The Chinese zodiac, also known as shengxiao (/shnng-sshyao/ ‘born resembling’), is represented by a cycle of 12 zodiac animals. These animals, in order, are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
The years of the Chinese zodiac begin and end with the Chinese New Year, which takes place in January or February. Each year within this repeating 12-year cycle is symbolized by a zodiac animal, each with its own unique characteristics.
For instance, 2024 is the Year of the Dragon and starts from February 10th, 2024, and ends on January 28th, 2025.
Chinese people strongly believe in the association between a person’s horoscope, personality, and love compatibility with their Chinese zodiac sign. This sign is determined by a person’s birth year.
Content Preview:
- What is My Chinese Zodiac Sign?
- Chinese Zodiac Signs’ Personality
- What is the luckiest/unluckiest Chinese zodiac sign?
- Chinese Zodiac Signs’ Lucky/Unlucky Things
- Chinese Zodiac Compatibility
- Chinese Horoscope 2024
- Chinese Zodiac Story
- What distinguishes Chinese zodiac from Western astrology?
- Chinese Zodiac in Various Asian Countries
What is My Chinese Zodiac Sign?
If you’re wondering “What is my Chinese Zodiac Sign?” the answer can be found in the table below, where each Chinese zodiac year is represented by an animal. For instance, if you were born in 1988, your Chinese zodiac sign is the Dragon.
Here’s the table of Chinese zodiac years that can help you determine your sign quickly:
- Rat: …1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020…
- Ox: …1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021…
- Tiger: …1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022…
- Rabbit: … 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023 …
- Dragon: … 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024 …
- Snake: … 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025 …
- Horse: … 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026 …
- Goat: … 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027 …
- Monkey: … 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028 …
- Rooster: … 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029 …
- Dog: … 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030 …
- Pig: … 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031 …
Bear in mind there are two schools of thought in Chinese astrology for the starting date of a zodiac year: Chinese New Year or the Start of Spring.
Most Chinese people use Chinese New Year, which falls somewhere between January 21st and February 20th, as the start of the zodiac year.
Traditionalists and professional astrologers, however, use the first solar term, which is the Start of Spring–the 1st of the 24 Solar Terms beginning on February 3rd or 4th.
Therefore, if you were born in January or February 1997, you might either be an Ox or a Rat depending on whether you use the traditional Chinese New Year system or the Start of Spring system.
Chinese Zodiac Signs’ Personality
Chinese zodiac animals have astrological and cultural meanings. Chinese people associate each animal sign with certain characteristics. It’s believed that people born in a given year have the personality of that year’s animal.
Rat: quick-witted, resourceful, versatile, kind.
Ox: diligent, dependable, strong, determined.
Tiger: brave, confident, competitive, unpredictable.
Rabbit: quiet, elegant, kind, responsible.
Dragon: confident, intelligent, enthusiastic.
Snake: enigmatic, intelligent, wise.
Horse: animated, active, energetic.
Goat: calm, gentle, sympathetic.
Monkey: sharp, smart, curious.
Rooster: observant, hardworking, courageous.
Dog: lovely, honest, prudent.
Pig: compassionate, generous, diligent.
These traits continue to be an essential aspect of traditional Chinese astrology and hold significant meaning in the country’s culture.
What is the luckiest/unluckiest Chinese zodiac sign?
Chinese culture has traditionally held that the top 5 luckiest and most popular zodiac signs are Dragon, Snake, Pig, Rat, and Tiger. However, it is important to note that it is difficult to identify the luckiest or unluckiest zodiac sign, as each sign has its own unique advantages and challenges.
There is a popular Chinese proverb that states “10 goats, 9 not complete”, implying that people born in a year of the Goat are destined for bad luck. Additionally, many people in Chinese society historically believed that individuals born in a Goat year would grow up to be followers rather than leaders, although this superstition is outdated and has no factual basis.
On the other hand, the Dragon is often considered the most highly-coveted zodiac sign, with Chinese births peaking in Dragon years. Ultimately, it is important to recognize that the social and relational dynamics between different zodiac signs can have a significant impact on a person’s life, as we do not live in isolation. Therefore, it is difficult to generalize about the luckiest or unluckiest zodiac signs.
