The Chinese zodiac is a way of grouping years using the Chinese calendar. Each year is linked with an animal and its traits repeating every twelve years. This is important in Chinese culture and reflects their beliefs. According to Chinese tradition, a person’s personality is tied to the animal year they were born in. For example, someone born in the Year of the Rat might be considered clever.
The Chinese zodiac is used not just in China but also in other Asian countries like Japan and South Korea.
The 12 Chinese Zodiac Signs and Their Meanings
|
Animal |
Characters |
Yin/Yang |
Trine |
Fixed Element |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Rat |
鼠, shǔ (子) |
Yang |
1st |
Water |
|
Ox |
牛, niú (丑) |
Yin |
2nd |
Earth |
|
Tiger |
虎, hǔ (寅) |
Yang |
3rd |
Wood |
|
Rabbit |
兔, tù (卯) |
Yin |
4th |
Wood |
|
Dragon |
龙/龍, lóng (辰) |
Yang |
1st |
Earth |
|
Snake |
蛇, shé (巳) |
Yin |
2nd |
Fire |
|
Horse |
马/馬, mǎ (午) |
Yang |
3rd |
Fire |
|
Goat |
羊, yáng (未) |
Yin |
4th |
Earth |
|
Monkey |
猴, hóu (申) |
Yang |
1st |
Metal |
|
Rooster |
鸡/雞, jī (酉) |
Yin |
2nd |
Metal |
|
Dog |
狗, gǒu (戌) |
Yang |
3rd |
Earth |
|
Pig |
猪/豬, zhū (亥) |
Yin |
4th |
Water |
Chinese Zodiac Signs and Horoscope History
- The history of Chinese zodiac signs and horoscopes dates back thousands of years in ancient China.
- The Chinese zodiac is based on a twelve-year cycle, with each year represented by a different animal sign.
- These signs are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
- Long ago, the Jade Emperor held a race to decide which animals would be on the calendar. The winner, a mouse, got the first year of the 12-year cycle.
- Later on, historical records show that the Chinese zodiac came after the “Ganji Chronicle Law” was made.
- Each year had an animal from the twelve branches. People born in a year had an animal from that branch, making twelve animals for chronology.
- In the Eastern Han Dynasty, Xu Shen said “already” looked like a snake, and “Hai” looked like a pig.
- Since the twelve branches were easy to remember, animals replaced them to make a chronological system.
- The “Totem and celestial combination theory” says the zodiac is ancient animal totem worship with astronomy. This explanation seems more scientific.
Chinese Zodiac Sign – Rat
“We usually say the Rat is clever, charming, and creative,” explains Wang. “That’s how it won first place.” In the emperor’s famous race, the Rat cleverly rode on the Ox’s back and leapt off just in time to finish first.
This intelligence is something those born under the Rat sign take pride in. Interestingly, the Rat gets along well with the Ox, Dragon, and Monkey. Sometimes, the Rat is translated to English as “Mouse”.
|
Birth years |
1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020 |
|
Next year the Rat |
2032 |
|
Personality traits |
Frugal, ambitious, honest, charming, critical |
|
Most compatible with |
Ox |
|
Least compatible with |
Horse |
Chinese Zodiac Sign – Ox
- The Ox, known for its strength and reliability, is the second animal in the Chinese zodiac. People born under the Ox sign are often seen as hardworking, patient, and dependable.
- They are known for their determination and ability to persevere through challenges.
- In the legendary race organized by the Jade Emperor, the Ox came in second place after being overtaken by the Rat, who cleverly rode on its back.
- Despite this, the Ox holds a respected position in Chinese culture and is associated with traits such as diligence, honesty, and stability.
