Have you ever thought about what your Chinese zodiac sign is and wondered how it compares to the Western zodiac signs we’re all familiar with? Let’s delve into the realm of Chinese mythology together and unveil the intricacies of your Chinese zodiac sign.
Chinese astrology, rooted in millennia of history, diverges from the Western zodiac we’re accustomed to, employing a distinct set of astrological symbols. The Chinese zodiac operates on a yearly cycle, assigning an animal sign to each year based on a person’s birth year. In contrast, the Western zodiac shifts monthly, aligning with the day of birth.
SO HOW TO KNOW YOUR CHINESE ZODIAC?
To determine your Chinese zodiac sign, you need to consider both the year of your birth and the timing of the Lunar New Year. The Chinese Year follows the lunisolar calendar, so if you were born in January or February, make sure to check whether your birthday falls before or after the Lunar New Year the year you were born.
For example, if the Lunar New Year in 2024 begins on February 10, babies born before this date will belong to the zodiac sign of the previous year, which, in this case, would be the Rabbit. But, if you were born after February 20, you would fall under the zodiac sign associated with the current year. Therefore, you would be considered a Dragon.
The Chinese zodiac stems from a captivating legend. According to the tale, as Buddha prepared to depart from Earth, animals assembled to bid him farewell. To commemorate this poignant moment, each year in the 12-year lunar cycle was designated with the name of an animal.
As a result, the year of your birth aligns with a specific zodiac sign, and it is believed that the traits associated with that sign influence your personality and life journey.
THE CHINESE ZODIAC SIGNS
Rat
Birth years: 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Personality traits: Generous and reliable. Known for curiosity, and creative fun.
Ox
Birth years: 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
Personality traits: Hardworking and Resolute Personalities, Excellent Listeners Yet Resistant to Change.
Tiger
Birth years: 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
Personality traits: Always ready for action yet occasional hesitation. Commanding respect with unpredictable behavior.
Rabbit
Birth years: 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
Personality traits: Appreciating grace in a world of tranquility. Nevertheless, they exhibit moodiness and tend to keep a distance from those outside their inner circle.
Dragon
Birth years: 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
Personality traits: Embodied by mythical dragons: A burst of energy and vitality, individuals of this sign seek clear life goals. Yet, their eccentric and demanding nature adds an unpredictable edge.
Snake
Birth years: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
Personality traits: Enigmatic and intuitive. Preferring deliberation over haste in serious matters. Soft-spoken and living in their own world, they embody a mysterious charm.
Horse
Birth years: 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
Personality traits: These people are optimistic, high energy, active, and quick to do things. They are talkative, but this talk helps other shy people to open up and talk.
Sheep
Birth years: 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
Personality traits: They are kind, possess a generous heart, and are dedicated to helping others. Despite their shyness, they harbor immense determination, which might appear contradictory at first glance. They strongly dislike confrontations in discussions, yet respond with enthusiasm and decisiveness.
Monkey
Birth years: 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
Personality traits: They love challenges, are natural artists, are creative, and love invention. Able to solve complex problems easily, ambitious, and have a sense of adventure.
Rooster
Birth years: 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
Personality traits: They exhibit recklessness and overconfidence, yet boast a distinctive and appealing personality. Moreover, they are gifted storytellers.
Dog
Birth years: 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
Personality traits: Intelligent with a profound sense of loyalty, passion, and fairness in their dealings. They possess the knowledge of effective communication, bridging gaps regardless of differences.
Boar
Birth years: 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2040
Personality traits: They offer their utmost in love, friendship, and generosity. Honest, straightforward, and courageous, they never tolerate leaving things unresolved.
Another distinguishing feature of Chinese astrology is the inclusion of the five elements: metal, water, wood, fire, and earth. These elements are considered the foundational components of everything in the universe, each contributing with its unique traits and associations, working together harmoniously.
Metal
Birth years: Ending in 0 or 1, including 1970, 1971, 1980, 1981, 1990, 1991, 2000, 2001, 2010, 2011, 2020
Personality traits: Passionate, resolute, focused on goals, persistent, determined, and self-reliant.
Water
Birth years: Ending in 2 or 3, including 1972, 1973, 1982, 1983, 1992, 1993, 2002, 2003, 2012, 2013, 2022, 2023
Personality traits: Persuasive, creative, and devoted individuals. While possessing a quiet demeanor, they excel in effective communication with others.
Wood
Birth years: Ending in 4 or 5, including 1974, 1975, 1984, 1985, 1994, 1995, 2004, 2005, 2014, 2015, 2024, 2025
Personality traits: Robust, self-assured, generous, and cooperative.
Fire
Birth years: Ending in 6 or 7, including 1976, 1977, 1986, 1987, 1996, 1997, 2006, 2007, 2016, 2017, 2026, 2027
Personality traits: Fearless and adventurous, resolute in decision-making. Possesses creativity and innovation skills.
Earth
Birth years: Ending in 8 or 9, including 1978, 1979, 1988, 1989, 1998, 1999, 2008, 2009, 2018, 2019
Personality traits: Serenely practical personalities, characterized by intelligence, organization, and resourcefulness.
