-important and suspicious, and need to work on cooperating with others. They have a vulnerable side to their personality, and can be easily hurt emotionally. Characteristics of Horse: Like a beautiful and spirited horse running free, people born in the Year of the Horse are optimistic and outgo

34、ing, always moving forward. They are indomitable by nature, and nothing will stop them from reaching their goals. People born in the Year of the Horse are snappy dressers, and like to look their best.      People born in the Year of the Horse are often short-tempered, and do

35、 not easily accept advice from others. They tend to be insufficiently thrifty in their lifestyle, and often are overly concerned with reputation and surface appearances. Characteristics of Sheep: According to some legends, it is relatively inauspicious to be born in the Year of the Sheep, but t

36、his prejudice is unwarranted. People born in the Year of the Sheep are meticulous and considerate by nature, and are able to find appropriate ways to deal with any situation. They are steadfast and unafraid of hardship, and understand the value of thrift. However, people born in the Year of the

37、 Sheep can be self-absorbed and obstinate, while also timid and irresolute. They are attracted to the mysterious, and prefer to resign themselves to fate rather than struggle to overcome it. Women born in the Year of the Sheep are kindhearted and supportive, and are ideal domestic partners. Cha

38、racteristics of Monkey: Monkey is the cleverest of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac. People born in the Year of the Monkey are brave and resourceful, energetic and competitive, and enjoy novelty. They have a great thirst for knowledge and astonishing powers of recall. Their eloquence and sen

39、sitivity enable them to easily win the trust of others.      However, people born in the Year of the Monkey love to exaggerate and can be quite capricious. Due to their highly playful nature, they tend to be flighty and impetuous. Characteristics of Rooster: People born

40、 in the Year of the Rooster enjoy dressing up, especially in unusual styles, and have a unique sense of color. They are excellent debaters, and are extremely persuasive. They say what they think without holding anything back, and are very good at communicating. People born in the Year of the Rooster

41、 are highly disciplined and responsible, and dislike slackers.      People born in the Year of the Rooster are rather anxious by nature. The moment they are dissatisfied about something, they blurt it out, often disregarding the impact on others. This lack of discretion is t

42、heir greatest social failing. They also need to guard against a tendency to be conceited. Characteristics of Dog: Dogs are humankinds most faithful friend. People born in the Year of the Dog are very strong-willed, and will stick to their guns as long as they believe they are right. They are ex

43、tremely loyal in friendship and love, and would rather suffer themselves than hurt others. They will not engage in dishonorable actions for their own benefit.      People born in the Year of the Dog tend to emotional highs and lows, and are easily upset. They also can be ove

44、rly critical of others.Characteristics of Pig: People born in the Year of the Pig are optimists by nature. They have good luck with money, and can make a living relatively effortlessly. People born in the Year of the Pig are honest and upright. They are extremely generous with their friends, and don

45、t haggle over pennies. Women born in the Year of the Pig are ideal domestic partners, and are very good at managing their households.      People born in the Year of the Pig are very kindhearted, but due to their overly trusting nature they can easily be deceived. They love

46、ease and pleasure, and can be lazy and unmotivated. 32. Perpetual Calendar for the Year of the Twelve Animal SignsPerpetual Calendar for the Year of the RatPeople whose birthdays fall during the following periods are born in the Year of the Rat: February 05, 1924 - January 23, 1925 Ja

47、nuary 24, 1936 - February 10, 1937 February 10, 1948 - January 28, 1949 January 28, 1960 - February 14, 1961 February 15, 1972 - February 02, 1973 February 02, 1984 - February 19, 1985 February 19, 1996 - February 06, 1997 February 07, 2008

48、 - January 25, 2009 The first date indicates Lunar New Years Day. The second date indicates the last day of the lunar year.Perpetual Calendar for the Year of the Ox People whose birthdays fall during the following periods are born in the Year of the Ox: January 25, 1925 

49、;- February 12, 1926 February 11, 1937 - January 30, 1938 January 29, 1949 - February 16, 1950 February 15, 1961 - February 04, 1962 February 03, 1973 - January 22, 1974 February 20, 1985 - February 08, 1986 February 07, 1997 - January 27,

