Japanese Zodiac Signs

The Land of the Rising Sun, Japan, is a country full of unique and timeless appeal. It has not only given the world a lesson in resilience, but has also given us a zodiac that is popular beyond boundaries. The Japanese zodiac is a product of the old-world Asia. Modern historians and the Japanese people believe that the origin of the zodiac in Japan dates back to the arrival of Buddhism. In time, the system not only took on a more elaborate form, but also gained acceptance in both, the Orient and the Occident.

Japanese Zodiac Signs

Influenced by the development of Buddhist traditions in and around the region, the zodiac animals were officially adopted and put to extensive application around 604 AD. The Eto, Kanshi or Japanese zodiac calendar is an integral part of Japanese culture and is based on the interpretations derived from the 12 animals of the zodiac. The animals referred to are also called Juuni Shi and are commonly associated with patron deities. The imprints are available on protective ornaments or carvings that are worn or kept near the person.

The Japanese zodiac is based on a number of Taoist, Confucian and Buddhist philosophies. The expounded system dates back to the era between the 6th and 8th centuries. There are ten stems which are cyclic numeric in nature and each corresponds to a day of the ten-day week. These are read or interpreted alongside the 12 zodiac animals or branches to culminate in two-symbol units, sixty in all. Each of the derived units represents a year in the 60-year, sexagenary cycle.

In Japan the cycle or Jikkan Junishi was revised in 1984. Today, the alternate readings are derived via a combination of the five elements and yin and yang dualism. The Japanese zodiac readings consider:

• Time zone.
• Direction.
• Twelve (animal) blocks.
• Personalities of the associated animals.

The zodiac signs in Japan read thus:

Uma or The Horse: This sign relates to people born in 1906 and twelve year periods thereafter. They are considered to be skillful with finances, quick thinkers and very talented.

Hitsuji or The Sheep: The sign of the sheep includes all those born in the year 1907 and the twelve year periods thereafter. They are credited with being elegant, accomplished in fine arts and deeply religious.

Saru or The Monkey: The monkey sign relates to people born in 1908 and the twelve year periods hence. They are supposed to be clever and very smart in closing financial deals.

Tori or The Rooster: The Tori sign applies to people born in 1909 and twelve year periods thereafter. People born in the year of the Tori are considered deep thinkers, who are generally outspoken.

Inu or The Dog: This sign relates to people born in 1910 and the twelve year periods thereafter. These people are supposed to be loyal and honest and great keepers of secrets.

Inoshishi or The Boar: The Inoshishi sign relates to people born in 1911 and the twelve year periods thereafter, like 1923, 1935 and so on. People born under this zodiac sign are believed to be very brave and affectionate.

Nezumi or The Rat: The sign relates to people born in 1912 and twelve year periods thereafter, like 1924, 1936 and so on. People who come under this sign are considered to be honest and ambitious, and ones who work hard to achieve set goals.

Ushi or The Ox: Those born in 1913 and twelve year periods thereafter, like 1925, 1937, and so on, come under the sign of Ushi. They are supposed to be patient and skillful and inspire a lot of confidence in others.

Tora or The Tiger: The sign of the Tora applies to people born in twelve year periods since 1914, like 1926, 1938, and so on. People born under this sign are supposed to be sensitive,courageous and deep thinkers.

Usagi or The Rabbit: People born in 1915 and twelve year periods thereafter are considered under the Usagi sign. They are considered to be talented, virtuous and worthy of great trust.

Tatsu or The Dragon: The sign relates to people born in 1916 and twelve year periods thereafter. They are considered energetic, brave and have the inherent ability to inspire trust in anyone.

Hebi or The Snake: Those born in the year of the snake are basically born in 1917 and twelve year periods thereafter, like 1929, 1941 and so on. People born under this zodiac sign are credited with being wise and very fortunate in money matters.