Is it possible that your fate is decided solely by your birth year? Based on how the Chinese Zodiac signs have overtaken pop culture, one would think so. Yet, a much deeper history lies behind horoscopes and compatibility tests, tracing back to the Han Dynasty in 206 BCE.
Legend tells that the Jade Emperor started a race to create the zodiac, inviting all the animals to participate. He decreed that only the first twelve to cross the finish line would earn a place in the calendar. The rat arrived first, followed by the ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep (or goat), monkey, rooster, dog and finally, the pig.
Unlike Western astrology, which assigns signs by month, the Chinese zodiac is determined by year, rotating on 12-year cycle based on the lunar calendar. People are said to be influenced by the zodiac sign of their birth year, embodying that animal’s defining traits. While many debate the accuracy of zodiac predictions, the system continues to spark curiosity and inspire people to learn about the qualities predicted by their sign. If you are curious about your zodiac and what it suggests about your character, read below:
Year of the Rat: Born in 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, or 2020? You’re a Rat! According to the legend of the Great Race, the Rat convinced the Ox to carry it across the river, only to jump ahead at the last moment and claim first place. Those born in the Year of the Rat are predicted to be clever and adaptable.
Year of the Ox: Born in 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, or 2021? You’re an Ox! After carrying the Rat across the river in the Great Race, the Ox arrived second. If you’re born in the Year of the Ox, then you are diligent and strong.
Year of the Tiger: Born in 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, or 2022? You’re a Tiger! In China, tigers are both feared and admired, often symbolizing protectors. If someone is born a Tiger, they are said to be courageous and competitive.
Year of the Rabbit: Born in 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, or 2011? You’re a Rabbit! Historically, rabbits are associated with peace rather than aggression, and if you’re born in this year, you are characterized by gentleness and elegance.
Year of the Dragon: Born in 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, or 2012? You’re a Dragon! The dragon is considered the most fortuitous zodiac animal since it is associated with imperial power. Dragon Years even cause a spike in birth rates worldwide. Those born in the Year of the Dragon exhibit intelligence and charisma.
Year of the Snake: Born in 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, or 2013? You’re a Snake! While in Western culture, snakes often carry negative connotations, in China, snakes are seen as strategic and quick-witted instead of evil. If you’re born a snake, you’re seen as wise and mysterious.
Year of the Horse: Born in 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, or 2014? You’re a Horse! This lunar year, starting on Feb. 17, 2026, we will be celebrating the Year of the Horse. If the Horse is your zodiac year, then you are considered independent and adventurous.
Year of the Goat: Born in 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, or 2015, that makes you a Goat! When baby goats nurse, they kneel to their mother, and in Chinese culture, this is taken as a sign of respect for one’s parents. Therefore, those born in the Year of the Goat symbolize kindness and gratitude.
Year of the Monkey: Born in 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, or 2016? You’re a Monkey! Within the realm of zodiac signs, monkeys, similar to rats, embody cleverness, yet are more playful. If you’re born in the Year of the Monkey, you are witty and curious.
Year of the Rooster: Born in 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, or 2017? You’re a Rooster! Roosters are known for crowing at dawn and starting the day, and in Chinese folklore, their crow is even said to drive away evil spirits. Those born in the Year of the Rooster are hardworking and watchful.
Year of the Dog: Born in 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, or 2018? You’re a Dog! Confucian ideology praises loyalty and virtue, which dogs, the protectors of the home, symbolize in both Western and Chinese cultures. Those born in the Year of the Dog represent honesty and dependability.
Year of the Pig: Born in 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, or 2019? You’re a Pig! In ancient Chinese society, owning pigs marked an individual as financially stable, representing prosperity in most agricultural cultures. If you’re born in the Year of the Pig, you symbolize generosity and serenity.
