The twelve earthly branches are an important part of the traditional Chinese calendar, each of which has a unique symbolic meaning and is closely related to the position, the five elements and the zodiac. Here is a detailed explanation of each branch:
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1. 子(zi)
– **Animal ** : Rat
– ** Five lines ** : Water
– ** Time ** : 23:00-01:00
– ** symbolizes ** : Zi represents a new beginning, symbolizing wisdom, agility and vitality. The characteristics of the rat are intelligent, flexible and good at adapting to the environment.
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2. 丑(chou)
– ** Zodiac ** : Ox
– ** Five elements ** : Earth
– ** Time** : 01:00-03:00
– ** symbolizes ** : Chou represents tenacity and diligence, a symbol of steadfast, stable. The animal is characterized by diligence, endurance and quiet cultivation.
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3. 寅(yin)
– ** Zodiac sign ** : Tiger
– ** Five elements ** : Wood
– ** Time ** : 03:00-05:00
** symbolizes ** : Yin represents vitality, symbolizing courage and adventure. The tiger is characterized by authority, decisiveness and leadership.
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4. 卯(mao)
– ** Zodiac sign ** : Rabbit
– ** Five elements ** : Wood
– ** Time: 05:00-07:00
– ** symbolizes ** : Mao represents gentleness and growth, symbolizing tenderness and caution. Rabbits are characterized by alertness, kindness and attention to detail.
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5. 辰(chen)
– ** Zodiac ** : Dragon
– ** Five elements ** : Earth
– ** Time ** : 07:00-09:00
– ** symbolizes ** : Chen represents power and change, symbolizing authority and creativity. The characteristics of the dragon zodiac are powerful, mysterious and full of legend.
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6. 巳(si)
– ** Zodiac sign ** : Snake
– ** Five elements ** : Fire
– ** Time ** : 09:00-11:00
– ** symbolizes ** : It represents wisdom and change, symbolizing flexibility and depth. The characteristics of the snake are calm, witty and good at insight.
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7. 午(wu)
– ** Zodiac ** : Horse
– ** Five elements ** : Fire
– **Time** : 11:00-13:00
– ** symbolizes ** : Wu represents enthusiasm and unrestrained, symbolizing freedom and vitality. The horse is characterized by positivity, optimism and the pursuit of freedom.
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8. 未(wei)
– ** Zodiac sign ** : Sheep
– ** Five elements ** : Earth
– ** Time ** : 13:00-15:00
– ** symbolizes ** : Wei represent moderation and harmony, kindness and tolerance. Sheep are characterized by gentleness, friendliness and a focus on interpersonal relationships.
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9. 申(Shen)
– ** Zodiac sign ** : Monkey
– ** Five elements ** : Gold
– ** Time ** : 15:00-17:00
– ** symbolizes ** : Shen represents tact and change, symbolizing intelligence and flexibility. The characteristics of the monkey are clever, humorous and good at solving problems.
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10.酉 (you)
– ** Zodiac sign ** : Chicken
– ** Five elements ** : Gold
– ** Time: 17:00-19:00
– ** symbolizes ** : You represents diligence and order, symbolizes self-discipline and precision. The rooster is characterized by punctuality, diligence and attention to detail.
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11. 戌 (xu)
– ** Zodiac sign ** : Dog
– ** Five elements ** : Earth
– ** Time: 19:00-21:00
** Symbolizes ** : Xu represents loyalty and protection, a symbol of reliability and integrity. Dogs are characterized by loyalty, bravery and a sense of responsibility.
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12. 亥(hai)
– ** Zodiac sign ** : Pig
– ** Five lines ** : Water
– ** * Time: 21:00-23:00
– ** symbolizes ** : Hai represents abundance and ease, symbolizing tolerance and openness. The characteristics of the pig are optimistic, easygoing and enjoy life.
—The twelve Earthly branches are not only used to record the years, the months, the days and The Times, but also closely combined with the five elements, the zodiac, the orientation and so on, reflecting the cosmological view and the view of nature in ancient Chinese philosophy. Each ground branch has its unique symbolic meaning, reflecting the ancient people’s deep understanding of nature and life.