"Earthly branches" is a term primarily used in Chinese culture and astrology to refer to a combination of twelve animal signs and ten stems, forming a 60-year cycle known as the Chinese zodiac. It is based on the belief that each year is associated with a specific animal sign and one of the ten heavenly stems. The twelve animal signs, also known as the zodiac animals, include the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig, whereas the ten stems represent the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water) in both yin and yang forms.
The earthly branches are used to determine the matching of animal signs with the heavenly stems, creating a complementary system. This system is then used to predict and explain various aspects of life, such as personality traits, compatibility, and fortunes of individuals born in different years. For instance, someone born in the Year of the Rat might be associated with the heavenly stem of Geng, suggesting characteristics like resourcefulness, intelligence, and adaptability.
The concept of earthly branches not only plays a significant role in Chinese astrology but also has cultural, mythological, and religious significance in Chinese traditions. It serves as a means to organize time, understand human nature, and even make decisions related to important life events. The use of earthly branches continues to be influential in Chinese society, often featuring prominently during Chinese New Year celebrations and various other traditional ceremonies.