50、1998 January 26, 2009 - February 13, 2010 The first date indicates Lunar New Years Day. The second date indicates the last day of the lunar year.Perpetual Calendar for the Year of the Tiger People whose birthdays fall during the following periods are born in the Year of the

51、Tiger: February 13, 1926 - February 01, 1927 January 31, 1938 - February 18, 1939 February 17, 1950 - February 05, 1951 February 05, 1962 - January 24, 1963 January 23, 1974 - February 10, 1975 February 09, 1986 - January 28, 1987 Janu

52、ary 28, 1998 - February 15, 1999 February 14, 2010 - February 02, 2011 The first date indicates Lunar New Years Day. The second date indicates the last day of the lunar year.Perpetual Calendar for the Year of the Rabbit People whose birthdays fall during the following p

53、eriods are born in the Year of the Rabbit: February 02, 1927 - January 22, 1928 February 19, 1939 - February 07,1940 February 06, 1951 - January 26, 1952 January 25, 1963 - February 12, 1964 February 11, 1975 - January 30, 1976 January 29, 1987&

54、#160;- February 16, 1988 February 16, 1999 - February 04, 2000 February 03, 2011 - January 22, 2012 The first date indicates Lunar New Years Day. The second date indicates the last day ofthe lunar year. Perpetual Calendar for the Year of the Dragon  People who

55、se birthdays fall during the following periods are born in the Year of the Dragon: February 03, 1916 - January 22, 1917 January 23, 1928 - February 09, 1929 February 08, 1940 - January 26, 1941 January 27, 1952 - February 13, 1953 February 13, 1964 -

56、 February 01, 1965 January 31, 1976 - February 17, 1977 February 17, 1988 - February 05, 1989 February 05, 2000 - January 23, 2001 January 23, 2012 - February 09, 2013 The first date indicates Lunar New Years Day. The second date indicates the last day of

57、 the lunar year. Perpetual Calendar for the Year of the Snake People whose birthdays fall during the following periods are born in the Year of the Snake: January 23, 1917 - February 10, 1918 February 10, 1929 - January 29, 1930 January 27, 1941 - February 14,

58、1942 February 14, 1953 - February 02, 1954 February 02, 1965 - January 20, 1966 February 18, 1977 - February 06, 1978 February 06, 1989 - January 26, 1990 January 24, 2001 - February 11, 2002 February 10, 2013 - January 30, 2014 The fi

59、rst date indicates Lunar New Years Day. The second date indicates the last day of the lunar year.Perpetual Calendar for the Year of the Horse People whose birthdays fall during the following periods are born in the Year of the Horse: February 11, 1918 - January 31, 1919 Janu

60、ary 30, 1930 - February 16, 1931 February 15, 1942 - February 04, 1943 February 03, 1954 - January 23, 1955 January 21, 1966 - February 08, 1967 February 07, 1978 - January 27, 1979 January 27, 1990 - February 14, 1991 February 12, 2002

61、0;- January 31, 2003 January 31, 2014 - February 18, 2015 The first date indicates Lunar New Years Day. The second date indicates the last day of the lunar year.Perpetual Calendar for the Year of the Sheep People whose birthdays fall during the following periods are born in the Y

62、ear of the Sheep: February 01, 1919 - February 19, 1920 February 17, 1931 - February 05, 1932 February 05, 1943 - January 24, 1944 January 24, 1955 - February 11, 1956 February 09, 1967 - January 29, 1968 January 28, 1979 - February 15, 198

63、0 February 15, 1991 - February 03, 1992 February 01, 2003 - January 21, 2004 February 19, 2015 - February 07, 2016 The first date indicates Lunar New Years Day. The second date indicates the last day of the lunar year.Perpetual Calendar for the Year of the Monkey People whose birthdays fall during the following periods are born in the Year of the Monkey: February 20, 1920 - February 07, 1921 February 06, 1932 - January 25, 1933 January 25, 1944 - February 12, 1945 February 12, 1956 - January 30, 1957