heavenly stem
The term "heavenly stem" is integral to East Asian timekeeping and astrology, forming part of the sexagenary cycle alongside the twelve Earthly Branches.
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Definition
C1Chinese Calendar
(technical, academic)One of the ten symbols used in combination with the twelve Earthly Branches to designate years, months, days, and hours in traditional Chinese timekeeping.
Example
- The year 2023 in the Chinese calendar is represented by the heavenly stem 'Gui' and the earthly branch 'Mao'.
C1Astrology
(historical, cultural)A component of the sexagenary cycle used in East Asian cultures to order years and record dates.
Example
- In Chinese astrology, the heavenly stem 'Bing' is associated with fire and yang energy.
C1Traditional Week
(historical, cultural)Represents a day in the traditional ten-day week in East Asian cultures.
Example
- Each day of the ten-day week is associated with a different heavenly stem.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "heavenly stem":