The 12 years of the Chinese lunar calendar are each assigned an animal name. The 12 animals that make up the Chinese Zodiac come from the Rat to the Pig.
The Jade Emperor of China conducted an animal race thousands of years ago that determined the hierarchy. Another myth states that before leaving Earth, the Lord Buddha called all the animals to come to him.
Only 12 animals showed up to say goodbye to him. He gave them each a year in the order of their arrival as a reward.
These 12 animal signs, each of which has a unique year in the cycle, are the basis of the Chinese horoscope. Your sign depends on the year of your birth.
The animal ruling the world in the year when you are born significantly impacts your life. This beast lurks in your heart, as the Chinese proverb puts it.
This article will tell you the meaning and typical characteristics of the zodiac that rule your birth year.
1. Rat
The Chinese zodiac legend states that during the competition hosted by the Jade Emperor to choose the zodiac animals, the cunning Rat persuaded the ox to ferry him over the river before the ox reached the finish line. After winning the race, the Rat emerged as the first of the zodiac animals.
According to the lunar calendar, a new Chinese zodiac year begins in either January or February. You might be a Rat or potentially a Pig if you were born in January or February of one of the previous years, such as 2032, 2020, 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, 1948, and 1936.
The Rat is born with the charm astrological sign. He enjoys attending parties and other significant social events and is intelligent and well-liked. He is frequently asked for advice and comments since he has a solid knowledge of human nature.
He is a dedicated and hard worker. Additionally, he has an endless supply of creative ideas. He occasionally needs more confidence to advocate for his views as much as he should, which frequently keeps him from receiving the acclaim and respect he so richly merits.
2. Ox
The Ox gave the Rat a ride by Ox, which may have come earlier. Rat just jumped to the terminal ahead of Ox when they arrived, costing Ox the lead.
The Ox represents tenacity, strength, honesty, practical persistence, and riches.
It is the strongest animal among the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac, and people refer to it as “the helpful helper” in Chinese agriculture.
Ox is very persistent and has a strong drive to advance, allowing them to work toward their objectives consistently.
The female Ox are traditional, devoted spouses who place a high value on the education of their offspring. Male Ox value family and work and have high standards and life aspirations.
You may be an Ox or potentially a Rat if you were born in January or February of one of the following years: 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, etc.
3. Tiger
The Tiger is particular in traditional Chinese culture and mythology as an ancient, universal emblem of ferocity, bravery, and intellect. 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, and other years of the Tiger.
In Chinese culture, tigers represent strength and lordliness since they are courageous, vicious, brutal, and fearsome. Tigers frequently symbolized emperors and rulers in antiquity.
The Year of the Tiger was the year many comedians, actors, creatives, authors, chief marketing officers, CEOs, and managers of all stripes were born. Fidel Castro, the previous president of Cuba, and Queen Elizabeth II are all Tigers.
In 2023, Tigers, your fortune is improving compared to the previous year, and you will have an enjoyable life and career, according to Chinese astrology.
4. Rabbit
The fourth animal in the Chinese zodiac is the Rabbit. The Rabbit is the lucky animal among the twelve in Chinese culture.
People consider 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, and years of the Rabbit. The Rabbit people are kind, friendly, moral, noble, and graceful of those born in the Year of the Rabbit.
Male Rabbits are well-known for their constant politeness and soft smiles that give off the impression that they are trustworthy and honest. Female Rabbits have pure hearts and lovely and modest looks.
5. Dragon
The Chinese Dragon is the only animal in the 12 zodiac signs that is, in reality, mythical. 2024 is the next dragon year.
In Chinese culture, the Dragon represents strength, bravery, honor, luck, and prosperity. The Dragon is an extraordinary entity.
People born in the year of the Dragon have a strong sense of purpose and the confidence, wit, and charisma to enchant others, thrive in business.
Due to their solid and commanding abilities and willingness to hold others accountable for accomplishments, Dragon leaders make for demanding bosses.
6. Snake
You are most likely a Snake if you were born in 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, or 2013. Chinese people revere snakes as mysterious beings with strong, alluring qualities and a sense of mystery.
The “Snake” individuals are often well-mannered, skilled, yet quiet speakers. They are very wise and have a compassionate moral code.
They usually do not need to worry about money because they are financially stable. They have strong empathy for other people and are eager to assist their fellow humans.
They will always receive good news from the numbers 2, 8, and 9 but only negative information from the numbers 1, 6, and 7! While tragedy comes in brown, white, and gold, your lucky colors are black, crimson, and yellow.
