China Zodiac Culture
China Zodiac: A Unique Interpretation of Cultural Symbols and Life Philosophy
As an important part of traditional culture in China, the China Zodiac has been bearing rich symbolic meanings and folk stories. They are arranged in a specific time sequence and correspond to the twelve branches, which not only embodies the wisdom of the ancients on time division, but also contains profound observations on animal characteristics and natural phenomena. Below, we will introduce the time and origin of each zodiac one by one.
Rat: 11: 00 pm to 1: 00 am As the head of the zodiac, mice often appear as witty and cunning images in folk stories. According to legend, the Jade Emperor held an animal race and decided to arrange the zodiac in the order of arrival in the Heavenly Palace. Although the mouse is small in size and weak in strength, with wisdom and strategy, it hides in the horn in advance, jumps down at the finish line and arrives first before the cow, thus becoming the first of the 12 zodiac animals. In addition, mice are most active when they are young, so they are regarded as "offspring mice".
Ugly cow: 1 am to 3 am Cows rank second in the zodiac and are called "ugly cows". According to the twelve o'clock division of the ancients, it was ugly from one to three in the morning, when the cows were ruminating or starting to plow. Cattle, as an important symbol of farming civilization, represents hard work and dedication, so ancestors called this time "ugly cow" to express their gratitude to cattle.
Yinhu: 3: 00 am to 5: 00 am. Yinhu's corresponding Yinshi is from 3 am to 5 am, which is called Pingdan or Dawn. Yinshi is the time when a person is born, and there is bound to be death in life, and there is no other way to kill people than a tiger, so Yin belongs to a tiger. Tigers are benevolent beasts in folk beliefs, representing majesty and strength. The image of Yinhu not only reflects the ancient people's awe of tigers, but also entrusts people with deep thinking about life and death.
Maotu: 5: 00 to 7: 00 a.m. Maotu corresponds to Maoshi from 5: 00 to 7: 00 in the morning, which symbolizes the beginning of the day, light and hope. The docile, peaceful and elegant image of rabbits is deeply loved by people, so it is associated with Mao Shi. There are legends about rabbits, such as Jade Rabbit in the Moon and the Goddess Chang'e flying to the moon. These stories not only enrich the cultural connotation of rabbits, but also reflect the ancient people's yearning for a better life.
Chen Long: 7: 00 am to 9: 00 am. The time corresponding to the dragon is from 7: 00 to 9: 00 in the morning, also known as "dragon time". Dragon, the fifth animal in the zodiac, is the only fictional animal, but it has a very high position in China culture. Legend has it that the dragon can call the wind and rain, and it is a sacred object in the hearts of emperors and people. The origin of the dragon is related to the observation of stars and astronomy in ancient times, and it also reflects the worship and imagination of the mysterious creature of the ancients.
Snake: 9: 00 am to 11: 00 am The time corresponding to the snake is from 9: 00 am to 11: 00 am, which is called "snake time". Snake has a mysterious and complicated symbolic meaning in China culture, which represents concealment, change and strong vitality. Many leaders of ancient clans and tribes have the image of snake body or the legend of snakes. The snake's flexibility and vitality make it an indispensable member of the zodiac.
Afternoon horse: 11: 00 to 1: 00 noon The noon horse corresponds to noon from 11: 00 to 1: 00, which is when the sun is strongest. As an important vehicle in ancient times and in wars, horses represent speed and strength. Legend has it that the wild horse was not tamed at noon and ran around screaming, so it was associated with noon and formed the image of "noon horse". Horse in China culture not only symbolizes courage and loyalty, but also implies freedom and unrestrained.
Sheep (added here in the traditional order, not mentioned in the original text): 1: 00 pm to 3: 00 pm Although the original text did not mention the specific time and origin of the sheep, in the traditional culture of China, the sheep is also one of the twelve zodiac signs, which is usually associated with meekness, kindness and auspiciousness. The image of sheep is common in folk stories and myths and legends, such as auspicious words such as "Three sheep open Thailand", which all reflect people's love and blessing for sheep.
Monkey application: 3: 00 pm to 5: 00 pm The corresponding time for applying for a monkey is from 3 pm to 5 pm. During this time, the sun begins to set west, and monkeys like to crow at this time. Monkeys are clever and witty, so they are associated with applying for the time and form the image of "applying for monkeys". In China culture, monkeys often appear as symbols of good luck and wisdom, and classic images such as the Monkey King are deeply loved by people.
Chicken: 5: 00 pm to 7: 00 pm The unitary time corresponding to the unitary chicken is from five o'clock to seven o'clock in the afternoon. This time period is when the sun goes down, and the chicken spins in front of the nest to prepare for homing. Chicken represents diligence and punctuality in China culture, so it is associated with Youshi and forms the image of "You Chicken". In addition, chicken is also associated with auspicious, evil spirits and other meanings, such as "golden rooster announces dawn" and other auspicious words reflect this point.
Dog: 7: 00 pm to 9: 00 pm The corresponding time for dogs is from 7: 00 to 9: 00 in the evening. At this time, the sun has set and the sky is getting dark. Dogs, as loyal partners and guardians of human beings, began to become active and protect their homes during this period. Therefore, Qi Shi is called "the dog". In China culture, the dog represents loyalty and courage, and it is an indispensable member of the Chinese zodiac.
Porcupine: 9: 00 pm to 11: 00 pm. The sea time corresponding to the sea pig is from 9: 00 pm to 11: 00 pm. At this time, the night is deep and people begin to rest. Pigs represent abundance and ease in China culture, so they are associated with Hai Shi, forming the image of "Hai Pig". Although the pig is often regarded as a symbol of laziness and clumsiness in the zodiac, there are also many auspicious meanings and beautiful legends about the pig in folk stories.
To sum up, the China Zodiac not only embodies the ancient people's profound observation and understanding of time and animals, but also carries rich cultural connotations and folk stories. Each zodiac sign contains a unique symbolic meaning and a beautiful moral, which has become an indispensable part of China culture.