The Chinese Zodiac, known as “Shengxiao” (生肖), is a classification system based on a 12-year cycle, each year represented by an animal. Rooted in Chinese folklore and astrology, the Zodiac reflects personality traits and compatibility.

In Chinese culture, the Zodiac influences everything from New Year traditions to matchmaking and fortune-telling. Each animal sign represents unique characteristics and is tied to elements like luck, prosperity, and health.

Western audiences are drawn to the Chinese Zodiac for its intriguing myths, relatable personality traits, and fun compatibility insights, making it a popular topic in astrology and pop culture.

Chinese Zodiac Years

Each year in the Chinese lunar calendar is associated with one of the 12 Zodiac animals. Use the table below to find your sign based on your birth year:

ZodiacYear
Dog1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
Dragon1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024, 2036
Goat1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027, 2039
Horse1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026, 2038
Monkey1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028, 2040
Ox1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033
Pig1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
Rabbit1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2035
Rat1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032
Rooster1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
Snake1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025, 2037
Tiger1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034

The 12 Animals of the Chinese Zodiac

Rat (鼠)

  • Personality Traits: Intelligent, resourceful, quick-witted, charming.
  • Compatibility: Best with Ox, Dragon, or Monkey; least compatible with Horse.
  • Lucky Numbers: 2, 3.
  • Lucky Colors: Blue, gold, green.
  • Famous People: Katy Perry, Mark Zuckerberg, Dua Lipa.
  • Click here to learn more about the Year of the Rat
Chinese Zodiac Rat Symbol Illustration

Ox (牛)

  • Personality Traits: Hardworking, reliable, honest, stubborn.
  • Compatibility: Best with Rat, Snake, or Rooster; least compatible with Sheep.
  • Lucky Numbers: 1, 9.
  • Lucky Colors: White, yellow.
  • Famous People: Ed Sheeran, Gal Gadot, Malala Yousafzai.
  • Click here to learn more about the Year of the Ox
Chinese Zodiac Ox Symbol Illustration

Tiger (虎)

  • Personality Traits: Brave, confident, competitive, unpredictable.
  • Compatibility: Best with Dragon, Horse, or Pig; least compatible with Monkey.
  • Lucky Numbers: 1, 3, 4.
  • Lucky Colors: Blue, grey, orange.
  • Famous People: Shawn Mendes, Zendaya, Harry Styles.
  • Click here to learn more about the Year of the Tiger
Chinese Zodiac Tiger Symbol Illustration

Rabbit (兔)

  • Personality Traits: Gentle, empathetic, creative, cautious.
  • Compatibility: Best with Sheep, Dog, or Pig; least compatible with Rooster.
  • Lucky Numbers: 3, 4, 9.
  • Lucky Colors: Red, pink, purple.
  • Famous People: Lionel Messi, Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish.
  • Click here to learn more about the Year of the Rabbit
Chinese Zodiac Rabbit Symbol Illustration

Dragon (龙)

  • Personality Traits: Ambitious, charismatic, energetic, confident.
  • Compatibility: Best with Monkey, Rat, or Rooster; least compatible with Dog.
  • Lucky Numbers: 1, 6, 7.
  • Lucky Colors: Gold, silver.
  • Famous People: Post Malone, Liu Yifei (Crystal Liu), Chris Pratt.
  • Click here to learn more about the Year of the Dragon
Chinese Zodiac Dragon Symbol Illustration

Snake (蛇)

  • Personality Traits: Wise, graceful, intuitive, private.
  • Compatibility: Best with Ox, Rooster, or Dragon; least compatible with Pig.
  • Lucky Numbers: 2, 8, 9.
  • Lucky Colors: Black, red, yellow.
  • Famous People: Taylor Swift, Gigi Hadid, Kim Taehyung (V from BTS).
  • Click here to learn more about the Year of the Snake
Chinese Zodiac Snake Symbol Illustration

Horse (马)

  • Personality Traits: Energetic, free-spirited, optimistic, impatient.
  • Compatibility: Best with Tiger, Sheep, or Dog; least compatible with Rat.
  • Lucky Numbers: 2, 3, 7.
  • Lucky Colors: Yellow, green.
  • Famous People: Kendrick Lamar, Emma Watson, Noah Centineo.
  • Click here to learn more about the Year of the Horse
Chinese Zodiac Horse Symbol Illustration

Goat (羊)

  • Personality Traits: Artistic, calm, kind-hearted, sensitive.
  • Compatibility: Best with Rabbit, Horse, or Pig; least compatible with Ox.
  • Lucky Numbers: 2, 7.
  • Lucky Colors: Brown, red.
  • Famous People: Timothée Chalamet, Doja Cat, Greta Thunberg.
  • Click here to learn more about the Year of the Goat
Chinese Zodiac Goat Symbol Illustration

Monkey (猴)

