갑골문에 보이는 十二地支와 열두 띠

Abstract

This is the earliest letter in China, Oracle Bone Inscriptions, which can prove the origins of Chinese animal zodical signs. In current time, twelve earthly branches and Chinese animal zodical signs are well organized, most well organized records can be found in “Wushipian” and “Yuandupian” in LunHeng published by WangChong in Han dynasty. Whereas, the combination of twelve earthly branches and Chinese animal zodical signs of Han dynasty, which found around 20th century differ from those of WangChong including the contents of records and the site found. Considering these, it seems ackward to argue Chinese animal zodical signs were generated after the Later Han Dynasty. Chinese animal zodical signs were in use before Han dynasty and it was combined with Eumyang Five Element Theory in the Later Han Dynasty. The Oracle Bone Inscriptions includes letter that has characterized different animals. In the shape of each letters, all twelve earthly branches are included along with 10 heavenly roots twelve earthly branches. Here, we can learn that 10 heavenly roots twelve earthly branches were widely used at the time. Twelve earthly branches are also used as the name of neighbored countries, lands, wives. This usage shows the relation with the animals or totem of those. The twelve earthly branches shows not only the twelves animals themselves but also the tribes or symbols of tribes who has adore those. This symbol has developed into the zodiacal calender system and spread out to neighbored countries with twelve earthly branches.