- Those born under the Ox sign are believed to be most compatible with the Rat, Rooster, and Snake.
|
Birth years |
1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021 |
|
Next year the Ox |
2033 |
|
Personality traits |
Perseverant, patient, hardworking, determined, stubborn |
|
Most compatible with |
Rat |
|
Least compatible with |
Sheep |
Chinese Zodiac Sign – Tiger
“Tigers are super adventurous,” Wang says. “People born in that year are thought to be lucky. But sometimes Tigers can be a bit dramatic and too sure of themselves. Surprisingly, Forbes looked at the 400 richest Americans and found lots of them were born in the Year of the Tiger! Tigers get along best with Dragons, Horses, and Pigs.
|
Birth years |
1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022 |
|
Next year the Tiger |
2034 |
|
Personality traits |
Courageous, selfish, candid, confident, adventurous |
|
Most compatible with |
Pig |
|
Least compatible with |
Monkey |
Chinese Zodiac Sign – Rabbit
People born in Rabbit years are considered smart, kind, and gentle. They have a calm and docile nature. However, Rabbits may not get along well with Snakes, as Wang experienced firsthand. She recalls, “My dad was an Ox. I’m a daddy’s girl. My mom is a Rabbit, and she said I bullied her!” Despite this, Rabbits are said to have great relationships with Dogs, Goats, Monkeys, and Pigs.
|
Birth years |
1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023 |
|
Next year of the Rabbit |
2035 |
|
Personality traits |
Intelligent, loving, articulate, lucky, gentle |
|
Most compatible with |
Dog |
|
Least compatible with |
Rooster |
Chinese Zodiac Sign – Dragon
Dragons are very important in Chinese culture, making the Dragon a popular Chinese zodiac sign. “Dragons are warmhearted and enthusiastic,” says Wang. “The birth rate increases during the Dragon year because everyone wants a Dragon baby.” However, she also mentions that there’s tough competition for Dragon Babies when it comes to college admissions, as they face more competitors.
Wang also points out that Jack Ma Yun, the owner of Alibaba and one of the richest men in China, is a Dragon. Dragons are said to have the best compatibility with Roosters, Rats, and Monkeys.
|
Birth years |
1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024 |
|
Next year the Dragon |
2036 |
|
Personality traits |
Independent, fortunate, ambitious, temperamental, strong |
|
Most compatible with |
Rooster |
|
Least compatible with |
Dog |
Chinese Zodiac Sign – Snake
The Snake is one of the animals in the Chinese zodiac and is known for its curious and wise nature. People born under the Snake sign are often seen as intelligent, intuitive, and observant.
They have a deep understanding of human nature and are skilled at reading situations and people. In Chinese culture, the Snake is associated with wisdom, cunning, and transformation.
It is considered a symbol of mystery and intuition. Those born under the Snake sign are believed to possess a keen intellect and a sharp intuition.
|
Birth years |
1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013 |
|
Next year the Snake |
2025 |
|
Personality traits |
Ambitious, wise, intense, determined, possessive |
|
Most compatible with |
Monkey |
|
Least compatible with |
Pig |
Chinese Zodiac Sign – Horse
The horse is a very important animal in history, according to Wang. “Horses are leaders and very generous,” she says. People born in Horse years are also believed to be talented and full of energy. In Chinese astrology, Horses get along well with Tigers, Goats, and Rabbits.
|
Birth years |
1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014 |
|
Next year the Horse |
2026 |
|
Personality traits |
Free, popular, positive, impatient, Energetic |
|
Most compatible with |
Sheep |
|
Least compatible with |
Rat |
Chinese Zodiac Sign – Goat
People born in Goat years are gentle, kind, and a bit shy. “Goats are usually seen as followers, not leaders,” explains Wang. She adds, “Goats often face challenges in life.” Because of this, the birth rate tends to decrease in Goat years. If you’re a Goat, it’s recommended to seek compatibility with a Horse, Rabbit, or Pig.
|
Birth years |
1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015 |
|
Next year the Goat |
2027 |
|
Personality traits |
Gentle, Decent, hardworking, Caring |
|
Most compatible with |
Rabbit |
|
Least compatible with |
Ox |
Chinese Zodiac Sign – Monkey
Almost everyone adores Monkeys because they’re the animals most similar to humans. “Monkeys are great at socializing and have a good sense of humour,” explains Wang. These traits also make Monkeys playful and sometimes mischievous. Ox, known for patience, and Rabbit, known for kindness, are perfect matches for Monkeys.
