小刚 explains to 小宝 in a simple way why 2025 is the Year of the Snake and introduces the basic concept of the Chinese Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches (干支).

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《English Translation》

小宝: Brother, Dad said this year is the Year of the Snake. Why is it the Year of the Snake?
小刚: Because China has a special way of counting years called the 'Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches' system (干支纪年). Each year is represented by an animal, and this year is the 'Year of the Snake'!
小宝: 'Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches'? That sounds so complicated!
小刚: Actually, it's not hard! The 'Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches' system marks years using Stems and Branches. Although there are twelve animals, the exact combination repeats only every 60 years. For example, this year is the year of 乙巳, and '巳' corresponds to the snake.
小宝: Oh! Why is the snake chosen?
小刚: This was invented by the Chinese people a long time ago. They selected twelve animals, like the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, and snake, with one animal representing each year. It forms a cycle of twelve years.
小宝: I get it! So twelve years from now, it will be the Year of the Snake again, right?
小刚: That's right! You're so smart, 小宝. Now you know why this year is the Year of the Snake, don't you?
小宝: I know now! Thank you, brother!