Chinese Zodiac Animals and Elements

Chinese Zodiac , Animals and Elements.

HowStuffWorks recently offered readers a crash course on the Chinese zodiac.

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Sometime before 1000 B.C.E., the Chinese developed a complex astrological system that divided the year into 24 parts.

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The Chinese zodiac follows Jupiter’s orbit… Jupiter takes 12 years to orbit the sun.

This is called the ‘great year.’ , Virginia Loh-Hagan, Author of 'Chinese Zodiac,' via HowStuffWorks.

The Chinese zodiac follows Jupiter’s orbit… Jupiter takes 12 years to orbit the sun.

This is called the ‘great year.’ , Virginia Loh-Hagan, Author of 'Chinese Zodiac,' via HowStuffWorks.

The cycle repeats every 5 great years.

Every 60th year is a golden year, Virginia Loh-Hagan, Author of 'Chinese Zodiac,' via HowStuffWorks.

12 animals each represent a year in a 12-year cycle.

, Rat: creative, innovative, imaginative Ox: stable, hard-working.

12 animals each represent a year in a 12-year cycle.

, Rat: creative, innovative, imaginative Ox: stable, hard-working.

Tiger: authoritative, intense, courageous Rabbit: popular, compassionate, family-minded, Dragon: energetic, fearless Snake: charming, smart, introverted.

Tiger: authoritative, intense, courageous Rabbit: popular, compassionate, family-minded, Dragon: energetic, fearless Snake: charming, smart, introverted.

Tiger: authoritative, intense, courageous Rabbit: popular, compassionate, family-minded, Dragon: energetic, fearless Snake: charming, smart, introverted.

Horse: independent, hard-working Rooster: attentive, emotional, hard-working , Ram: shy, kind Monkey: fun, energetic.

Dog: patient, faithful, Pig: loving, honest.

Dog: patient, faithful, Pig: loving, honest.

Five elements also divide the Chinese calendar:, Metal: structure Water: emotion Wood: growth Fire: leadership Earth: stability.

Combining the five elements with the 12 zodiac animals creates 60 different combinations that represent a complete 60 year cycle.