Generally, years were set apart by one of twelve Earthly Branches, spoken to by a creature, and one of ten Heavenly Stems, which compare to the five components.
Ngokwesiko, iminyaka yayimakwe elinye lamaGatsha Asemhlabeni ayishumi nambili, amelwe yisilwane, nelinye lamaShumi asezingeni lezulu, ahambelana nezinto ezinhlanu.