Unit 7 Chinese Zodiac Signs课文衡水体字帖-2023-2024学年高三上学期中职英语语文版（2021）基础模块3

Unit 7 淡墨水字帖 danmoshui.com1 / 1 The Chinese Zodiac plays an important role in Chinese folk culture. Each animal has symbolic meanings. The 12 animals are divided into six pairs. In each pair the two animals are matched and can't be separated based on characteristics. Rat and Ox: Rat is a symbol of wisdom while Ox is a symbol of hard work. Tiger and Rabbit: Tiger is a symbol of bravery and strength while Rabbit symbolises carefulness. Dragon and Snake: Dragon is a symbol of strength and hardness while Snake symbolises changeability. Horse and Sheep: Horse is a symbol of purposefulness and marching forward with unshakable energy will while Sheep is a symbol of peace. Monkey and Rooster: Monkey is a symbol of workability while Rooster, which crows every morning, is a symbol of firmness. Dog and Pig: Dog is a symbol of trustiness while Pig is considered agreeable. 淡墨水字帖 danmoshui.com1 / 1 A Legend of the Chinese Zodiac There are many interesting stories and legends in the Chinese traditional culture. Do you know why Rat of the Chinese zodiac is placed as number one? Long, long ago, there was no Chinese zodiac. The Jade Emperor wanted to select 12 animals to be his guards. He sent a messenger into man's world to spread the message that the earlier one went through the Heavenly Gate, the better rank one would have. The next day, the animals set off towards the Heavenly Gate. Rat got up very early. On his way to the gate, he came across a river. He had to stop there because he couldn't cross the river. After waiting for a long time, Rat noticed Ox was about to cross the river. It quickly jumped into Ox's ear. The hardworking Ox did not mind at all and simply continued. After crossing the river, Ox raced towards the palace of the Jade Emperor.Suddenly, Rat jumped out of Ox's ear and rushed to the feet of the Emperor. So Rat won the first place and Ox was second.