What is the relationship between the Twelve Hours of the Day and the Twelve Chinese Zodiacs? How do they correspond?
Chinese Zodiac Rat: 11 PM to 1 AM (i.e., "Zi Hour"). Zi Hour is the end of the day and the beginning of the next day. At this time, rats are most courageous and active, so Zi Hour is associated with the Rat.
Chinese Zodiac Ox: 1-3 AM (i.e., "Chou Hour"). It is said that this is when oxen start plowing in the morning. At this time, the ox has eaten enough grass and chews it slowly and comfortably, so Chou Hour is associated with the Ox.
Chinese Zodiac Tiger: 3-5 AM (i.e., "Yin Hour"). Yin Hour is when the sky begins to brighten. This is when tigers become active. Tigers are most active, fierce, and cause the most harm, so Yin Hour is associated with the Tiger.
Chinese Zodiac Rabbit: 5-7 AM (i.e., "Mao Hour"). At this time, the sun has not yet risen, and the moon's light has not completely faded. The Jade Rabbit is a symbol of the moon, and it is the only animal in the moon palace myth. At this time, rabbits begin to come out and forage. Thus, Mao Hour is associated with the Rabbit.
Chinese Zodiac Dragon: 7-9 AM (i.e., "Chen Hour"). Chen Hour is when the sun's heat becomes stronger. According to legend, this is the time when dragons bring rain. Since the dragon is a mythical creature, Chen Hour is associated with the Dragon.
Chinese Zodiac Snake: 9-11 AM (i.e., "Si Hour"). Si Hour is when the sun's heat becomes even stronger. It is said that at this time, snakes do not attack people or wander on the roads, but hide in the grass. Therefore, Si Hour is associated with the Snake.
Chinese Zodiac Ox: 1-3 AM (i.e., "Chou Hour"). It is said that this is when oxen start plowing in the morning. At this time, the ox has eaten enough grass and chews it slowly and comfortably, so Chou Hour is associated with the Ox.
Chinese Zodiac Tiger: 3-5 AM (i.e., "Yin Hour"). Yin Hour is when the sky begins to brighten. This is when tigers become active. Tigers are most active, fierce, and cause the most harm, so Yin Hour is associated with the Tiger.
Chinese Zodiac Rabbit: 5-7 AM (i.e., "Mao Hour"). At this time, the sun has not yet risen, and the moon's light has not completely faded. The Jade Rabbit is a symbol of the moon, and it is the only animal in the moon palace myth. At this time, rabbits begin to come out and forage. Thus, Mao Hour is associated with the Rabbit.
Chinese Zodiac Dragon: 7-9 AM (i.e., "Chen Hour"). Chen Hour is when the sun's heat becomes stronger. According to legend, this is the time when dragons bring rain. Since the dragon is a mythical creature, Chen Hour is associated with the Dragon.
Chinese Zodiac Snake: 9-11 AM (i.e., "Si Hour"). Si Hour is when the sun's heat becomes even stronger. It is said that at this time, snakes do not attack people or wander on the roads, but hide in the grass. Therefore, Si Hour is associated with the Snake.
Chinese Zodiac Horse: 11 AM to 1 PM (i.e., "Wu Hour"). It is said that at noon, the sun is directly overhead, and the yang energy reaches its peak, while yin energy gradually increases. During the transition between yin and yang, most animals rest, but horses remain standing, even sleeping while standing. Therefore, Wu Hour is associated with the Horse.
Chinese Zodiac Goat: 1-3 PM (i.e., "Wei Hour"). Wei Hour is when the summer heat starts to fade. It is said that goats urinate most frequently at this time, and their urine can cure a kind of illness called "madness." Therefore, Wei Hour is associated with the Goat.
Chinese Zodiac Monkey: 3-5 PM (i.e., "Shen Hour"). The summer heat is almost gone during Shen Hour. At this time, monkeys like to cry loudly and continuously. Therefore, Shen Hour is associated with the Monkey.
Chinese Zodiac Rooster: 5-7 PM (i.e., "You Hour"). You Hour is the moment before night falls. At this time, the sun sets behind the hills, and roosters begin to go into their cages for the night. Therefore, You Hour is associated with the Rooster.
Chinese Zodiac Dog: 7-9 PM (i.e., "Xu Hour"). Xu Hour is when darkness spreads. Dogs have the highest vigilance and special vision and hearing during this time, being able to see and hear the farthest. Therefore, Xu Hour is associated with the Dog.
Chinese Zodiac Pig: 9-11 PM (i.e., "Hai Hour"). Hai Hour is the time just before the day ends and the next day begins. At this time, pigs sleep most soundly, snore the loudest, their muscles shake the most, and they gain weight the fastest. Therefore, Hai Hour is associated with the Pig.
Chinese Zodiac Goat: 1-3 PM (i.e., "Wei Hour"). Wei Hour is when the summer heat starts to fade. It is said that goats urinate most frequently at this time, and their urine can cure a kind of illness called "madness." Therefore, Wei Hour is associated with the Goat.
Chinese Zodiac Monkey: 3-5 PM (i.e., "Shen Hour"). The summer heat is almost gone during Shen Hour. At this time, monkeys like to cry loudly and continuously. Therefore, Shen Hour is associated with the Monkey.
Chinese Zodiac Rooster: 5-7 PM (i.e., "You Hour"). You Hour is the moment before night falls. At this time, the sun sets behind the hills, and roosters begin to go into their cages for the night. Therefore, You Hour is associated with the Rooster.
Chinese Zodiac Dog: 7-9 PM (i.e., "Xu Hour"). Xu Hour is when darkness spreads. Dogs have the highest vigilance and special vision and hearing during this time, being able to see and hear the farthest. Therefore, Xu Hour is associated with the Dog.
Chinese Zodiac Pig: 9-11 PM (i.e., "Hai Hour"). Hai Hour is the time just before the day ends and the next day begins. At this time, pigs sleep most soundly, snore the loudest, their muscles shake the most, and they gain weight the fastest. Therefore, Hai Hour is associated with the Pig.
