During the yin dynasty of ancient China (17th century B.C. to 1046 B.C.), the year was divided into 12 parts to facilitate proper agricultural practices.
Since writing was not yet common and most people could not read, it was decided to indicate the calendar with a picture of a fleeting animal.
The month with the winter solstice was called “mouse,” followed by cow, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, chicken, dog, and pig.
So July is just the month of the sheep.
This kind of division is also found in Thailand, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, and Iran.