What is the next hour after the Zi hour?
The hour after Zi is Chou 【chǒushí】
From the literal meaning, "Ji Ming" indeed means "the crowing of a rooster," but in the context of the twelve hours, it specifically refers to the period after midnight and before dawn, i.e., 1-3 AM, which is called Chou in terms of the Earthly Branches.
"Ji Ming," according to the "Ciyuan" dictionary, is defined as "a type of weapon." According to the "Cihai" dictionary, it is defined as "the name of a chapter in the "Shijing" (Book of Songs) and a title of a song in the "Xianghe Ge" (Harmonious Song). It is also an alternative term for a halberd." Neither of these reference books provides an explanation for the meaning of "Ji Ming" in the context of the twelve hours.
From the literal meaning, "Ji Ming" indeed means "the crowing of a rooster," but in the context of the twelve hours, it specifically refers to the period after midnight and before dawn, i.e., 1-3 AM, which is called Chou in terms of the Earthly Branches.
"Ji Ming," according to the "Ciyuan" dictionary, is defined as "a type of weapon." According to the "Cihai" dictionary, it is defined as "the name of a chapter in the "Shijing" (Book of Songs) and a title of a song in the "Xianghe Ge" (Harmonious Song). It is also an alternative term for a halberd." Neither of these reference books provides an explanation for the meaning of "Ji Ming" in the context of the twelve hours.
The relationship between the hours and the zodiac animals
Zi; zi (11 PM to 1 AM) - Rat. Rats are most active at this time. (One version says 12:00 AM to 2:00 AM, and so on)
Chou: chou (1 AM to 3 AM) - Ox. The ox finishes eating grass and prepares for plowing at this time.
Yin: yin (3 AM to 5 AM) - Tiger. Tigers are the fiercest at this time.
Mao: mao (5 AM to 7 AM) - Rabbit. The moon, also known as the Jade Rabbit, is still in the sky during this time.
Chen: chen (7 AM to 9 AM) - Dragon. It is said that this is the time when "the dragons bring rain."
Si: si (9 AM to 11 AM) - Snake. Snakes hide in the grass at this time.
Wu: wu (11 AM to 1 PM) - Horse. At this time, the sun is at its strongest. It is said that the yang energy reaches its peak, and yin energy will begin to appear, and the horse is considered an animal of yin.
Wei: wei (1 PM to 3 PM) - Sheep. Sheep graze during this time.
Shen: shen (3 PM to 5 PM) - Monkey. Monkeys like to call out at this time.
You: you (5 PM to 7 PM) - Rooster. The rooster begins to return to the coop in the evening.
Xu: xu (7 PM to 9 PM) - Dog. Dogs start to guard the door.
Hai: hai (9 PM to 11 PM) - Pig. Pigs are sleeping soundly at this late hour.
Chou: chou (1 AM to 3 AM) - Ox. The ox finishes eating grass and prepares for plowing at this time.
Yin: yin (3 AM to 5 AM) - Tiger. Tigers are the fiercest at this time.
Mao: mao (5 AM to 7 AM) - Rabbit. The moon, also known as the Jade Rabbit, is still in the sky during this time.
Chen: chen (7 AM to 9 AM) - Dragon. It is said that this is the time when "the dragons bring rain."
Si: si (9 AM to 11 AM) - Snake. Snakes hide in the grass at this time.
Wu: wu (11 AM to 1 PM) - Horse. At this time, the sun is at its strongest. It is said that the yang energy reaches its peak, and yin energy will begin to appear, and the horse is considered an animal of yin.
Wei: wei (1 PM to 3 PM) - Sheep. Sheep graze during this time.
Shen: shen (3 PM to 5 PM) - Monkey. Monkeys like to call out at this time.
You: you (5 PM to 7 PM) - Rooster. The rooster begins to return to the coop in the evening.
Xu: xu (7 PM to 9 PM) - Dog. Dogs start to guard the door.
Hai: hai (9 PM to 11 PM) - Pig. Pigs are sleeping soundly at this late hour.
