The Japanese Zodiac Features the Boar and Rabbit! How Did the 12 Zodiac Signs Begin?

The Chinese zodiac is the name of the 12 animal species used in the Japanese calendar. China, Korea, Vietnam, and other countries also have their own Chinese zodiac signs, but the animals that appear in them seem to be different from those in Japan. In this article, we will introduce the zodiac signs in Japan and their differences from the zodiac signs of other countries.

The eto (干支) refers to 12 different animals used in the Japanese calendar: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and boar. These 12 animals take turns in this order each year, representing the characteristics of that year. For example, the year of the rat is considered a good time to start something new, while the year of the ox is associated with stability. There are also many traditional sayings related to these zodiac animals.

The Japanese zodiac signs originated in China. They are also used in countries like China and South Korea. While the animals are mostly the same, the way they are referred to and, in some cases, the specific animals included in the 12 zodiac signs can vary by country.

The Chinese zodiac signs share many similarities with those in Japan. In China, the Lunar New Year is the most significant event of the year, during which people often decorate and prepare food associated with the zodiac animal of the year. Additionally, the zodiac system is utilized in feng shui (風水), where it is referenced for furniture arrangement and architectural design. In Japan, zodiac animal-themed decorations and goods are also widely seen. Furthermore, the tradition of predicting a person’s character or yearly fortune based on the zodiac sign of their birth year is firmly rooted in Japanese culture. This custom may have been influenced by China.

On the other hand, there are notable differences. In China, the Pig is used instead of the Boar, and the zodiac is regarded not only as a calendar concept but also as a symbol of cosmic order and destiny. Moreover, the Chinese zodiac system incorporates 10 celestial stems (十干, Jikkan) with the 12 zodiac signs, resulting in 60 unique combinations and a more intricate calendar structure. This system is further deeply intertwined with the Five Elements Theory, with each animal being associated with a specific elemental attribute.

We see some similarities in South Korean zodiac signs, as they also originated from China. Both share the concept of representing each year with one of the 12 zodiac animals, which are used in the calendar. Additionally, the belief that a person’s personality and fortune for the year can be influenced by the zodiac sign of their birth year is the same as in Japan.

The differences lie in the fact that, in South Korea, they use the pig instead of the boar. Similar to China, Lunar New Year is the most significant holiday, and during this period, people often create decorations and prepare food symbolizing the animal of the year. Furthermore, it is customary to name babies after their zodiac sign.

Since the pig is one of the zodiac animals, it is considered a symbol of wealth and fortune in South Korea. Dreaming of a pig is seen as a sign of good luck, and pig-themed decorations, such as figurines and paintings, are believed to bring financial prosperity, a belief not commonly seen in Japan.

The biggest difference between the Vietnamese and Japanese zodiac signs is that they use water buffalo instead of the ox. The water buffalo plays a significant role in agriculture in Vietnam, deeply rooted in their daily life. Additionally, they use the cat instead of the rabbit, possibly because the Vietnamese pronunciation of “卯” (rabbit) is closer to “猫” (cat). Moreover, they have the goat instead of the sheep, and the pig instead of the boar.

A unique custom in Vietnam is that the animals of the zodiac often appear as characters in traditional performing arts, especially in opera and puppet shows. Additionally, due to the influence of Buddhism and Taoism, the zodiac signs can also carry religious significance in Vietnam.

We have introduced the zodiac signs in China, South Korea, and Vietnam. It appears that customs related to zodiac signs are also observed in Taiwan, Tibet, Thailand, and Mongolia. Does your country share the same concept?

In the origins of the zodiac signs, there are several interesting stories. The most famous one is that the god invited animals to a New Year’s party and selected the first 12 animals to be part of the zodiac.

The most well-known one is that God decided to select the first 12 animals to arrive on New Year’s morning as the zodiac animals. The first to arrive was the rat, which, being small and agile, managed to sneak in while the other animals were still asleep. The ox, a more leisurely animal, arrived second and chased after the rat but was unable to take first place. Following them were the tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and boar.

God then assigned each animal to a year in the order in which they arrived.

In addition to this story, there are other variations of the legend, with some believing that the 12 animals fought in heaven, made contributions to the human world, or faced trials from God. The details of these stories differ depending on the country or region, demonstrating the diverse ways in which the zodiac signs have been understood and revered throughout history.

The zodiac signs represent the characteristics of the year, but in what situations can you actually see them in the city?

One of the most familiar examples would be New Year’s. On New Year’s cards (年賀状, nengajou), which are exchanged between individuals, the design of the zodiac animal representing the upcoming year is often featured. These cards usually carry well-wishes for the good fortune associated with that year’s zodiac animal, along with the customary New Year’s greetings. By the way, this year is the year of the snake (巳年, midoshi). Personally, I also print the zodiac animal on my New Year’s cards each year, writing a greeting message before sending them out.

Additionally, many people display figurines and paintings related to zodiac signs, along with “kadomatsu” and “kagami-mochi,” which are traditional Japanese New Year’s decorations. It is also common for dishes shaped like the zodiac animal or made with ingredients associated with the zodiac to be served during New Year’s meals. The majority of people visit shrines to make New Year’s wishes, where they put their birth year’s animal or the new year’s animal on “ema” (絵馬) when writing their wishes. An ema is a wooden plaque offered at shrines and temples to write down prayers or expressions of gratitude. It is believed that if you purchase a New Year’s zodiac amulet and carry it with you, it will bring you good fortune for the year.

Another example is calendars and planners.

Some calendars and planners include the zodiac sign for each day. Additionally, some people name their babies based on the zodiac sign of the year they were born or incorporate it into their names. Furthermore, the zodiac signs are sometimes used to predict a person’s fortune or personality for the year.

It seems like, while the majority of situations where zodiac signs come up are during New Year’s, they are also used in the context of counting age. In Japan, it’s well known that asking someone’s age is considered taboo, but there are situations where you may need to know whether someone is older or younger than you. In those cases, some people may answer if you ask them about their zodiac sign.

Actually, when I first taught a class at a Japanese language school, a South Korean student asked me, “I’m sorry to ask, but may I ask how old you are?” South Korea is a Confucian country, and especially in regards to elders, there is a strong emphasis on respect. Therefore, they use “keigo” (polite language) when addressing someone older. I was aware of this, but when I was actually asked, I seemed confused. The student reworded the question and said, “Sensei, what is your zodiac sign?” It was shocking for me to realize that they also use zodiac signs in this context, but I simply let them guess my age based on my zodiac sign.

Want to know more about zodiac signs? While it’s a great idea to research them online, since zodiac signs are deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, it’s even better to visit Japan or ask native speakers.

At TCJ, you’ll have opportunities to engage with your teachers and classmates, discussing not only zodiac signs but also a wide range of topics related to Japanese culture. After all, language and culture are intertwined, and you cannot truly learn the language without understanding its culture.

Join us at TCJ and let’s have fun learning together!