The Signs
THE RAT
THE PIG
THE DOG
THE ROOSTER
THE MONKEY
THE GOAT
THE HORSE
THE SNAKE
THE DRAGON
THE RABBIT
THE TIGER
THE OX
As is common with historical narratives, multiple accounts regarding the origin of the Chinese Zodiac have emerged over time. This diversity is unsurprising given the ancient establishment of the Chinese Zodiac thousands of years ago. While various tales diverge in details, they generally concur on one aspect: the animals comprising the signs, or the 12 divisions of the Chinese Zodiac, responded to an invitation and were subsequently honoured by inclusion in the zodiac. While the story of these animals is intriguing, the origin of the Chinese Zodiac extends beyond this narrative.
Diverse accounts of the Chinese Zodiac’s origin present variations, such as discrepancies in the invitation’s source and nature. One narrative suggests that Buddha invited the animals to commemorate his departure from the world, while another attributes the invitation to the Jade Emperor’s birthday celebration. Additionally, discrepancies arise regarding the nature of the event: some myths describe a feast to which all animals were invited, while others depict a race where the first 12 finishers earned a place in the zodiac, with their order determined by their finish times.
The sequence of animals crossing the finish line was initiated by the rat, succeeded by the ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and lastly, the pig. Curiously, discussions surrounding the origin of the Chinese Zodiac often center on the order in which these animals appeared. This emphasis may stem from the story’s accessibility and entertainment value compared to the complexities of the physical and celestial factors that contributed to the development of Chinese numerical systems.
Older than 2,000 years?
While Buddha plays a prominent role in many tales surrounding the Chinese Zodiac’s origin, historical evidence suggests that the system predates the era of Buddhism. The 12 earthly branches, devised by early Chinese astronomers to measure time, existed long before Buddhism’s establishment. These astronomers meticulously observed Jupiter’s orbit, known as the “Year Star,” and concluded that it completed a cycle every 12 years. This likely influenced the Chinese Zodiac’s focus on yearly cycles rather than monthly ones.
Further evidence of the Chinese Zodiac’s pre-Buddhist origins lies in the use of the 10 heavenly stems. This numbering system dates back to the Shang Dynasty (1600 BC – 1027 BC) and was developed during that era. The 10 heavenly stems were rooted in the belief that celestial suns appeared in 10-day cycles. Each cycle received a distinct name, purportedly based on the clans comprising the ruling class of that period.
Despite the various origin stories surrounding the Chinese Zodiac, its enduring popularity and effectiveness as a tool for understanding destiny are likely to continue for many years to come!
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