十二地支的文化说解

A Cultural Interpretation of the Twelve Dizhi, a Reckoning System by Time

十二地支是在远古物候历的基础上形成的,它不仅是一套记时系统,而且是一个万物生息、变化的系统。先民近取诸身,远取诸物,通过不同的取象,揭示了万物孕育、生长、衰亡、复生的全过程。它是中国后代历法的基石,并对古代的政治、经济、哲学、宗教、医学等产生了深刻的影响。

The twelve Dizhi was created by phenology in the ancient times. It is not only a set of symbols to reckon time, but also a system to reflect the change of things in the universe. The forerunners tried to interpret the whole process of the change of things from their birth to their decay and decease. It is the foundation of the Chinese calendars and it has made great influences on the ancient politics, economy, philosophy, religion, medicine and the like.