|
Birth years |
1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016 |
|
Next year the Monkey |
2028 |
|
Personality traits |
Intelligent, influential, curious, passionate, easily discouraged |
|
Most compatible with |
Snake |
|
Least compatible with |
Tiger |
Chinese Zodiac Sign – Rooster
- The Rooster is known for its reliability and consistency. People born under the Rooster sign are hardworking, punctual, and detail-oriented.
- They take pride in their work and are known for their dedication and commitment. Roosters are also brave and entertaining, adding excitement and energy to any situation.
- They have a confident and outgoing nature, and they are not afraid to speak their minds. In Chinese culture, the Rooster is associated with courage, integrity, and honesty.
- It is considered a symbol of reliability and trustworthiness.
- Those born under the Rooster sign are believed to possess these qualities and are often respected for their strong sense of responsibility.
|
Birth years |
1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017 |
|
Next year the Rooster |
2029 |
|
Personality traits |
Empathetic, creative, reliable, consistent, boastful |
|
Most compatible with |
Dragon |
|
Least compatible with |
Rabbit |
Chinese Zodiac Sign – Dog
- The Dog, just like our loyal pet friends, is known for being loyal, playful, and selfless. Dogs are always there for their loved ones, offering unwavering loyalty and devotion.
- They love to have fun and enjoy playing with others. Dogs are also selfless, always ready to help those in need without expecting anything in return.
- In Chinese astrology, the Dog is seen as practical and down-to-earth, much like real dogs that are often used for protection or specific tasks.
- People born under the Dog sign are reliable, making them great friends and partners.
|
Birth years |
1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018 |
|
Next year the Dog |
2030 |
|
Personality traits |
Loyal, honest, generous, playful, stubborn |
|
Most compatible with |
Rabbit |
|
Least compatible with |
Dragon |
Chinese Zodiac Sign – Pig
“The Pig is loving, happy, direct, and persuasive,” Wang explains. They might be the happiest out of all the zodiac signs. Even though the Pig came in last in the emperor’s race, this animal sign is still strong. The year 2019 was the year of the Earth Pig, which was predicted to bring stability, wealth, and opportunity. Pigs are happiest when paired with Tigers, Rabbits, or Goats.
|
Birth years |
1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019 |
|
Next year the Pig |
2031 |
|
Personality traits |
Happy, generous, logical, loving, short-tempered |
|
Most compatible with |
Tiger |
|
Least compatible with |
Snake |
Conclusion
Chinese zodiac gives us a way to understand different personality traits based on the year someone is born. Each animal sign represents unique qualities, like the adventurous Tiger or the loyal Dog. Understanding these traits helps us understand ourselves and others better, improving relationships and harmony. Whether it’s about love, work, or personal growth, the Chinese zodiac gives us valuable insights to guide us through life.
People believe the animal year they were born in can affect many parts of their lives, like their jobs, relationships, and luck. There are two main ways of deciding when a new zodiac year begins: either based on the Chinese New Year or the Start of Spring, according to Chinese astrology.
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Chinese Zodiac Signs and Horoscope – FAQs
What is the Chinese zodiac?
The Chinese zodiac is a classification system based on the lunar calendar that assigns an animal and its characteristics to each year in a repeating 12-year cycle.
How many animals are there in the Chinese zodiac?
There are 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, namely Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat (or Sheep), Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
Which Chinese zodiac is the luckiest?
Monkeys, roosters and pigs are the luckiest Chinese zodiac.
What lunar animal is 2024?
The Year of the Dragon in 2024 is associated with the element of Wood.
Are there any famous people born under each zodiac sign?
Yes, there are many famous individuals born under each Chinese zodiac sign. Some examples include Jackie Chan (Dragon), Taylor Swift (Snake), and Michael Jackson (Monkey).