What is Eto? It refers to the 12 animals of the Zodiac in Japan. Have you ever noticed dragon-printed postcards in stationary shops or vibrant posters in department stores towards the end of December? The answer lies in the rich tradition of the Japanese Zodiac, which comprises 12 unique animals. The year 2024 is designated as the Year of the Dragon. Let us dive into the symbolism and cultural story behind this intriguing zodiac sign.
Table of Contents
Quick Video Guide
If you prefer watching a video guide, please refer below.
What is 12 animals of the zodiac?
The Chinese zodiac comprises 12 cycles, each represented by an animal symbol corresponding to a specific year. This system, known as Jyu-nishi in Japan, was introduced around the fourth century based on the Chinese zodiac calendar. ‘Jyu-ni’ means 12 in Japanese and ‘Jyuni-shi’ written as 十二支 in kanji. The ‘Jyu-nishi’ begins with the mouse and continues as follows, the pronunciation is written in the bracket:
子 (Ne): Mouse
丑 (Ushi): Ox
寅 (Tora): Tiger
卯 (U): Rabbit
辰 (Tatsu): Dragon
巳 (Mi): Snake
午 (Uma): Horse
未 (Hitsuji): Sheep
申 (Saru): Monkey
酉 (Tori): Rooster
戌 (Inu): Dog
亥 (Inoshishi): Wild Boa
Why cat is not included? The story behind the 12 animals of the zodiac
There are various versions of this story, but one well-known tale goes like this: Once upon a time, at the end of a year, the gods announced to the animals, “On New Year’s morning, the one who arrives first to greet the new year will be appointed as the leader of the animals in order from the first to the twelfth, alternating each year.” The animals eagerly prepared for a race.
As the animals awaited the arrival of New Year’s Day, the cat forgot the day to visit the gods. Seeking guidance from the mouse, the cat was falsely informed that the day was the morning of January 2nd. Unfortunately, the cat didn’t make it on time.
The slow-walking ox, knowing of the race, set out quietly during the night and steadily began its journey. Observing this, the mouse secretly hopped onto the ox’s back. Unaware of this, the ox arrived first at the gods’ place on the morning of New Year’s Day. However, as the gate opened, the mouse, having leaped off the ox’s back, ran through the gate and became the first, leaving the ox in second place. The other animals, including the tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and wild boar, arrived in subsequent order.
This story has led to the belief that cats dislike mice.
What is your animal sign?
What is your animal sign? After you start living in Japan, some people might ask about your ETO, symbolized as 干支. If you are not sure which one you belong to, please find your year of birth in the pictures above.
If you are interested in the culture of Japanese New Year, please refer to article below.