  • Personality Traits: Clever, lively, curious, mischievous.
  • Compatibility: Best with Rat, Dragon, or Snake; least compatible with Tiger.
  • Lucky Numbers: 4, 9.
  • Lucky Colors: White, blue.
  • Famous People: Tom Holland, Cardi B, Jungkook (BTS).
  • Click here to learn more about the Year of the Monkey
Chinese Zodiac Monkey Symbol Illustration

Rooster (鸡)

  • Personality Traits: Observant, hardworking, courageous, honest.
  • Compatibility: Best with Ox, Snake, or Dragon; least compatible with Rabbit.
  • Lucky Numbers: 5, 7, 8.
  • Lucky Colors: Gold, brown.
  • Famous People: Kylie Jenner, Zhang Yixing (Lay from EXO), Bella Hadid.
  • Click here to learn more about the Year of the Rooster
Chinese Zodiac Rooster Symbol Illustration

Dog (狗)

  • Personality Traits: Loyal, honest, kind, cautious.
  • Compatibility: Best with Rabbit, Tiger, or Horse; least compatible with Dragon.
  • Lucky Numbers: 3, 4, 9.
  • Lucky Colors: Green, red.
  • Famous People: Zendaya, Justin Bieber, H.E.R..
  • Click here to learn more about the Year of the Dog
Chinese Zodiac Dog Symbol Illustration

Pig (猪)

  • Personality Traits: Generous, compassionate, diligent, naive.
  • Compatibility: Best with Rabbit, Sheep, or Tiger; least compatible with Snake.
  • Lucky Numbers: 2, 5, 8.
  • Lucky Colors: Yellow, grey.
  • Famous People: Adele, Chris Hemsworth, Millie Bobby Brown.
  • Click here to learn more about the Year of the Pig
Chinese Zodiac Pig Symbol Illustration

How the Chinese Zodiac Works

The Chinese Zodiac system is a fascinating blend of astronomy, astrology, and cultural traditions. Here’s how it works:

The Lunar Calendar vs. the Gregorian Calendar

  • The Chinese Zodiac is based on the lunar calendar, which differs from the Gregorian calendar. Each Zodiac year begins on Chinese New Year, which falls between late January and mid-February.
  • This is why someone born in January 1984 might belong to the Year of the Pig (1983) instead of the Year of the Rat (1984).

The 12-Year Cycle

  • The Zodiac consists of a repeating 12-year cycle, each year represented by one of the 12 animals: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig.
  • The animals follow a specific order, rooted in the famous Chinese Zodiac Race Legend, where the Rat cleverly won first place.

Five Elements and Their Impact

  • In addition to the 12 animals, the Chinese Zodiac incorporates the Five Elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water.
  • Each element rotates every two years, combining with an animal to form a unique 60-year cycle.
  • Impact of the Elements:
    • Wood: Growth, creativity, and adaptability.
    • Fire: Passion, energy, and leadership.
    • Earth: Stability, reliability, and pragmatism.
    • Metal: Determination, persistence, and strength.
    • Water: Intuition, flexibility, and emotional depth.

For example, 2025 is the Year of the Wood Snake, combining the wisdom and intuition of the Snake with the creativity and growth-oriented nature of the Wood element.

Compatibility and Relationships

The Chinese Zodiac is often used to assess compatibility in relationships. Here’s what you need to know:

Which Signs Are Most Compatible?

  • Some Zodiac pairs are considered naturally harmonious due to their complementary traits. For instance:
    • Rat and Ox: The Rat’s intelligence balances the Ox’s reliability.
    • Dragon and Monkey: Both are energetic and adventurous, creating a dynamic duo.
    • Rabbit and Goat: Their shared gentleness fosters a nurturing connection.

Which Signs Might Face Challenges?

  • Some signs may experience tension or misunderstandings due to conflicting personalities. For example:
    • Tiger and Monkey: The Tiger’s independence can clash with the Monkey’s playfulness.
    • Rabbit and Rooster: Their differing communication styles can lead to friction.
    • Dog and Dragon: Their priorities may not always align, creating potential discord.

Fun Ways to Apply Zodiac Compatibility in Relationships

  • Friendship: Use the Zodiac to understand and appreciate your friends’ strengths and weaknesses.
  • Dating: Many people consult Zodiac signs for insights into potential romantic matches.
  • Workplace Dynamics: Zodiac compatibility can even help navigate professional relationships by highlighting how different personalities work together.

For instance, a Tiger boss and a Horse employee might excel in a fast-paced environment, while a Rooster boss and a Rabbit employee may need more structured communication.

Chinese Zodiac in Daily Life

The Chinese Zodiac extends beyond personal horoscopes, influencing various aspects of daily life, traditions, and even modern business practices.