Chinese Zodiac Signs’ Lucky/Unlucky Things
The Chinese Zodiac signs have a range of items, from numbers to colors, flowers, and directions that are deemed as lucky or unlucky. Here are the lucky things for each Chinese Zodiac sign:
| Chinese Zodiac Sign | Lucky Numbers | Lucky Colors | Lucky Flowers | Lucky Directions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rat | 2, 3 | blue, gold, green | lily, African violet | west, northwest and southwest |
| Ox | 1, 4 | white, yellow, green | tulip, peach blossom | north, south |
| Tiger | 1, 3, 4 | blue, gray, orange | yellow lily, cineraria | east, north, south |
| Rabbit | 3, 4, 6 | red, pink, purple, blue | plantain lily, jasmine | east, south and northwest |
| Dragon | 1, 6, 7 | gold, silver, grayish white | bleeding-heart glory bower, dragon flowers | east, north, south |
| Snake | 2, 8, 9 | black, red, and yellow | orchid and cactus | east, west, and southwest |
| Horse | 2, 3, 7 | yellow and green | calla lily and jasmine | east, west, and south |
| Goat | 2, 7 | brown, red, and purple | carnations and primroses | north |
| Monkey | 4, 9 | white, blue, gold | chrysanthemum, crape myrtle | north, northwest, west |
| Rooster | 5, 7, 8 | gold, brown, and yellow | gladiola, cockscomb | south, southeast |
| Dog | 3, 4, 9 | red, green, and purple | rose, cymbidium orchids | east, south, and northeast |
| Pig | 2, 5, 8 | yellow, gray, brown, gold | hydrangea and daisy | east and southwest |
Here are the unlucky things for each Chinese Zodiac sign:
| Chinese Zodiac Sign | Unlucky Numbers | Unlucky Colors | Unlucky Directions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rat | 5, 9 | yellow, brown | south and southeast |
| Ox | 5, 6 | blue | southwest |
| Tiger | 6, 7, 8 | brown | southwest |
| Rabbit | 1, 7, 8 | dark brown, dark yellow, white | north, west, and southwest |
| Dragon | 3, 8 | blue, green | northwest |
| Snake | 1, 6, 7 | brown, gold, white | northeast and northwest |
| Horse | 1, 5, 6 | blue, white | north and northwest |
| Goat | 4, 9 | blue, black | southwest |
| Monkey | 2, 7 | red, pink | south, southeast |
| Rooster | 1, 3, 9 | red | east |
| Dog | 1, 6, 7 | blue, white, gold | southeast |
| Pig | 1, 7 | red, blue, green | southeast |
This information is considered helpful in traditional Chinese astrology and culture.
Chinese Zodiac Compatibility
The Chinese zodiac is commonly used to determine the compatibility between two individuals in any kind of relationship, particularly romantic relationships, and is typically assessed before getting married in China. Each person born in a particular zodiac animal year is believed to possess the attributes of that animal, which would influence their personality traits, either positively or negatively, in a relationship. The twelve zodiac signs can be paired in a certain way that signifies the likelihood of a successful relationship. Those pairings are as follows:
- Rat: Rat, Ox, Dragon, or Monkey
- Ox: Rat, Snake, or Rooster
- Tiger: Horse, Dog, or Pig
- Rabbit: Goat, Dog, or Pig
- Dragon: Rat, Monkey, or Rooster
- Snake: Ox or Rooster
- Horse: Tiger, Goat, or Dog
- Goat: Rabbit, Horse, Goat, or Pig
- Monkey: Rat, Dragon, or Dog
- Rooster: Ox, Dragon, or Snake
- Dog: Tiger, Rabbit, Horse, or Monkey
- Pig: Tiger, Rabbit, or Goat
Chinese Horoscope 2024
Here is the Chinese Horoscope for 2024 for the 12 animal signs:
Rat (born in 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008):
The year of 2024 will be a good year for the Rat, especially in their career. However, they may experience some challenges in their relationships, so it is important that they communicate openly with their loved ones to avoid any misunderstandings.
Ox (born in 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009):
The Ox will have a peaceful and stable year in 2024, with no major ups or downs. It will be a good time for them to focus on their personal growth and development, as well as building stronger relationships with their family and loved ones.
Tiger (born in 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010):
The year 2024 will bring some opportunities for the Tiger to make progress in their career or personal life. They will need to stay focused and disciplined to achieve their goals, but they will receive support and encouragement from those around them.
Rabbit (born in 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011):
For the Rabbit, 2024 will be a year of hard work and effort. They may face some challenges and obstacles, but with dedication and perseverance, they will achieve success in their endeavors. They will also need to look after their health and well-being to avoid burnout.
Dragon (born in 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012):
The year of 2024 will be a favorable year for the Dragon, with prospects of personal and professional growth. They may also receive financial gains or opportunities to invest in their future. However, they should be mindful of their expenses and avoid overspending.
Snake (born in 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013):
The Snake may experience some challenges and setbacks in 2024, but they should not be discouraged. It will be a year of learning and personal growth, and they may discover new interests and passions. They should also prioritize self-care and seek support from their loved ones when needed.
