A Complete Overview of the 12 Zodiac Animals and Their Variations Across Cultures

The Meaning and Origin of the 12 Terrestrial Branches (JipShin)

The 12 Terrestrial Branches (JipShin, 十二支神)refer to twelve animal deities. These animals symbolize each zodiac sign and are used as symbols representing people's personalities and destinies. The animals of the 12 Terrestrial Branches are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig, and each animal is associated with a specific year. Due to this cyclical structure, a person's "zodiac sign" is determined by their birth year, and each sign represents the character and meaning of the corresponding animal. People use this to infer each other's tendencies.

Why are they called ‘Zodiac Signs’?

The concept of the 12 Terrestrial Branches originated in ancient China. The 12 signs developed based on a method used in astronomy and geography at the time to divide time. A day was divided into 12 time units, and each time unit was symbolized by a specific animal. Later, as the method of dividing time became connected to the cycle of years, it evolved into a symbol representing the year, creating the zodiac signs that signify each year. The ‘zodiac sign’ has become a fun element through which one can glimpse a person's personality and destiny, and the tradition of interpreting each person's personality or fortune through it has continued.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is the order of the 12 Terrestrial Branches arranged this way?

There is a theory that the order of the 12 Terrestrial Branches is mainly determined by the characteristics and activity times of the animals. For example, the rat is active at night, so it represents the hour of Zi (11 PM to 1 AM), and the rooster, an animal that heralds the morning, represents the hour of You (5 PM to 7 PM).

2. Why is the ‘Dragon’ included?

Among the animals belonging to the 12 Terrestrial Branches, the ‘dragon’ is not a real-world animal. However, in ancient China, the dragon was considered an auspicious animal symbolizing the energy of heaven. While other animals are real animals that can be seen in the real world, the dragon is included as a special being symbolizing power and mystery.

3. Do Korea, China, Japan, and other Asian countries all use the same 12 Terrestrial Branches?

Generally, East Asian countries such as Korea, China, and Japan use the same 12 Terrestrial Branches, but there are slight differences in symbolism and interpretation. For example, in Vietnam, a cat appears instead of a rabbit. This is a slightly modified form according to each country's culture and history.

• Korea : Pig → Japan : Wild Boar
• Korea : Pig → Thailand : Elephant
• Korea : Rabbit → Vietnam : Cat
• Korea : Sheep → Vietnam : Goat
• Korea : Dragon → Thailand : Naga

Modern Culture Utilizing the 12 Terrestrial Branches

Today, the 12 Terrestrial Branches are not only used to describe fortunes and personalities but are also frequently used in holidays and festivals. For example, during Seollal (Lunar New Year), the animal of the corresponding zodiac sign can be seen in decorations or events, celebrating the new year, and it is also used as a medium of communication by dividing people into groups by zodiac sign. For example, 2024 is sometimes called the "Year of the Azure Dragon".