THE CHINESE ZODIAC

The Chinese zodiac is a traditional classification scheme based on the lunar calendar that
assigns an animal and its reputed attributes to each year in a repeating twelve-year cycle.
Originating from China, the zodiac and its variations remain popular in many East Asian
and Southeast Asian countries, such as Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Nepal,
Bhutan, Cambodia, and Thailand.

Unlike the Western zodiac, which is classified in twelve constellations (one per month), the
Chinese zodiac is classified in twelve animals one per year), which we’ll learn about. Which
animal are you?

Rat 鼠 (shǔ)

The first animal in the Chinese Zodiac. It is said people born in the Year of the Rat are
quick-witted, resourceful, versatile and kind. They love company of family and friends.
Those born in the following years have the rat as their sign: 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972,
1984, 1996, 2008 and 2020. And just because you’re a rat, it doesn’t mean you’re a
criminal!

Ox 牛 (niú)

The second animal. The Chinese believe that people born in the Year of the Ox
are diligent, dependable, strong and determined. They feel good in ordered and
clean environments. They also love music and art. People born in 1937, 1949,
1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009 and 2021 have the ox as their sign.

Tiger 虎 (hǔ)

For the third animal we have the powerful and fierce tiger, whose traits according to
the Chinese are brave, confident, competitive and unpredictable. Constantly looking
for adventures, tigers are impulsive and love fun. If you were born in 1938, 1950,
1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010 or 2022, this is your sign!

Rabbit 兔 (tù)

The rabbit is the fourth animal, and those born in these years are often considered
as quiet, elegant, kind and responsible. Rabbits are loved among many people due
to their charismatic personalities. They love peace and have calm lives. They also
hate war and conflicts. This sign belongs to people born in the years 1939, 1951,
1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011 and 2023, the current year!
Dragon 龙/龍 (long)

The legendary dragon is the fifth animal in the zodiac. It’s the symbol of the Emperor,
and people under this sign are confident, intelligent and enthusiastic; full of vitality
and strength. If you anger them, they’re difficult to calm down. They often get lucky
with love and money. People born in the years 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000,
2012 and 2024 were fortunate enough to have this mighty animal as their guardian
sign!

Snake 蛇 (shé)

Slithering its way to the sixth spot, the snake makes its appearance. In Western cultures
the snake might have a bad image, but for the Chinese, the snake is a symbol of
cleverness. People under this sign know what they want and how to get it. They’re
enigmatic, intelligent and wise. However, if they fail at reaching their goals or if
they’re betrayed, they can be angry about it for hours, days or even for months.
Despite that, they know how to remain calm when needed. You have this sign if you
were born in the years 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013 or 2025.

Horse 马/馬 (mǎ)

Lucky number seven belongs to the horse. Horses are popular, animated, active
and energetic just like the animal itself. They love to travel, meet new friends, learn
new things, and they tend to be the soul of every party. Were you born in 1942,
1954, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014 or 2026? If yes, then you surely are liked by many!

Goat 羊 (yang)

The eighth spot belongs to the calm, gentle and sympathetic goat! People in the
goat sign are creative, artistic, positive, elegant, sensitive, dreamer and a bit proud.
They don’t pursue material goods and value good feelings instead. They also love
nature and are hard-working, although they dislike having to work under pressure.
In case you were born in the years 1943, 1955, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015 and 2027,
then the goat is four you! Maybe even goat cheese is your favorite!
 Monkey 猴 (hóu)

The ninth animal is the closest to humans, the monkey! People under this sign
tend to be smart, funny, charismatic, sharp and curious. They’re able to solve
problems no matter how difficult they can be, due to their determinate nature. They
could have difficult relationships with friends, since they hate when their friendship
isn’t valued. You’ll get this sign in case you were born in the years 1944, 1956, 1980,
1992, 2004, 2016 or 2028. In that case, by any chance is banana your favorite fruit?

Rooster 鸡/雞 (jī)

The rooster has the tenth spot, and it seems it’s the sign of love, since they have
attractive and seductive personalities, and they tend to be very romantic with their
couple. Of course, they have other traits, and they can be observant, hardworking,
courageous and careful. Roosters often become artists or experts in public
relationships. If you were born in the years 1945, 1957, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017 or 2029,
you’ll get this romantic and loving animal as your sign.

Dog 狗 (gǒu)

The eleventh animal is often known as “human’s best friend”, and such trait is
reflected in people under this sign. Dogs are lovely, honest, prudent, trustworthy and
loyal, with a big sense of justice and honor. They’re good at listening to others and
at giving advice to those who need it. They also possess a good sense of humor.
Even if they’re loyal, they can get a bit jealous if their love partner isn’t at their side.
You’ll get this noble animal if you were born in the years 1946, 1958, 1982, 1994, 2006,
2018 or 2030.

Pig 猪/豬 (zhū)

Last, but not least, the pig arrives at the twelfth spot. Don’t let stereotypes give
you a wrong opinion about pigs, because these people are compassionate,
generous, diligent, resolute and have a very strong willpower. They’re humble
and have good manners. Funnily enough, Chinese people believe the people
under this sign might not be interested in sports at all. If you were born in the years
1947, 1959, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019 or 2031, you’ll get this sign. Don’t be a cannibal and
avoid eating too much pig meat!