Horse (born in 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014):
2024 will be a year of progress and growth for the Horse, both professionally and personally. They may also have opportunities to travel or explore new places. However, they should be mindful of their relationships and communicate openly with their loved ones to avoid any misunderstandings.
Goat (born in 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015):
The year of 2024 will bring some challenges and obstacles for the Goat, but they will have the support of their loved ones to overcome them. They should also focus on their personal growth and development, and not be afraid to take risks or try new things.
Monkey (born in 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016):
In 2024, the Monkey will have opportunities for personal and professional growth, but they must be mindful of their actions and words, as they may unintentionally offend others. They should also prioritize their self-care and avoid overextending themselves.
Rooster (born in 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017):
The year of 2024 will be a favorable year for the Rooster, with opportunities for professional advancement and personal growth. They may also receive support and help from their loved ones. However, they should avoid neglecting their relationships and make time for their loved ones.
Dog (born in 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018):
For the Dog, 2024 will be a year of learning and personal growth. They may face some challenges and setbacks, but they should remain optimistic and persevere. They should also prioritize their health and avoid unhealthy habits.
Pig (born in 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019):
The year of 2024 will bring some opportunities for the Pig to make progress in their career or personal life. They should also focus on strengthening their relationships with their loved ones and avoid conflicts or misunderstandings. They may also have opportunities to travel or explore new places, which will enhance their personal growth and development.
Chinese Zodiac Story
Have you ever wondered why the 12 Chinese zodiac animals are in a particular order, ranging from Rat to Pig?
According to popular myth, the sequence of the 12 signs originated from a story about the Jade Emperor, the supreme immortal, who wanted to choose 12 animals to serve as his guards. All creatures on Earth were invited to participate in a race to determine their rank, with the earlier ones who reached the Heavenly Gate being given higher rankings.
The story goes that Rat and Ox woke up early and teamed up to cross a river together, with Rat jumping onto the back of Ox. When they neared the Heavenly Gate, Rat suddenly jumped down from Ox’s back and dashed to the feet of the Emperor, winning first place. Ox came in second. Tiger and Rabbit came third and fourth respectively because they were fast and competitive, but Tiger was faster. Dragon came in fifth and was immediately noticed by the Jade Emperor, who promised that Dragon’s son would be sixth. Snake then came forward and said that Dragon was his adoptive father, so Snake was ranked sixth. Horse and Goat arrived next and were ranked seventh and eighth because they were kind and modest toward each other. Monkey caught up and came in ninth by taking a shortcut through the trees and rocks. Rooster, Dog, and Pig came last.
Many people wonder why the cat is not one of the 12 zodiac animals. There is a story that Cat and Rat were traveling together on Ox’s back when Rat pushed Cat into the water, causing Cat to be washed away and miss the deadline for the Heavenly Gate ranking. Cat and Rat reportedly became mortal enemies after that, with rats scattering in all directions at the sight of a cat.
Although this story is widespread, it is important to note that the 12 animals were chosen very deliberately by the ancient Chinese after many revisions. The zodiac animals are closely related to the lives and beliefs of ancient Chinese people.
What distinguishes Chinese zodiac from Western astrology?
Although Chinese zodiac and Western astrology both categorize individuals based on their birth time into 12 signs and assign certain personalities and fortunes to each sign, they differ in their genesis and underlying principles.
The Chinese zodiac originates from the ancient practice of associating animals with human characteristics and relationships and aligning them with people’s birth years. Mythical stories about a contest held by celestial creatures are also used to explain the sequence of the 12 zodiac signs. On the other hand, Western astrology is based on the positioning of stars and constellations relative to the earth, which were named after Greek mythical figures, and their supposed effects on human lives and traits.
Furthermore, the Chinese zodiac organizes its 12 signs on a yearly basis, while the Western zodiac corresponds to monthly intervals.
Chinese Zodiac in Various Asian Countries
The Chinese zodiac holds sway over many other Asian nations, such as South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, and Myanmar, albeit with some differences in the animal symbols employed.
The 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig; and these are identical for South Korea, North Korea, Singapore, and Cambodia.
In Japan, the 12 zodiac animals are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Boar, while in Vietnam, they are Rat, Buffalo, Tiger, Cat, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
In Thailand, the 12 zodiac animals hierarchy comprises Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Naga (a mythical serpent), Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
Meanwhile, the Burmese zodiac has seven animal symbols, namely, Garuda (a mythic bird), Tiger, Lion, Elephant (tusked), Rat, Guinea Pig, and Dragon.
Culture to Know 
Leave a comment