7. Horse
You would be a Horse if you were born in 1990, 2002, or 2014. In Chinese culture, the horse symbolizes strength, beauty, and freedom.
Great spirits, activity, and vigor characterize horse-year births. People like them because of their excitement and positive demeanor.
The characteristics of those born under this sign include adaptability, stubbornness, patience, and at times, arrogance. They are witty, engaged, stylish, honest, and devoted to their spouses and friends.
Horses are masters of repartee and have a sharp sense of humor. They like taking center stage and entertaining crowds all around the world.
8. Goat
The eighth sign of the Chinese zodiac is the goat. Your Chinese zodiac sign would be a Goat if you were born in 1991, 2003, or 2015.
You enjoy spending time alone with your thoughts. Your calm demeanor often gives the impression that you are unassuming. Yet, you possess equal power, compassion, concern, and understanding for people around you.
The year of the Rabbit is 2023. Chinese astrology predicts that a goat’s horoscope will be somewhat chaotic, but you should be optimistic about taking advantage of the good times.
9. Monkey
The monkey is the animal sign for someone born in 1992, 2004, or 2016. On January 26th, 2028, the new Year of the Monkey will start, lasting until February 12th, 2029.
People with intelligence and wit are those born in the Monkey’s year. They are evil due to personality qualities, including curiosity, mischief, and intellect.
They are perceptive and have a talent for complex tasks. Jobs that provide them with the excitement and adrenaline necessary to operate would suit them well.
They would do well in law, professional athletics, or stockbroking. They also have a lot of flexibility, which offers them an advantage over the other zodiac signs.
10. Rooster
You were born in Rooster’s year if you were born in 1993, 2005, 2017, or 2029. There are 12 years between each of these Chinese zodiac rooster years.
When there was no such thing as an alarm clock in the past, roosters were crucial in waking people up. Punctuality is the first symbolic connotation of the Rooster in the Chinese zodiac.
People born under the Rooster sign are friendly and adapt well to new situations because of their extroverted personalities. When faced with a challenging situation, they do not give up lightly and will exhaust all available options.
However, as their name suggests, Roosters may occasionally be confident or arrogant. Others can find their need for attention unsettling.
11. Dog
Chinese people consider dogs to be lucky animals. When a dog unexpectedly visits a home, it represents good fortune. The Dog’s years are as follows: 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030, and so on.
Loyalty and honesty are the two qualities dogs are most known for. Dogs are incredibly devoted to their buddies and are always there for them once they accept them as friends.
Due to their loving nature, dogs make good employees in occupations centered around helping others. They are diligent locals who give their all to every task they do.
According to the Chinese Zodiac for 2023, the Dogs will have luck in the Water Rabbit year. You’ll experience progress in most areas of your life, making you incredibly content.
12. Pig
In Chinese zodiac tradition, the Pig has a round, chubby face and represents riches, happiness, honesty, and pragmatism. They are joyful, laid-back, truthful, sincere, and courageous individuals.
They are fortunate individuals who may get a lot of money and success. However, those born under the sign of the Pig might have been naive, overly dependent, self-indulgent, gullible, or fatalistic.
They have bright futures in the entertainment, hotel, retail, and transportation industries. Due to their innate leadership abilities, they will excel in roles that need them to take the reins and guide others.
In 2023, Pigs will generally have excellent luck. You should have unanticipated pleasant surprises and benefits if you work hard, take care of your health, and minimize the chance of property loss.
FAQs
How do I know my Chinese zodiac sign?
Read about the remaining months based on your birth year divided by 12. Take the residual to zero if the year’s number can be divided without leaving any remnant. Each leftover number is a symbol of an animal.
Why does the Chinese zodiac have 12 animals?
According to legend, the Jade Emperor, a powerful divinity in Chinese mythology, conducted a race to choose the 12 animals that make up the Chinese zodiac.
Which animal is suitable for wealth?
The “bat” is a representation of riches. As a symbol of prosperity and health, it should be positioned at the Southeast corner of your home.
What is the luckiest Chinese number?
In Chinese culture, the numerals 3, 6, and 8 are typically seen as fortunate.
Final Thoughts
The Chinese zodiac signs have a more than 2,000-year history and are fundamental to Chinese culture. In addition to signifying years in China, the 12 Chinese zodiac animals impact people’s personalities, careers, compatibility, marriages, and prosperity.
Which animal represents your year of birth? Let us know your zodiac sign in the comments. Thank you for reading!