Ne (Nezumi) - RatIn the old Chinese lunar calendar, 2005 is the Year of the Rooster. We thought that the topic for this quarter should be a discussion of the twelve animals of the Asian zodiac. In Japan, these animals are part of the jikkan junishi, also called eto. It is part of the old system for the divisions of time i.e. hours, days, month and years. Jikkan-junishi literally means ten stems and twelve branches. In addition to dividing time it is also used to indicate directions. These systems of division originated in China and were adopted in Japan by order of empress Suiko the seventh century.
The ten stems were thought to count days of the month, in three groups of ten; the twelve branches were used to count months. The two systems were eventually combined to develop the Cycle of Sixty. In addition to denoting time, this system was used to divine auspicious and inauspicious days and directions to travel. The twelve branch system became indentified with animals and this in turn began to be used as a way of divination much like astrology. The first recorded use of this naming convention is seen in China in the T'ang Dynasty but it probably was in use before that. There is still some debate as to how these particular animals were chosen. There is a case made that they came from the immigration of the Tartar to China, whereas others say they were borrowed from the Turks around the 1st century. Yet another legend has it that these were the animals that surrounded Buddha when he died.
As we have previously mentioned in our article Time in Old Japan, the ten elements are: both the elder and younger brother of the elements of wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. The zodiac signs are: the rat, ox, tiger, hare, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and wild boar. The succession in years is a combination of first element- first zodiac, the next in the cycle is second element-second sign and so on which then comprise the cycle of sixty. There are two naming conventions for these combinations in Japan: one is the "on" system which is the Japanese approximation of the Chinese pronunciation of the Chinese ideogram; the other is the indigenous Japanese language names for the combination of elements and animals.
In Western astrology, the division of "monthly" astral signs determine personality types. So if you're Pisces, or Aries you are a certain personality type. In Asian zodiac, a yearly division determines your nature. If you are born in the Year of the Rooster, 2005 is your year and good fortune should be yours. Some years are more auspicious than others. For example the Year of the Dragon is said to be a year of great highs and deep lows, a year of uncertainty. The reason is that the curling back of the dragon is usually depicted with "hills and valleys". Usually the characteristics of the animal dictate the type of year and the personality type. The following are the junishi:
Ne (Nezumi) - RatDepicted here with Daikoku's magical mallet, the rat is usually Daikoku's companion. People born in the Year of the Rat are: charming, clever, imaginative, thrifty but generous to loved ones. They pursue goals, are honest and ambitious, but can be opportunistic. They can be angered easily and be overly critical, but they control their emotions and appear to be calm. Years of the Rat are: 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008
Ushi - OxIt is said that the ox was the second to arrive at Buddha's side because the rat hitched a ride on his back and jumped off at the last second. Ox people are patient, kind, talented, creative, smart and successful. Although they are the strong silent type, when they do speak, they are eloquent. They are considered to be born leaders because they inspire confidence from others. Years of the Ox are: 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009.
Tora-
TigerSensitive, short tempered, great strength, courageous are the major characteristics of Year of the Tiger people. They are also held in high esteem by other people because they have empathy for people they like. But they can be considered stubborn, get easily carried away and rebellious. Years are: 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010.
U (Usagi)
-Hare
Rabbit people are affectionate, talented, virtuous, ambitious, eloquent, financiallly lucky, clever, conservative, and honest. But their over sentimental nature makes them appear superficial. Hare Years are: 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011.
Dragon year people are considered brave, honest and healthy. They exhibit energy, power and inspire trust because their word is true and sincere. But they can be considered foolhardy and perfectionists and overly demanding. Dragon years are: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012
Mi -
SnakeSnake people are determined, finanacially lucky, deep thinkers, quiet and wise. They don't rely on others and they are persistant and determined. For obvious reasons they are considered good lovers and women born in snake years are supposed to be beautiful. They tend to procrastination and a stingy nature. Snake Years are: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013.
Uma
-Horse
The traits of horse people are quick, skillful, cheerful, hard workers and very adaptable. They are considered wise and diplomatic. They also dress well and are very independent. They have a selfish streak and tend to be egotistical. The Horse Years are: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
Hitsuji
- Goat or RamA gentle, charming nature, generous, charitable, passionate and elegant are some of the traits of goat people. They are financially successful and accomplished in the arts. They are worriers and somewhat pessimistic. Years are: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015.
Saru
- MonkeyDepicted here in the sanzaru motif, hear no evil, speak no evil, see no evil, the Three Truths of the Tendai Sect of Buddhism. Saru people are very clever, witty, creative and inventive. They see a project throught to a successful conclusion. Usually knowledgeable and successful in their endeavors. They are opportunistic and distrustful of other people. Monkeys were thought to be divine messengers and kept diseases from horses, because of this a monkey is usually kept tied at stables. Monkey years: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016.
Tori
-RoosterWe are currently in the Year of the Rooster. Rooster people are thoughtful and hard wokers, always busy. They are also eccentric and individualistic. They seem boastful to others, are dreamers, and flashy dressers. They are also extremely extravagant. Years are: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017.
Inu
- DogDog people are loyal and honest. Like their animal counterpart they are well liked and have a sense of duty and loyalty, which also makes them good workers. Dog people are constant worriers and tend to find fault quite easily. Dog years are: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018.
I
- BoarBoar people are affectionate, strong , determined, chivalrous, intelligent, great companion and courageous. They are brave, gallant and loyal friends. Honest and sincere they expect the same from others, They are very naive. Boar years are 1935,1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019.