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.

How does the Chinese zodiac differ from Western astrology?

Explain the role of the Jade Emperor in the Chinese zodiac story.

Describe how the cycle of the Chinese zodiac is structured over 60 years.

What are the two overlapping systems that make up the traditional Chinese calendar?

What is the significance of the Great Race in the context of the Chinese zodiac?