The Chinese Zodiac, or Sheng Xiao, is a sequential cycle of animal signs repeating every twelve years. As the legend goes, the Great Race determined an order of twelve animals on the Chinese zodiac that is followed for matters of worldly importance. Every zodiac animal has a unique set of traits and personalities. In the order of occurrence, the zodiac animals are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
The traditional Chinese New Year festival indicates a change in zodiac in a similar fashion as to how the Western zodiac signs change in correspondence to planetary events. Every Chinese Lunar Year marks the transition from one zodiac animal to the next. Since 2022 was the Year of the Tiger, Chinese New Year 2023 (on January 22nd, 2023) will mark the start of the Year of the Rabbit.
One's birth year determines their Chinese zodiac animal sign. It is believed that each year is characteristic of the unique traits of the animal it represents and that each year cycles through five elements of nature. As per Chinese philosophy, each of the zodiac is associated with one of the five elements of nature: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Below are the facets and attributes of each zodiac animal in the order of the Chinese Zodiac system:
Year of the Rat
The Rat appears first on the Chinese Zodiac. As the legend goes, the rat was the first animal to reach the Jade Gate in the race. The clever rat tricked the ox into carrying him on its back to cross the river, and as they reached the shore, the rat jumped off the ox to reach the gate first.
Rats are known to be clever, agile thinkers who adapt easily to any situation that may come their way. In terms of the Chinese philosophy Yin Yang, Rats represent the Yang energy, which further represents everything warm, positive, soft, and activity.
The element fixed to the Rat sign is Water. According to Chinese philosophy, rats are associated with Earthly branch Zi. Therefore, Rats' fixed earthly sign is Water.
The compatibility of Rats with other signs are as follows:
Most Compatible: Ox, Dragon, Monkey
Least Compatible: Horse, Goat, Rabbit
Years of the Rat since 1920s: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Year of the Ox
The Ox is the second zodiac animal on the Chinese Zodiac. As the tale goes, the Jade Emperor conducted the Great Race, and the ox was about to reach first. But the clever rat took advantage of the ox, luring him into carrying the rat on his back to cross the mighty river. The hardworking ox let the rat join him in the race, and as they reached the shore, the rat jumped off the ox and raced ahead of the ox. Thus, the ox came second.
Oxen have a serious approach to life. They work hard and are ready for the drill, and while they are intelligent, well grounded, authentic creatures, they never get the limelight.
The fixed element of oxen is Earth. According to Chinese philosophy, oxen are also associated with Earthly branch Chou. Therefore, the fixed earthly sign of oxen is Earth.
The compatibility of Ox with other signs are as follows:
Most Compatible: Rat, Snake, Rooster
Least Compatible: Goat, Horse, Dog
Years of the Ox since 1920s: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
Year of the Tiger
The Tiger is the third zodiac animal on the Chinese Zodiac. The story goes that the tiger was proud and confident to win the Great Race. It was optimistic of its speed and vigor, and was self assured that no other animal would outwit the tiger to win the Great Race. However, as the Tiger swam out of the river and reached the shore, it realized it had to settle for the third place, ousted from the first two positions by the rat and the ox.
Tigers are confident, agile and sporty who would take chances. They are challenging and ready for adventure.
The fixed element of the tiger sign is Wood. In Chinese philosophy, tigers are also associated with Earthly branch Yin. Therefore, the fixed earthly sign of tiger is Wood.
The compatibility of the tiger with other signs are as follows:
Most Compatible: Horse, Pig, Dog
Least Compatible: Monkey, Snake
Years of the Tiger since 1920s: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
Year of the Rabbit
The Rabbit appeared fourth on the Chinese Zodiac. Legend has it that it was too proud of its speed and its potential to win the race. It is known that it looked down on the ox because it was slow. The proud, arrogant rabbit set off for the race and stopped in between to nap, as it stood to reason that it would win the race. However, as the story goes, the rabbit finished fourth in the race, with the ox securing the second place, beating the rabbit.
