About the Chinese Zodiac
The Chinese zodiac, or Sheng Xiao (็่), is a 12-year cycle with each year represented by an animal sign. Unlike Western astrology which changes monthly, your Chinese zodiac is determined by your birth year.
The 12 animals appear in this order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Legend says the Jade Emperor held a great race, and the animals earned their places in the order they finished.
Each animal is also associated with one of the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water), creating a 60-year cycle. Your zodiac animal is believed to influence your personality, compatibility with others, and even your fortune.
Fun Facts About the Chinese Zodiac
- The Chinese zodiac follows the lunar calendar, so if you were born in January or early February, your animal sign may be from the previous year.
- Each animal has fixed "best match" partners โ for example, the Rat's best match is the Ox, and the Dragon's best match is the Rooster.
- When your birth year comes around again (every 12 years), it's called your Ben Ming Nian (ๆฌๅฝๅนด) โ a year believed to bring challenges.
- The Dragon is the only mythical creature in the Chinese zodiac โ all other animals are real.
- The 12 zodiac animals are also used to represent hours of the day in traditional Chinese timekeeping.
๐ฎ Try the Full Zodiac Guide
Want to learn more about all 12 animals, their personalities, and the legend behind the zodiac?
Read the Complete Zodiac Guide โ