Zodiac figures
| Description: |
The zodiac, the stars in the heavens divided into twelve main groups, originated in China. Sometimes referred to as the Asian Zodiac, or Chinese Zodiac, it is divided into 12 years, instead of the Western Zodiac of 12 months. According to Chinese legend, before Buddha made his departure from earth, only 12 animals came to honor him. In return for their devotion, Buddha named the years after each animal. Each animal in the zodiac represents certain personality traits. The zodiac spread to Japan where the Japanese adapted their junishi, or zodiac. The Japanese believe that people born in the same year share these similar characteristics. |
|---|---|
| Source: |
http://www.digitalindy.org/cdm/ref/collection/tcm/id/880 |
| Collection: |
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis |
| Rights: | https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/; |
| Copyright: |
Creative Commons (CC By-SA 3.0); |
| Geography: |
China |
| Subjects: |
China Zodiac -- Folklore Animals -- Folklore Folklore -- China Astrology, Chinese Calendar, Chinese |
Further information on this record can be found at its source.
This project is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the Indiana State Library.