Rabbits are intense, earnest and committed to everything that they do. They are diligent and smart, with a quiet, composed personality disguising a highly talented, powerful, and attentive character. Their still waters run deep.
The fixed element of the rabbit sign is Wood. In Chinese philosophy, rabbits are also associated with Earthly branch Mao. Therefore, the fixed earthly sign of Rabbit is Wood. In terms of yin and yang, rabbits are yin that represents shadow, darkness, passivity and earth.
The compatibility of the Rabbit with other signs are as follows:
Most Compatible: Dog, Pig, Goat
Least Compatible: Rooster, Dragon, Rat
Years of the Rabbit since 1920s: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
Year of the Dragon
The Dragon is the fifth Zodiac animal on the Chinese Zodiac. As the legend of the Great Race goes, the Jade Emperor as well as the other animals expected the Dragon to win the race owing to the powers of flight and strength that it had. However, the dragon reached after the rabbit, and the reason won the Emperor's heart. As one version of the story goes, the selfless dragon offered to help some of the villagers from wild foxes who stood by the Jade Gate, their mouths reeking of blood. Another version of the tale says that the dragon stopped on the way to help a village overcome a serious drought, by making it rain.
Dragons are independent and always lend a hand, but they yearn for the same in return. Dragons are majestic creatures in the Chinese culture, where in fact, emperors were believed to be reincarnations of dragons.
Dragons are associated with the earthly branch Chen. The fixed element of dragons is Earth. Therefore, the earthly sign of dragons is Earth. In terms of yin and yang, dragons symbolize the yang energy that represents light, activity, heavens, and positivity.
The compatibility of the Dragons with other signs are as follows:
Most Compatible: Rooster, Monkey, Rat
Least Compatible: Dog, Rabbit, Dragon
Years of the Dragon since 1920s: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
Year of the Snake
The Snake reached sixth in the celestial race. As the story narrates, the snake insinuated and took advantage of the horse who galloped its way to the Jade Gate through the woods. As they reached the gate, the snake slid on to the ground and reach the finishing end before the horse. Five animals had already succeeded them in the race.
Snakes usually have a bleak, negative diction associated with evil, but they have a significant position in Chinese culture. They are deep, secretive creatures with a complex mind, yet the are grounded and most logical when it comes to problem solving. They tend to be calm and collected in a storm of issues without having to rely on others.
Snakes are associated with the earthly branch Si. The fixed element of snakes is Fire. Therefore, the earthly sign of snakes is Fire. In terms of yin and yang, snakes are yin that represents darkness, passivity, absorption, and earth.
The compatibility of the Snake with other signs are as follows:
Most Compatible: Monkey, Rooster, Ox
Least Compatible: Tiger and Pig
Years of the Snake since 1920s: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
Year of the Horse
The Horse reached seventh in the celestial race. As the story goes, the horse who galloped its way to the Jade Gate through the woods, along with the snake, had to pass through a cemetery and was agitated. The horse hesitated for most part of the journey and traveled through the cemetery with its eyes closed. The horse gained momentum soon after it passed the cemetery, and managed to finish seventh in the race.
Horses represent freedom and spirit who need a space for themselves. They are creative, studious and athletic, and are highly ambitious creatures who work toward their goals.
Horses are associated with the earthly branch Wu. The fixed element of horses is Fire. Therefore, the earthly sign of horses is Fire. In terms of yin and yang, horses are yang that represents light, activity and heavens.
The compatibility of the Horse with other signs are as follows:
Most Compatible: Goat, Tiger, Dog
Least Compatible: Rat, Ox, Horse
Years of the Horse since 1920s: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
Year of the Goat
The Goat reached eighth in the Great Race. As the story narrates, the goat raced along with the monkey and the rooster, and the three of them reached the gate together on a raft. The Jade Emperor, who was impressed with their teamwork, named the goat as the eighth to win the race. In an other version of the story, it is said that the goat compete with a thirteenth animal, deer. The deer, however, gave up on the race as it could not swim through the expanse of the river that led to the Jade gate. The goat tried its best to reach the gate eighth.
