Do you already know your Chinese zodiac sign?

Most of us have known our zodiac sign since childhood, and it's common to find people who are avid horoscope readers and know their birth chart inside and out. But are you familiar with its Asian equivalent? Yes, the increasingly popular Chinese horoscope offers a unique perspective on personality, compatibility, and life cycles.
Unlike Western astrology, which is based on the sun's position in constellations throughout the twelve months of the year, the Chinese horoscope is a lunisolar calendar. This means it follows the cycles of the moon, and its New Year, China's most important holiday, doesn't fall on a fixed date in the Gregorian calendar, but rather between January 21 and February 20. This is why the Chinese New Year isn't celebrated on January 1st as it is in the Western world.

The system consists of a 12-year cycle, each year represented by an animal, and these are combined with the five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water), creating a complex 60-year cycle unique to each person. The most popular legend tells of the Jade Emperor (or, in some versions, Buddha) organizing a great animal race to decide which twelve would enter the zodiac and in what order. The cunning of the Rat, who crossed the river riding on the back of the Ox to jump first to the finish line, explains why it leads the cycle. The arrival of the animals in the race established the order that endures to this day.

So, for example, each animal is associated with a certain personality, character, and abilities, as well as with certain negative stereotypes. Some people even go so far as to examine horoscope compatibility for romantic relationships, business, and so on. Ready to discover your Chinese zodiac sign?

What are the animals of the Chinese zodiac?

1. The Rat (鼠 - Shǔ)

Years (12-year cycle): 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032...
Personality Traits: Astute, resourceful, charismatic, and thrifty. Rats are natural survivors with a keen business sense and a charming sociability that earns them many friends.
Stereotypes: They are sometimes labeled as stingy or secretive. It's believed they can be somewhat critical and take advantage of others to achieve their goals.
Element for 2020: 2020 was the Year of the Metal Rat.

2. The Ox (牛 - Niú)

Years: 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033...
Personality Traits: Solid, reliable, methodical, and incredibly hardworking. They are the pillars of the family and community. Their patience and determination lead them to achieve success through constant effort.
Stereotypes: They may be perceived as stubborn, conservative, and slow to adapt to change. Sometimes they have difficulty expressing their emotions fluently.
Element for 2021: 2021 was the Year of the Metal Ox.

3. The Tiger (虎 - Hǔ)

Years: 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034...
Personality Traits: Courage, confidence, charisma, and a competitive spirit. Tigers are natural leaders, passionate, and always seeking adventure. They are fierce protectors of their loved ones.
Stereotypes: They can be impulsive, arrogant, and prone to getting into arguments due to their dominant nature. Sometimes they act before they think.
Element for 2022: 2022 was the Year of the Water Tiger.

4. The Rabbit (兔 - Tù) (or Hare)

Years: 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2035...
Personality Traits: Elegant, kind, discreet, and with exquisite taste. Rabbits are peacemakers, empathetic, and tend to avoid conflict. They have a large social circle thanks to their friendliness.
Stereotypes: They are sometimes seen as overly cautious, shy, or even superficial because of their desire for harmony and comfort.
Element for 2023: 2023 was the Year of the Water Rabbit.

5. The Dragon (龙 - Lóng)

Years: 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024, 2036...
Personality Traits: Energetic, ambitious, lucky, and charismatic. The Dragon is the most powerful and auspicious sign. They are visionary leaders, full of vitality and enthusiasm, who inspire others.
Stereotypes: They can be egocentric, impatient, and have a strong and intolerant character towards incompetence.
Element for 2024: 2024 was the Year of the Wood Dragon.

6. The Snake (蛇 - Shé)

Years: 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025, 2037...
Personality Traits: Wise, intuitive, enigmatic, and elegant. Snakes are deeply thoughtful, with great business acumen and an aura of mystery that draws others in.
Stereotypes: They are associated with the tendency to be somewhat jealous, resentful, and manipulative if they feel betrayed.
Next Element (2025): 2025 will be the Year of the Wood Snake.

7. The Horse (马 - Mǎ)

Years: 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026, 2038...
Personality Traits: Independent, free-spirited, energetic, and popular. Horses love freedom, are optimistic, and have a natural talent for communication.
Stereotypes: They can be impatient, a little egocentric, and find it difficult to commit, as they fear feeling tied down.
Element for 2014: 2014 was the Year of the Wood Horse.

8. The Goat (羊 - Yáng) (or Sheep/Ram)

Years: 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027, 2039...
Personality Traits: Creative, kind, peaceful, and with a great aesthetic sense. Goats are compassionate, sensitive, and value harmony and family life above all else.
Stereotypes: They are sometimes considered pessimistic, indecisive, and too dependent on others to feel secure.
Element for 2015: 2015 was the Year of the Wood Goat.

9. The Monkey (猴 - Hóu)

Years: 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028, 2040...
Personality Traits: Resourceful, fun-loving, curious, and extremely intelligent. Monkeys are the problem solvers of the zodiac, capable of getting out of any tight spot with their ingenuity and charisma.
Stereotypes: Their cunning can turn into manipulation. They are sometimes perceived as inconsistent and tireless jokers who don't take anything seriously.
Element for 2016: 2016 was the Year of the Fire Monkey.

10. The Rooster (鸡 - Jī)

Years: 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029, 2041...
Personality Traits: Honest, punctual, organized, and with unwavering confidence. Roosters are keen observers, meticulous in their work, and unafraid to speak frankly.
Stereotypes: They can be vain, critical, and pedantic. Their honesty is sometimes mistaken for a lack of tact.
Element for 2017: 2017 was the Year of the Fire Rooster.

11. The Dog (狗 - Gǒu)

Years: 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030...
Personality Traits: Loyal, honest, responsible, and with a deep sense of justice. Dogs are the best friends and protectors of the zodiac. They are reliable and always defend those they love.
Stereotypes: Their loyalty can turn into anxiety. They can be cynical, worrisome, and somewhat pessimistic, always expecting the worst.
Element for 2018: 2018 was the Year of the Earth Dog.

12. The Pig (猪 - Zhū) (or Boar)

Years: 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031...
Personality Traits: Generous, diligent, compassionate, and pleasure-loving. Pigs are noble, sincere, and enjoy life's simple pleasures: good food, good company, and a home.
Stereotypes: Their love of the good life can be interpreted as indulgence or naiveté. Sometimes they are too trusting and can be deceived.
Element for 2019: 2019 was the Year of the Earth Pig.

What is the significance of the Chinese horoscope?

The Chinese horoscope is deeply intertwined with the culture. It's not just a personality game; it influences life decisions. Many couples consult their sign compatibility before getting married. Businesspeople may choose partners or launch dates based on astrological auguries. It's even believed that the sign of the year influences the personality of an entire generation.
Although its origins are Chinese, its influence extends throughout much of East Asia. Countries like South Korea, Japan, and Vietnam have their own variations of the zodiac (in Vietnam, the Cat replaces the Rabbit, and in some Japanese tales, the Boar replaces the Pig). The celebration of the Lunar New Year and the significance of the animal signs are a shared tradition that unites the region, albeit with different nuances and local legends.
In short, the Chinese horoscope is a rich and symbolic system that offers not only a description of personality but also a philosophy of life that values balance, the cycles of nature, and human relationships. The next time you celebrate the New Year, in addition to the grapes, you might want to discover which animal rules you and what the new cycle promises. Gong Xi Fa Cai! (Happy New Year and may you prosper!)