The Ten Heavenly Stems are an ancient Chinese system of symbols for the year, month, day, and hour, combined with the Twelve Earthly Branches to form the Stem and Branch Chronology.They also contain the five elements (wood, fire, earth, gold and water) and the philosophy of yin and yang, and are widely used in calendars, divination and Chinese medicine.The following are the names, attributes and symbolic meanings of the Ten Heavenly Stems:
1. 甲(Jia) – Yang Wood
– Symbolizes new birth and sprouting, such as the power of a tree breaking through the ground.
2. 乙(Yi) – Yin Wood
– Symbolizes growth and suppleness, like the sinuous growth of a vine.
3. 丙 (Bing) – Yang Fire symbolizes heat and light.
– Symbolizes heat and light, such as the strong rays of the sun.
4. 丁 (Ding) – Yin Fire
– Symbolizes stability and durability, like the gentle burning of a candle flame.
5. 戊(Wu) – Yang Earth
– Symbolizes solidity and heaviness, like the solid foundation of a mountain.
6. 己(Ji) – Yin Earth
– Symbolizes flexibility and nourishment, like the fertile soil of a farm.
7. 庚(Geng) – Yang Metal
– Symbolizes change and sharpness, like the forging and innovation of metals.
8. 辛(Xīn) – Yin Metal
– Symbolizes refinement and fineness, such as the carving and value of jewelry.
9. 壬(Ren) – Yang Water
– Symbolizes fluidity and spontaneity, such as the momentum of a river. 10.
10. 癸(Gui） – Yin Water Symbolizes return, subtlety, such as rain.
– Symbolizes return and subtlety, such as the silence of rain and dew.
**Applications and Cultural Significance**
The celestial stems are not only used for time recording, but also throughout traditional cultures such as Chinese medicine (e.g., physique categorization), feng shui, and numerology (eight-character analysis).For example, “甲子” represents the first year of the stem and branch cycle, symbolizing the beginning of a new cycle.Its idea of balancing the five elements and yin and yang also reflects ancient Chinese philosophy’s deep understanding of the laws of nature.