Chinese Zodiac - Zodiac Origin Stories

Zodiac Origin Stories

There are many stories and fables to explain the beginning of the zodiac. Since the Han Dynasty, the 12 Earthly Branches have been used to record the time of day. However, for the sake of entertainment and convenience, they have been replaced by the 12 animals. The 24 hours are divided into 12 periods, and a mnemonic refers the behaviour of the animals:

A Branch may refer a double-hour period. In the latter case it is the center of the period; for instance, 马 (the Horse) means noon or a period from 11am to 1pm.

• Rat (Zishi): 23:00 to 1:00. This is the time when Rats are most active in seeking food. Rat also have a different number of digits on front and hind legs, thus earning Rat the symbol of "turn over" or "new start".

• Ox (Choushi): 01:00 to 02:59. This is the time when Oxen begin to chew the cud slowly and comfortably.

• Tiger (Yinshi): 03:00 to 04:59. This is the time when Tigers hurt their prey more and show their ferocity.

• Rabbit (Maoshi): 05:00 to 06:59. This is the time when the Jade Rabbit is busy pounding herbal medicine on the Moon according to the tale.

• Dragon (Chenshi): 07:00 to 08:59. This is the time when Dragons are hovering in the sky to give rain.

• Snake (Sishi): 09:00 to 10:59. This is the time when Snakes are leaving their caves.

• Horse (Wushi): 11:00 to 12:59. This is the time when the sun is high overhead and while other animals are lying down for a rest, Horses are still standing.

• Goat (Weishi): 13:00 to 14:59. This is the time when Goats eat grass and urinate frequently.

• Monkey (Shenshi): 15:00 to 16:59. This is the time when Monkeys are lively.

• Rooster (Youshi): 17:00 to 18:59. This is the time when Roosters begin to go back to their coops.

• Dog (Xushi): 19:00 to 20:59. This is the time when Dogs begin to carry out their duty of guarding the houses.

• Pig (Haishi): 21:00 to 22:59. This is the time when Pigs are sleeping sweetly.