Editing Chinese mythology (section)

==Mythological and semi-mythological chronology==
Mythological and semi-mythological chronology includes mythic representations of the creation of the world, population (and sometimes re-populations) by humans, sometimes floods, and various cultural developments, such as the development of ruling dynasties. Many myths and stories have been recounted about the early dynasties, however, more purely historical literature tends to begin with the [[Qin dynasty]] (for example, see Paladin 1998). On the other hand, accounts of the Shang, Xia, and early Zhou dynasties tend to mythologize. By a historical process of [[euhemerism]] many of these myths evolved over time into variant versions with an emphasis on moral parables and rationalization of some of the more fantastic ideas.

===Mythology of time and calendar===
[[File:Guardians of Day and Night, Han Dynasty.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Zoomorphic guardian spirits of certain Hours. On the left is the guardian of midnight (from 11 pm to 1 am) and on the right is the guardian of morning (from 5 to 7 am). [[Han dynasty]] (202 BCE – 220 CE) [[Chinese painting]]s on ceramic tile]]
Mythology of time and the calendar includes the twelve zodiacal animals and various divine or spiritual genii regulating or appointed as guardians for years, days, or hours.

====Twelve zodiacal animals====
{{Main|Chinese zodiac}}
In China and surrounding areas, a calendrical system consisting of measuring time in cycles of twelve represented by twelve has an ancient historical past. The exact line-up of animals is sometimes slightly different, but the basic principle is that each animal takes a turn as the emblematic or totem animal for a year or other unit of time in a cycle of one dozen. This is explained by various myths.

The zodiacs in order are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig

===Correlation of mythological and real time===
Some Chinese mythology becomes specific about chronological time, based on the ''[[ganzhi]]'' system, numbers of human generations, or other details suggesting synchronization between the mythological chronology and the ideas of modern historians. However, real correlation begins in the Year of the Metal Monkey, Zhou dynasty, 841 BC, a since validated claim by [[Sima Qian]].{{sfn|Wu|1982|pp=40–41}} However, although historians take note of this, subsequent mythology has not tended to reflect this quest for rational, historical timelining.