If you have traveled to Japan, or watched some Japanese anime or TV dramas, you may find that Japanese people are quite concerned about the concept of “phases”. For example, “You were born in the year of the dragon? You must be great!” Or “People in the Year of the Dog are especially loyal.” This kind of statement is actually related to the “twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac”.
So, what are the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac? And what role does it play in Japanese culture? In this article, we’ll talk about the Japanese zodiac, where it came from, what it represents, and why it’s still important today.
1. What exactly is the Chinese Zodiac?
Simply put, the Chinese Zodiac is a way of representing a person’s year of birth using twelve animals. These twelve animals are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.
Each year corresponds to an animal, and the cycle repeats itself. For example, 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit, 2024 is the Year of the Dragon, and in another twelve years, it will go back to the Year of the Rabbit. So each person’s zodiac sign is actually determined by the year he/she was born.
However, many people may not know that apart from these twelve animals, there is a more complex system called “Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches”. There are ten “Heavenly Stems” and twelve “Earthly Branches” in this system, which can be combined to form a total of sixty different combinations to record time. These sixty combinations are also known as the “60 Koshi”.
In Japan, people call the age of sixty, “return to the calendar” (かんれき), which means the completion of a full cycle of sixty, symbolizing a rebirth or a new beginning.
2. Where did the Chinese Zodiac come from?
Although we are talking about the “Japanese” zodiac, its origins are actually in China. The system of using animals to represent the year was already in place in China as early as the first century B.C. The Chinese believed that the planet Jupiter orbited the Earth.
The Chinese believed that it took Jupiter about twelve years to circle the Earth, so they divided the sky into twelve regions, each corresponding to an animal. This was the earliest version of the Zodiac, which later evolved into the twelve signs of the zodiac that we are familiar with today.
When this system reached Japan, it was absorbed and localized by the Japanese. Although the overall structure remained the same, the Japanese added their own understanding and cultural elements to certain details.
For example, in Chinese tradition, the tiger usually symbolizes bravery, and in Japanese culture, the image of the tiger has been given a similar significance – representing bravery and undaunted spirit.
4. What are the meanings of the animals in the Chinese zodiac?
Let’s take a look at each of the twelve animals, what they each represent and whether there are any interesting stories behind them.
1. Rat
The rat is not an entirely negative character in Japanese culture. It is considered to be intelligent, flexible, and highly adaptable. The rat is also said to understand the language of cats and humans, which, although it sounds a bit exaggerated, shows the recognition of its intelligence.
Some studies have shown that an adult rat’s intelligence is equivalent to that of an eight-year-old child, which is considered high in the animal kingdom.
2. Ox
The ox represents hard work and strength in Japan. In the past, the ox was the most important helper for farmers, plowing the land and pulling carts. Therefore, Ox people are often regarded as down-to-earth and willing to work hard.
3. Tiger
The tiger is the king of the forest and symbolizes courage and strength. In the minds of the Japanese, the tiger is also the image of someone who is not afraid of difficulties and dares to take on challenges. Tiger people are often considered to be strong and action-oriented.
4. Rabbit
The rabbit gives the impression of being gentle, cute and agile. In Japanese folktales, rabbits are often the main characters, solving problems by their own ingenuity. Rabbits are generally considered to be gentle and communicative.
5. Dragon
The dragon is not a real animal, but it is very important in Japanese culture. Dragons symbolize power, good luck, and mystical strength. Historically, dragons were often associated with royalty and represented supremacy.
6. Snake
Snakes may look quiet, but they are actually very intelligent and adaptable. In Japanese culture, snakes are often depicted as intelligent animals that know how to change. Snake people are often considered to be delicate and insightful.
7. Horse
The horse was an important means of transportation in ancient times and an indispensable force on the battlefield. It symbolizes freedom, speed and power. Horse people are generally outgoing, adventurous and like to try new things.
8. Sheep
The Sheep seems docile and easy to get along with. In traditional Japanese culture, the Sheep also represents peace and good luck. Sheep people are generally considered to be soft and friendly.
9. Monkey
Monkeys are intelligent, mischievous and always curious. In Japanese legends, monkeys are often portrayed as resourceful. Monkeys tend to be active and hands-on.
10. Chicken
The chicken crows every morning to remind people to get up. So it is regarded as a representative of punctuality and diligence. In Japanese culture, the chicken also symbolizes alertness and responsibility.
11. dog
The dog is one of the most loyal animals. In Japan, dogs are not only regarded as pets, but also as friends who guard the family. Dogs are usually considered honest and reliable, with a strong sense of responsibility.
12. pig
The pig is an important domestic animal in agricultural societies, symbolizing abundance and a secure life. Pig people are generally considered to be cheerful and have a positive outlook on life.
4. Influence of the Chinese Zodiac in Japanese Society
Although it is now a modern society, the Chinese zodiac still has a lot of influence in Japan. It is not simply used to indicate the year, but is deeply integrated into the lives of Japanese people.
For example:
- When many parents name their children, they consider the child’s zodiac sign in the hope that the name will bring good luck.
- On New Year’s Day or birthdays, people also talk about their own or their friends’ zodiac signs and wish each other well.
- In some formal occasions, such as filling out forms and making personal profiles, the genus is also often mentioned.
What’s more, by knowing a person’s genus, Japanese people will find it easier to understand each other’s character traits, and will even refer to this in their dating, relationships, and workplace cooperation.
5. Summarize
Overall, the Japanese zodiac is more than just a dating tool; it is part of traditional Japanese culture and carries an understanding of nature, time and life.
Although this system first came from China, it has been processed and developed by the Japanese culture to form an expression with local characteristics.
Whether you want to learn more about Japanese culture or are simply interested in the “phases of the zodiac,” you can start by exploring the stories and meanings behind these twelve animals.
The next time you hear someone say, “Are you a dragon? You must be a great leader!” Maybe you can smile and respond, “Well, I do feel like I’m in charge.”
