What Are Chinese Zodiac Signs? Where Did They Come From?

The Chinese zodiac, also known as the Twelve Animals, is a traditional Chinese folk cultural symbol. It consists of the Twelve Earthly Branches paired with twelve animals: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. It forms a 12-year cycle to mark years and people's birth years. There are many legends about its origin. One story says the twelve animals were designated for year-marking by the ancient Yellow Emperor. Another links it to the introduction of Buddhism. Some scholars believe it evolved from animal totem worship among ancient ethnic minorities. The zodiac is closely tied to the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches system. There are ten Heavenly Stems and twelve Earthly Branches. Ancient Chinese used them together to count years. The twelve Earthly Branches were represented by twelve animals, giving birth to the zodiac. The zodiac is the animal-form representation of Earthly Branches, a wisdom of ancient people for recording time.