The Origin of the Twelve Zodiac Signs 十二星座的起源
The twelve zodiac signs, also known as the astrological signs, play a significant role in many cultures and are widely used for horoscopes and astrological predictions. But have you ever wondered about their origin and how they came to be? Let us take a closer look at the captivating stories behind these astrological signs.
Ancient astronomers and astrologers observed the night sky and noticed that certain groups of stars formed patterns, resembling animals, mythical creatures, or common objects. These patterns became the basis for the zodiac signs we know today.
The concept of the zodiac signs traces back to ancient Mesopotamia, one of the cradles of human civilization. The Babylonians, around 4,000 years ago, were the first to divide the sky into twelve equal sections, each representing a specific constellation. They gave these constellations names based on objects or creatures that were familiar to them in their daily lives. Thus, the zodiac signs were born.
In Mesopotamia, the first sign of the zodiac was named after the mighty Ram, as rams were highly esteemed animals. This sign eventually transformed into Aries, which is still the first sign of the zodiac used today. Taurus, the bull, followed suit, and so on.
Later, the Greeks adopted the Babylonian zodiac and further enriched it with their own mythology. According to Greek mythology, a race between twelve animals was held under the watchful eyes of the gods. Each animal represented a zodiac sign. The rat was clever and sly, managing to secure the first place, while the cat, being outsmarted by the rat, ended up missing out and became eternal enemies with the rat. This story explains why there is no cat in the zodiac and why cats supposedly hate rats.
Among the Greeks, one of the most famous figures associated with the zodiac is Hercules. The story goes that Hera, the wife of Zeus, sent two venomous snakes to kill baby Hercules. However, the strong-willed child managed to strangle the snakes with his bare hands, earning him the title of Leo, the lion, in the zodiac.
Moving eastward, the Chinese zodiac also consists of twelve animal signs, each representing a year in the lunar calendar. According to a legend, when Buddha summoned all the animals on the Chinese New Year's Eve, only twelve showed up. In gratitude, Buddha named a year after each of the twelve animals that arrived. The order of the animals was determined by the order they arrived at the meeting, which explains the sequence of the Chinese zodiac signs.
In conclusion, the origin of the twelve zodiac signs is rooted in ancient civilizations and their deep connection to the celestial world. Whether it be the Babylonians, the Greeks, or the Chinese, these cultures all saw significance and meaning in the alignment of stars. Thus, the zodiac signs were born, captivating our imagination and guiding us through the complexities of life. No matter what your sign is, take a moment to appreciate the rich history behind these celestial symbols and the stories they carry within.