Question — While Cat and Rabbit have some significant similarities in size, coat and domestication, they differ markedly in character, behavior and diet. Is the Cat a Taoist and the Rabbit a Bhuddist? I just wondered if you might have some explanation.
Answer — For "purely" Chinese peoples, the fourth sign of the Zodiac is governed by the Rabbit (sometimes the Hare). But for some "Chinese-inspired" peoples in Southeast Asia, especially the Vietnamese, the Rabbit is replaced by the Cat, for the simple reason that the Cat is much more familiar than the Rabbit among them.
The same is true concerning the second sign, which is governed by the Ox in China and by the Buffalo in Vietnam.
However, the symbolism of these animals is meant to remain the same. Both the Rabbit and the Cat are assumed to symbolize cleverness (they always fall on their feet!), mental acuteness, an aristocratic air. On the other hand, both the Ox and the Buffalo symbolize patience, steadfastness, the sense of duty, hard work, and faithfulness, etc.
Similarly, a "ricewinner" in Asian countries is the counterpart of a "breadwinner" in Western countries.
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