Its Influence on Chinese Traditions

  • Chinese New Year: The Zodiac animal of the year is central to Chinese New Year celebrations, symbolizing luck and setting the tone for the year ahead. For example, in 2025, decorations featuring the Snake will be prevalent.
  • Feng Shui: The Zodiac is integral to Feng Shui, influencing how homes are designed, furniture is arranged, and colors are chosen to harmonize energy (Qi).
  • Personal Decisions: From naming children to choosing auspicious wedding dates, Zodiac compatibility and elements play a significant role.

How Businesses Use the Zodiac for Branding and Luck

  • Marketing Campaigns: Brands often align product launches and advertising with the Zodiac animal of the year. For example, in 2025, expect to see Snake-themed designs in products, packaging, and advertisements.
  • Luxury Goods: Companies like Cartier or Louis Vuitton release limited-edition Zodiac-themed collections to appeal to Chinese consumers.
  • Financial Decisions: Businesses may choose to sign contracts or start new ventures on dates considered auspicious according to the Zodiac.

Adoption of Zodiac-Themed Content in Western Pop Culture

  • Movies and TV: Western media has incorporated the Chinese Zodiac into films, animated series, and storytelling, often celebrating its cultural mystique.
  • Fashion: The Zodiac inspires runway designs and collections, blending traditional symbolism with modern aesthetics.
  • Online Trends: Social media platforms frequently feature quizzes, memes, and content related to the Chinese Zodiac, making it more relatable to global audiences.

Chinese Zodiac vs. Western Astrology

Though both systems are rooted in interpreting celestial influence, they differ significantly in approach, scope, and cultural context.

Key Differences in Approach and Application

  • Cycle Structure:
    • The Chinese Zodiac operates on a 12-year cycle, with each year linked to an animal and element.
    • Western astrology divides the year into 12 monthly zodiac signs based on the position of the Sun.
  • Focus:
    • The Chinese Zodiac emphasizes yearly energy and its impact on personality and destiny.
    • Western astrology often provides detailed daily, weekly, and monthly horoscopes.
  • Compatibility Analysis:
    • The Chinese system integrates the Five Elements for deeper insights, while Western astrology relies on planetary alignments and houses.

Why Westerners Are Embracing the Chinese Zodiac

  • Cultural Fascination: The mythological stories and rich symbolism behind the Zodiac intrigue Western audiences.
  • Personality Insights: The Zodiac’s animal-based traits offer an accessible and fun way to explore personality dynamics.
  • Pop Culture Influence: Incorporation into movies, games, and fashion has made the Chinese Zodiac more relatable and trendy in Western societies.

For example, Westerners may consult both systems for deeper self-awareness or to gain insights into relationships, blending the best of both worlds.

Fun Facts About the Chinese Zodiac

The Chinese Zodiac is rich with fascinating stories, cultural insights, and regional variations. Here are some fun facts:

Origins of the 12 Animals

  • The Chinese Zodiac originated over 2,000 years ago and was closely tied to ancient Chinese astronomy and the lunar calendar.
  • The 12 animals were chosen for their cultural significance and symbolic meanings, each representing specific traits that resonate with human characteristics.

Myths and Stories: The Great Race

According to legend, the Jade Emperor organized a race to determine the order of the Zodiac animals.

  • The Rat, clever and resourceful, hitched a ride on the Ox’s back and jumped ahead to win first place.
  • The Dragon, although fast, paused to help others along the way and ended up fifth.
  • The Pig, ever leisurely, finished last after stopping for a feast and a nap.

Regional Variations

While the Chinese Zodiac is the most well-known, other countries have their own interpretations:

  • Vietnamese Zodiac: Similar to the Chinese system but substitutes the Rabbit with the Cat and sometimes changes other animals.
  • Japanese Zodiac: Closely mirrors the Chinese Zodiac but has slight differences in how it’s celebrated.
  • Tibetan Zodiac: Incorporates unique astrological elements, blending Zodiac animals with spiritual significance.

FAQs About the Chinese Zodiac

  • The Dragon is often considered the most popular Zodiac animal, symbolizing power, success, and good fortune. Many Chinese families aim to have children in Dragon years.
  • The Rabbit is also highly cherished for its association with peace, elegance, and beauty.

Can Your Zodiac Sign Affect Your Career?

  • In Chinese culture, Zodiac traits are thought to influence career choices:
    • Rats excel in strategic roles like business or finance.
    • Tigers thrive in leadership positions due to their bravery and confidence.
    • Goats often succeed in artistic fields thanks to their creativity.
  • Employers sometimes consider Zodiac compatibility when building teams or hiring in traditionally influenced industries.

Is the Zodiac Accurate?

  • The Chinese Zodiac provides a framework for understanding personality traits and compatibility, but it’s not intended as a precise science.
  • Many people find the insights fun and relatable, but individual outcomes depend on a variety of factors, including life choices and circumstances.