Order of the 12 Chinese Zodiac Signs

2024 is the Year of the Blue Dragon, Gapjin! In the order of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs, it is the 5th sign, known as 'Jin' (Dragon). Let me share a bit of nostalgia — if you were part of the 80s or 90s generation, you might be familiar with a cartoon called 'Kkureogi Subidae' (Twelve Tiny Superheroes). Its opening song is said to list all 12 zodiac animals in order.

1. Key Content

Ddolgi, Ddeongi, Hochi, Saechomi — Ja, Chuk, In, Myo Dragon, Yorongi, Macho, Mimi — Jin, Sa, O, Mi Mungchi, Kiki, Gangdari, Jjingjjingi — Sin, Yu, Sul, Hae All together, Kkureogi — we are the twelve animals [From the Kkureogi Subidae opening song] We often ask each other about our zodiac sign to guess someone's age or figure out the year they were born. But why did animals come to represent the zodiac signs? And how was the order of the 12 zodiac signs determined? To answer these questions, we need to understand what the 12 Zodiac Guardians (Sipijishin) are. The 12 Zodiac Guardians? First, the 12 Zodiac Guardians are known as the Twelve Divine Generals or Twelve Divine Kings who guard the earth. They are said to drive away all evil spirits and protect villages. The Twelve Earthly Branches (十二支) are: Ja (子), Chuk (丑), In (寅), Myo (卯), Jin (辰), Sa (巳), O (午), Mi (未), Sin (

2. Detailed Explanation

申), Yu (酉), Sul (戌), Hae (亥). They were revered as time deities associated with directions. As seen in Kkureogi Subidae, the 12 zodiac animals in order are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. When we were young, there was a story that the 12 animals raced, and their finishing order determined their rank. The most memorable version is that the ox was running in first place, but a clever rat had secretly hidden on the ox's back and dashed ahead just before the finish line to claim first place. Origin The Twelve Earthly Branches are said to have originated from China. In ancient times, many different ethnic groups lived together, requiring them to mark the seasons using constellations.

3. How It Is Used

They adopted the concept of the Western zodiac's twelve signs. Additionally, China began using 12 zodiac animals to represent the constellations. Since each sign is also associated with a specific time of day, let's explore the time periods linked to each zodiac sign. Time Periods by Zodiac Sign Order

• Ja-si (11 PM – 1 AM) The rat, symbolizing wealth and abundance, is naturally nocturnal and is said to be most active during this time.
• Chuk-si (1 AM – 3 AM) The ox, symbolizing patience and gentleness, is known for its stubbornness. Chuk-si is the time when the ox prepares for its morning plowing.
• In-si (3 AM – 5 AM) The tiger, called by words representing valor such as Mountain King, Mountain Lord, and Hero, is sometimes depicted as a mountain deity.

4. Additional Information

In-si is said to be the time when the tiger wakes from sleep and roars, making it a period for warding off misfortune — when the tiger is at its most powerful.

• Myo-si (5 AM – 7 AM) Do you remember the childhood story of a rabbit living on the moon? Myo-si, the time associated with the rabbit — symbolizing wisdom and cleverness — is the early morning when the sun gradually rises.
• Jin-si (7 AM – 9 AM) The dragon, when imagined in its form with rain and clouds, carries a mysterious quality as it wanders through the clouds and disappears. It is also known as a mythical creature said to determine whether a year brings a good harvest or a bad one.
• Sa-si (9 AM – 11 AM) The snake, symbolizing the duality of good and evil, is said to begin its activity around this time of day in order to raise its body temperature.

5. In-Depth Content

• O-si (11 AM – 1 PM) The horse is said to possess strong Yang energy, known for warding off illness and symbolizing strength. Since Yin energy begins to take over during this period, the horse's Yang energy is believed to provide balance.
• Mi-si (1 PM – 3 PM) Mi-si is the time when grass grows back in spots where the goat — symbolizing goodness — has grazed. It is also associated with new life.
• Sin-si (3 PM – 5 PM) Sin-si is the time when the monkey returns home. Monkeys are described as clever and full of tricks, but also occasionally clumsy — sometimes even falling from trees.
• Yu-si (5 PM – 7 PM) Yu-si is said to be the time when roosters chasing feed return to their nests. The rooster symbolizes success and advancement,

6. Notes

and is said to have a bit of a stubborn streak.

• Sul-si (7 PM – 9 PM) When night falls, it becomes the dog's time. Since dogs must guard their owners even in the dark of night, this period belongs to the dog. The dog symbolizes loyalty and steadfastness.
• Hae-si (9 PM – 11 PM) Hae-si is when even the pig enjoys a deep sleep. During this time, no matter how much noise is made, the pig is said to be sleeping so soundly that it cannot be woken. The pig is often associated with laziness, but it is also, perhaps surprisingly, a symbol of good fortune and prosperity. That concludes our brief look at the 12 Chinese zodiac signs and the time periods associated with each. What is your zodiac sign? And what time were you born? If you're curious, feel free to ask a family member. Thank you.