TED-ED: The myth behind the Chinese zodiac - Megan Campisi and Pen-Pen Chen

The video explores the concept of zodiac signs in Western and Chinese astrology, focusing on the Chinese zodiac's origin story, The Great Race. It explains how the Jade Emperor organized a race to determine the order of the zodiac animals. The video also delves into the 60-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac, which combines the 12 Earthly Branches and 10 Heavenly Stems with five classical elements. Additionally, it highlights cultural variations in the zodiac across Asia, such as the Vietnamese and Thai adaptations.

What is the primary difference between Western astrology and the Chinese zodiac?

• Western astrology uses constellations, while the Chinese zodiac uses animals.

• The Chinese zodiac is determined by the month of birth.

• The Chinese zodiac is based on the position of the sun.

• Western astrology is based on the moon phases.

Which animal secured the first place in the Great Race?

• The dragon

• The rat

• The ox

• The tiger

How did the snake manage to secure its position in the race?

• By swimming swiftly across the river

• By riding on the back of the horse

• By flying over the river

• By slithering past the horse at the last moment

What creates the 60-year cycle in the Chinese zodiac?

• The combination of the 12 Earthly Branches and the 5 classical elements with yin and yang

• The combination of the 12 animals and the 10 Heavenly Stems

• The combination of the 12 animals and the 5 classical elements

• The combination of the 10 Heavenly Stems and the 5 classical elements

Which animal replaces the rabbit in the Vietnamese zodiac?

• The dragon

• The dog

• The cat

• The snake