Chinese Zodiac , Animals and Elements.
HowStuffWorks recently offered readers a crash course on the Chinese zodiac.
.
Sometime before 1000 B.C.E., the Chinese developed a complex astrological system that divided the year into 24 parts.
.
The Chinese zodiac follows Jupiter’s orbit… Jupiter takes 12 years to orbit the sun.
This is called the ‘great year.’ , Virginia Loh-Hagan, Author of 'Chinese Zodiac,' via HowStuffWorks.
The Chinese zodiac follows Jupiter’s orbit… Jupiter takes 12 years to orbit the sun.
This is called the ‘great year.’ , Virginia Loh-Hagan, Author of 'Chinese Zodiac,' via HowStuffWorks.
The cycle repeats every 5 great years.
Every 60th year is a golden year, Virginia Loh-Hagan, Author of 'Chinese Zodiac,' via HowStuffWorks.
12 animals each represent a year in a 12-year cycle.
, Rat: creative, innovative, imaginative Ox: stable, hard-working.
12 animals each represent a year in a 12-year cycle.
, Rat: creative, innovative, imaginative Ox: stable, hard-working.
Tiger: authoritative, intense, courageous Rabbit: popular, compassionate, family-minded, Dragon: energetic, fearless Snake: charming, smart, introverted.
Tiger: authoritative, intense, courageous Rabbit: popular, compassionate, family-minded, Dragon: energetic, fearless Snake: charming, smart, introverted.
Tiger: authoritative, intense, courageous Rabbit: popular, compassionate, family-minded, Dragon: energetic, fearless Snake: charming, smart, introverted.
Horse: independent, hard-working Rooster: attentive, emotional, hard-working , Ram: shy, kind Monkey: fun, energetic.
Dog: patient, faithful, Pig: loving, honest.
Dog: patient, faithful, Pig: loving, honest.
Five elements also divide the Chinese calendar:, Metal: structure Water: emotion Wood: growth Fire: leadership Earth: stability.
Combining the five elements with the 12 zodiac animals creates 60 different combinations that represent a complete 60 year cycle.
