Nemgajô card of the Japanese zodiac. (card sold individually, choose your zodiac sign)

In Japan, the animals of the Chinese zodiac are called eto. They include the rat, the ox, the tiger, the rabbit, the dragon, the snake, the horse, the sheep, the monkey, the rooster, the dog, and finally the boar—12 creatures for a 12-year cycle.

Their importance in Japanese culture is such that as early as November, the Japanese begin to look forward to the coming year by purchasing nengajô cards bearing the image of the animal believed to represent the new year. They are also given on the occasion of births, to bring good luck to the child.

THE BEEF Ushi: (1973 - 1985 - 1997 - 2009 - 2021)
symbolizes: sincere, persevering, hardworking

THE TIGER 寅 Tora: (1986 - 1998 - 2010 - 2022)
symbolizes: courage, protector, intelligent

THE RABBIT U: (1975 - 1987 - 1999 - 2011 - 2023)
symbolizes: family well-being, rapid progress

THE DRAGON 辰 Tatsu: (1976 - 1988 - 2000 - 2012 - 2024)
symbolizes: justice, energy, passion

THE SNAKE 巳 Ebi: (1977 - 1989 - 2001 - 2013 - 2025)
symbolizes: wisdom, dedication, flexibility

THE HORSE Uma: (1978 - 1990 - 2002 - 2014 - 2026)
symbolizes: independence, passion, positivity

THE SHEEP 未 Hitsuji: (1979 - 1991 - 2003 - 2015 - 2027)
symbolizes: kindness, persuasion, love of art

THE MONKEY 申 Saru: (1980 - 1992 - 2004 - 2016 - 2028)
symbolizes: wisdom, intelligence, lucidity

THE ROOSTER 酉 Tori (1981 - 1993 - 2005 - 2017 - 2029)
symbolizes: punctuality, efficiency, charisma

THE DOG inu: (1982 - 1994 - 2006 - 2018 - 2030)
symbolizes: sociability, fidelity, loyalty

THE BOAR 亥 Inoshishi: (1983 - 1995 - 2007 - 2019 - 2031)
symbolizes: kindness, generosity, dynamism

THE RAT 子nezumi: (1984 - 1996 - 2008 - 2020 - 2032)
symbolizes: resourcefulness, cunning, and ambition


Each zodiac card is made entirely by hand, printed on art paper, it measures 10 x 8 cm, it comes with its small colored envelope.

Please feel free to contact me for any additional information about Etsy.
To learn more about my work, you can visit my website: www.lilsire.com, and join me on Instagram: lilsireillustrations