animal symbolism, astrology, chinese influence, cultural traditions, dog, dragon, east asian culture, eto, folklore, horoscope, horse, japan, japanese zodiac, juunishi, lunar calendar, monkey, myth and legends, ox, personality traits, pig, rabbit, rat, rooster, sheep, snake, tiger, wild boar, zodiac animals

The Japanese Zodiac: Which Animal Are You?

Japan is a country steeped in rich cultural traditions and folklore. The Japanese have a deep connection with nature, reflected in their symbolic use of animals.  These creatures, whether real or mythical, have profound meanings in Japanese society. Over time, they have been woven into 12 zodiac animals known as juunishi, each representing a year ...

Nathan Machoka

Twelve animals of the Japanese zodiac.

Secrets of the Chinese Calendar

The Chinese calendar is also known as the Yin or Xia calendar, or the lunar calendar. Its origins supposedly go back to the year 2100 B.C. to the Xia Dynasty and, according to legend, to Emperor Huang Di. The Chinese Communist Party declared the Chinese calendar as belonging to “The Four Olds” in 1949, and denounced ...

Emma Lu

Close up of Chinese calendar.

Top Chinese Birthday Traditions and Tips for Health, Wealth, and Wellbeing

There are many Chinese birthday traditions. Chinese people calculate a person’s age according to the lunar calendar (Yīn lì in Chinese; 陰曆) without zeros, meaning that a newborn’s age is one. Traditionally, Chinese people do not celebrate a birthday every year; rather, birthday celebrations in the form of elaborate banquets are reserved for the elderly ...

Troy Oakes

A newborn Chinese baby.

The 24 Solar Terms in the Chinese Lunisolar Calendar

This February 12th, Chinese people welcomed the Year of the Ox in keeping with the tradition of China’s lunisolar calendar. Celebrations and festivities observed on specific days make this Chinese celebration grand, something fun to watch or participate in, even if you are not Chinese by birth. Like many Asian countries, China follows the lunar ...

Emma Lu

A collage of trees seen in all four seasons.

Fascinating Rituals and Customs Surrounding Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is a traditional festival with a long history. It’s the most important holiday for Chinese people, and thus much attention has been paid to it since ancient times. Its preparation starts seven days before Chinese New Year’s Eve, from the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month. The activities and customs during the festival are ...

Emma Lu

Chinese dragon with lanterns and smoke from firecrackers in the background

As Chinese New Year Approaches, Learn Some Lunar Calendar History

The moon has been the source of legends and stories for thousands of years. It is the largest visible body in our night sky, but among all of its aesthetically pleasing qualities, the moon — together with the sun — has served as an important tool for timekeeping in Chinese history. And they still do today, especially for ...

Hermann Rohr

The moon phases for eight days.