Chinese zodiac
Origins and History
The Chinese zodiac, also known as Shengxiao, is a repeating cycle of 12 years, with each year being represented by an animal sign. The system is derived from the ancient Chinese practice of chronomancy, which sought to divine information about the future or the unknown by studying time and the cosmos. The Chinese zodiac is an integral part of Chinese culture and has been in use for thousands of years.
The origins of the Chinese zodiac are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have evolved from the celestial observations of early Chinese astronomers. The 12-year cycle corresponds to the orbit of Jupiter, the largest planet in the solar system, which was known to the Chinese as the "Year Star".
The Twelve Zodiac Animals
The Chinese zodiac is composed of twelve animals, each representing a year in the 12-year cycle. These are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each animal has its own set of characteristics and attributes, which are believed to influence the personality and destiny of individuals born in that year.
The Rat
The Rat is the first animal in the Chinese zodiac cycle. Those born in the Year of the Rat are considered to be intelligent, charming, quick-witted, practical, ambitious, and good at economizing as well as social activities. The years of the Rat include 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020.
The Ox
The Ox is the second animal in the Chinese zodiac. Individuals born in the Year of the Ox are characterized as hardworking, honest, creative, ambitious, cautious, patient and handle things steadily. The years of the Ox include 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021.
The Tiger
The Tiger is the third animal in the Chinese zodiac. Those born in the Year of the Tiger are thought to be brave, competitive, unpredictable, and confident. The years of the Tiger include 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022.
The Rabbit
The Rabbit is the fourth animal in the Chinese zodiac. Individuals born in the Year of the Rabbit are believed to be gentle, quiet, elegant, and alert; quick, skillful, kind, and patient. The years of the Rabbit include 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023.
The Dragon
The Dragon is the fifth animal in the Chinese zodiac. Those born in the Year of the Dragon are characterized as energetic, warm-hearted, charismatic, lucky at love and egotistic. They are the symbol of power, nobleness, honor, luck, and success in traditional Chinese culture. The years of the Dragon include 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024.
The Snake
The Snake is the sixth animal in the Chinese zodiac. Individuals born in the Year of the Snake are considered to be intelligent, wise, materialistic, and love to appreciate the fine arts. The years of the Snake include 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025.
The Horse
The Horse is the seventh animal in the Chinese zodiac. Those born in the Year of the Horse are seen as warm-hearted, enthusiastic, and positive. The years of the Horse include 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026.
The Goat
The Goat is the eighth animal in the Chinese zodiac. Individuals born in the Year of the Goat are characterized as gentle, softhearted, considerate, attractive, hardworking, persistent, thrift and moody. The years of the Goat include 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027.
The Monkey
The Monkey is the ninth animal in the Chinese zodiac. Those born in the Year of the Monkey are seen as intelligent, clever, and innovative. The years of the Monkey include 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028.
The Rooster
The Rooster is the tenth animal in the Chinese zodiac. Individuals born in the Year of the Rooster are characterized as honest, energetic, intelligent, flamboyant, flexible, diverse, and confident. The years of the Rooster include 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029.
The Dog
The Dog is the eleventh animal in the Chinese zodiac. Those born in the Year of the Dog are seen as loyal, honest, amiable, kind, cautious and prudent. The years of the Dog include 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030.
The Pig
The Pig is the twelfth and final animal in the Chinese zodiac. Individuals born in the Year of the Pig are characterized as diligent, compassionate, and generous. The years of the Pig include 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031.
Influence and Significance
The Chinese zodiac has had a significant influence on Chinese culture and society. It is used to predict a person's fortune for the year, marriage compatibility, career fit, best times to have a baby, and much more. The zodiac animals also serve as symbols of the Chinese New Year and are used in many Chinese idioms or phrases, known as chengyu.