Jūni'shi: A Japanese Calendar
Jūni'shi: A Japanese Calendar
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Jūni'shi: A Twelve-Year Cycle
An ancient Chinese legend tells of a deity who challenged animals to a race. The name of the first animal to cross the finish line would be chosen to begin the twelve-year cycle of Jūni'shi (literal meaning = 12 branches), the Japanese name for the Chinese zodiac. Rat wasn't the fastest animal, but he was cleaver. He jumped on the back of Ox and rode him to the finish line. Just as Ox was about to cross, Rat jumped off Ox and was the first over the line. Thus, Rat was named the first animal in Jūni'shi. Ox was next, and the rest of the animals named in Jūni'shi were based on the order they crossed the line.
The Chinese Zodiac has been around since the 5th century B.C. It came into official use during the Han Dynasty (206 B.C. – 220 A.D.). It began to be used of identify people's birth years during the North Zhou Dynasty (557 – 581 A.D.). It was brought to Japan along with much of the rest of Chinese culture along with Buddhism in the 6th century. Jūni'shi became Japan's official dating system in 604 A.D. under the reign of Empress Suiko and remained that way until Japan adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1873. Though no longer official in Japan, Jūni'shi continues to be a popular way to identify people's birth year. Here is Jūni'shi updated to modern years.
The animals in Japan's Jūni'shi are a little different than those of some other countries. China and Korea use Goat and Pig instead of Sheep and Wild Boar. Vietnam uses Water Buffalo, Cat, and Pig instead of Ox, Hare, and Wild Boar.
Traditionally, a Jūni'shi year began on the Lunar New Year. For example, in 2026, The Year of the Horse would traditionally begin on Jan. 17. Officially, however, since Japan adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1873, it now celebrates the new Jūni'shi year on Jan. 1.
As with the Western Zodiac, ones birthyear as set in Jūni'shi is supposed define personality characteristics. These are the characteristics for each of the twelve animals in Jūni'shi.
Gogyō: The Five Elements
An even older system consists of five elements that Chinese philosophers used to describe the relationships and interactions between all things. The elements, in order, are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Sometime before Jūni'shi was brought to Japan, the five elements had been combined with Jūni'shi's twelve years to create a 60-year cycle. Starting with Rat and Wood, the 60-year cycle begins with Wood Rat, followed by Wood Ox, and so on. The next 12-year period begins with Fire Rat, Fire Ox, etc.
As with Jūni'shi animals, peoples' personalities are supposed to be influenced by the prevailing element when they were born.
Wood people are characterized by strength and flexibility; warmth, generosity, and cooperation; idealism and social consciousness; and optimism, courage, and patience.
Fire people are characterized by leadership, insight, spontaneity, and expressiveness.
Earth people are seen as nurturing, patient, thoughtful, and grounded with a strong sense of purpose and work ethic, and often striving for balance and contentment.
Metal people are generally thought to be self-reliant, preferring to handle challenges independently; people who are intelligent, good at organization, and strive for stability and success.
Water people are often characterized by their fluid and deep nature; emotional depth and empathy; ability to harmonize with natural cycles; and tendency to go with the flow and be soft yet strong.
Greater Depth
This all merely touches on the surface of Jūni'shi. There is much more detail for those wanting do delve into how devotees regard and use the system. Entire books are printed annually with day-to-day horoscope-like advice and predictions.
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