The Chinese zodiac has captivated Chinese culture for over 2,000 years. While Western astrology may be familiar to many, the Chinese zodiac system is even more intricate and profound. It incorporates not only the 12 Chinese astrology signs but also the five Chinese zodiac elements and the concept of yin and yang energy. In this article, we will explore the 12 Chinese zodiac signs, their origins, and what they reveal about your personality. If you're curious to learn more about your animal sign and its significance, keep reading!
What is the Chinese Zodiac?
The Chinese zodiac, also known as Shengxiao ("born resembling"), follows a 12-year cycle, with each year represented by a different animal. The 12 animals in order are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. The order of these animals is derived from the popular legend of the Chinese zodiac: the Jade Emperor's Race. According to the story, the Chinese emperor organized a race to determine the lucky animals that would be included in the calendar. The Rat claimed first place, followed by the other animals in the order mentioned above.
What Does Your Chinese Astrology Sign Mean?
Each Chinese astrology sign carries distinct characteristics and traits. To shed light on this, we spoke with Juleen (Zhuqing) Wang, a student services advisor for Montclair State University's School of Business, who grew up in Hangzhou, China. According to Wang, Chinese astrology provides insights based on birth year rather than the movements of celestial bodies, as in Western astrology. This means that your Chinese astrology sign remains constant throughout your life. Let's delve into the meanings behind some of the Chinese zodiac signs:
Rabbit
People born in the Year of the Rabbit (1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023) are known for their intelligence, kindness, and docile nature. They tend to have great compatibility with Dogs, Goats, Monkeys, and Pigs. However, they might clash with Snakes due to their different traits. If you are a Rabbit, you may find humor in how your zodiac sign aligns with your relationships!
Image: Illustration of an animal from the Chinese zodiac: Rabbit
Dragon
The Dragon (1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024) holds a special place in Chinese culture. Considered warm-hearted and enthusiastic, Dragons are often associated with increased birth rates during their years. In Chinese astrology, Dragons are known to face intense competition, particularly when it comes to educational opportunities. Famous Dragon individuals, such as Jack Ma Yun, demonstrate the influence and magnetism of this sign. For Dragons, the best matches are with Roosters, Rats, and Monkeys.
Image: Illustration of an animal from the Chinese zodiac: Dragon
Snake
Often referred to as the "mini Dragon," the Snake (1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013) shares many qualities with its more illustrious counterpart. Snakes are known for their curiosity, wisdom, and occasional jealousy and greed. Interestingly, Snakes are highly compatible with Oxen, as Wang herself married an Ox. Other ideal matches for Snakes are Dragons and Roosters.
Image: Illustration of an animal from the Chinese zodiac: Snake
Horse
The Horse (1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014) is a symbol of leadership and generosity. People born in Horse years are often described as talented and energetic. This zodiac sign finds compatibility with Tigers, Goats, and Rabbits, sharing harmonious traits.
Image: Illustration of an animal from the Chinese zodiac: Horse
Goat
Known for their gentle and decent nature, Goats (1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015) are often seen as followers rather than leaders. They may face challenges, as Goats are believed to have a challenging life. Despite this, Goats can find compatible companionship with Horses, Rabbits, and Pigs.
Image: Illustration of an animal from the Chinese zodiac: Goat
Monkey
The Monkey (1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016) is adored for its social skills, humor, and playfulness. Monkeys share a strong genetic link with humans, which contributes to their charm. Monkeys find ideal companionship with patient Oxen and kind-hearted Rabbits.
Image: Illustration of an animal from the Chinese zodiac: Monkey
Rooster
Roosters (1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017) are known for their reliability and bravery. These consistent and entertaining individuals thrive particularly well during Ox years. Roosters form compatible relationships with Snakes and Rats.
Image: Illustration of an animal from the Chinese zodiac: Rooster
Dog
The Dog (1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018) embodies loyalty, playfulness, and selflessness. This zodiac sign is also considered practical, similar to the role that dogs play in our lives. A Rabbit makes for an ideal companion for Dogs, as they share similar kind and loving natures.
Image: Illustration of an animal from the Chinese zodiac: Dog
Pig
Characterized as loving, happy, direct, and persuasive, the Pig (1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019) is often associated with joy and optimism. In 2019, the Year of the Earth Pig, the zodiac sign represented steadiness, wealth, and opportunity. Tigers, Rabbits, and Goats are compatible matches for Pigs.
Image: Illustration of an animal from the Chinese zodiac: Pig
Rat
The Rat (1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020) is known for being smart, charming, and imaginative. In the legendary emperor's race, the Rat cleverly secured first place by riding on the back of the Ox and jumping off just in time to cross the finish line. Oxen, Dragons, and Monkeys make the best matches for Rats.
Image: Illustration of an animal from the Chinese zodiac: Rat
Ox
The Ox (1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021) came in second place in the emperor's race, falling behind the quick-witted Rat. Oxen are characterized by their determination, generosity, patience, and hard work. People born in their own zodiac year are believed to face challenges, as they antagonize a Chinese god of fortune named Tai Sui. Red is worn as protection during these years. Snakes, Rats, and Roosters form compatible relationships with Oxen.
Image: Illustration of an animal from the Chinese zodiac: Ox
Tiger
Finally, the Tiger (1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022) is considered adventurous and lucky according to Wang. Tigers can also be dramatic and boastful. Interestingly, Forbes has found a higher proportion of Tiger babies among the 400 richest Americans. Dragon, Horse, and Pig are ideal matches for Tigers.
Image: Illustration of an animal from the Chinese zodiac: Tiger
Now that you have a glimpse into the world of the Chinese zodiac, you can explore the unique characteristics of your animal sign. Each sign offers a fascinating and nuanced perspective on personality traits and compatibility. Enjoy learning more about yourself and those around you through the lens of this ancient and captivating tradition.
About the expert: Juleen (Zhuqing) Wang is a student services academic advisor for Montclair State University's School of Business.
Sources:
- Travel China Guide: "Chinese Zodiac Story"
- Your Chinese Astrology: "Chinese Zodiac Five Elements"
- Travel China Guide: "Chinese Zodiac Compatibility"
- Travel China Guide: "Ben Ming Nian (Zodiac Year of Birth)"
- Forbes: "Is Success in the Stars?"
- BBC: "Enter the dragons: A baby boom for Chinese across Asia"
- South China Morning Post: "World's three richest Chinese billionaires born in 'lucky' year of the dragon"
- NPR: "China Blames Goats for 2015 Drop in Birth Rate"
