Why is the zodiac sheep called Weiyang? Many people don't know

In our daily life, the zodiac is closely related to us. Everyone in China has his own specific zodiac sign. Every year, we name one of the animals in the zodiac. The zodiac represents the feelings and spiritual outlook of China people, and has become a part of China people's life beliefs. Do you know why the zodiac sheep are called Weiyang?

Why is the zodiac sheep called Weiyang?

There are two main views on this issue:

Statement 1:

Ancient Chinese scholars explained the relationship between earthly branches and Xiao beasts from the perspective of twelve o'clock in ancient times. At the end of the day, the sundial, also known as sunset, sun center, etc. , the sun sets in the west, that is 1 until 3 pm. Some places call it "sheep going out of the slope", which means that this is a good time for sheep to eat grass and gain weight, so it is linked with sheep at the end of the day, so it is called "Weiyang".

Statement 2:

According to the concept of Yin and Yang believed by China people, twelve kinds of animals are divided into Yin and Yang, and the Yin and Yang of animals are arranged according to the odd-even difference of toes. Animals generally have the same number of toes, while mice have the first four feet and the last five feet, even and odd. Things are rare, of course, ranking first, followed by cattle and four-toed (even); Tiger, five toes (odd number); Rabbit, four toes (even number); Dragon, five toes (odd number); Snakes, no toes (occasionally); Horse, one toe (odd number); Sheep, four toes (even number); Monkey, five toes (odd number); Chicken, four toes (even number); Dog, five toes (odd number); Pig, four toes (even number). Sheep rank eighth in order, and the corresponding branch is Wei, so the zodiac sheep is also called Wei sheep.

Conclusion: The above are two reasons why the zodiac sheep are called sheep. Opinions vary, please refer to it as appropriate.