Goats are considerate creatures who are sympathetic for others and are known to be selfless. They are generous with time and they are tolerant and careful.
Goats are associated with the earthly branch Wei. The fixed element of goats is Earth. Therefore, the earthly sign of goats is Earth. In terms of yin and yang, goats are yin that represents darkness, passivity and earth.
The compatibility of the Goat with other signs are as follows:
Most Compatible: Horse, Pig, Rabbit
Least Compatible: Ox, Rat, Dog
Years of the Goat since 1920s: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
Year of the Monkey
The Monkey is the ninth zodiac animal in the Chinese zodiac. Legend has it that the monkey raced along with the goat and the rooster, and the three of them reached the gate together. The monkey helped the other two animals to row a raft on the river to reach the Jade Gate. The Jade Emperor named the monkey as the ninth to win the race.
Monkeys are intelligent little pranksters who will get their way with whatever means or resources they have. They are open to critique and easygoing, and observant creatures with a sharp mind.
Monkeys are associated with the earthly branch Shen. The fixed element of Monkey is Metal. Therefore, the earthly sign of monkeys is Metal. In terms of yin and yang, monkeys are yang that represents light, activity, positivity and heavens.
The compatibility of the Monkeys with other signs are as follows:
Most Compatible: Snake, Rat, Dragon
Least Compatible: Tiger, Pig
Years of the Monkey since 1920s: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
Year of the Rooster
The Rooster is the tenth zodiac animal. In the story of the Great Race, during the race held by the Jade Emperor, the goat, the monkey and the rooster raced together. When they had to cross the river to reach the end of the race, the rooster could not swim. The goat and the monkey offered to help the rooster, who found a raft to float their course through the river. The goat and the monkey cleared the way and weeded out every obstacle in their way. Their teamwork impressed the Jade emperor, who declared the rooster as the tenth winner of the race.
Roosters are straightforward and decisive, and are complex with a gentle heart. They seek validation from those who matter to them. They try and keep trying to get their work done in the best way possible. The bigger the support that back them, the happier they are.
Roosters are associated with the earthly branch You. The fixed element of roosters is Metal. Therefore, the earthly sign of roosters is Metal. In terms of yin and yang, roosters are yin that represents darkness, passivity and earth.
The compatibility of the Rooster with other signs are as follows:
Most Compatible: Dragon, Snake, Ox
Least Compatible: Rabbit, Dog, Rooster
Years of the Rooster since 1920s: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
Year of the Dog
The Dog is the eleventh zodiac animal on the Chinese Zodiac. In the tale of the Great Race, the dog and the pig were good friends. As the race began, though the dog leaped to win the race, the pig was slow and snout, unable to move as fast as the rest of the animals. The loyal dog prized their friendship and offered to walk with the pig, even if it meant it would earn the dog nothing better than the eleventh position. Thus the dog reached eleventh.
Dogs are the most honest and loyal partners one can rely on. They stand by their trust in others and prize their friendship. Dogs are determined and diligent while they are kind and delicate on the inside.
Dogs are associated with the earthly branch Xu. The fixed element of Dogs is Earth. Therefore, the earthly sign of dogs is Earth. In terms of yin and yang, dogs are yang that represents light, activity and heavens.
The compatibility of the dog with other signs are as follows:
Most Compatible: Rabbit, Tiger, Horse
Least Compatible: Dragon, Ox, Goat
Years of the Dog since 1920s: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
Year of the Pig
The Pig is the last animal on the Chinese Zodiac. As the story goes, the dog and the pig were good friends. As the race began, though the dog leaped to win the race, the pig was slow and snout, unable to move as fast as the rest of the animals. The dog offered to walk with the pig, who in turn offered to fetch and prepare food for their journey. The pig took its own sweet time to finish last in the race.
A humble and beautiful personality are characteristic of the pig. Pigs tend to enjoy the little things in life, and are realistic. They may not do well with pressure, but they entertain themselves with whatever they have.
Pigs are a symbol of wealth in China. They are associated with the earthly branch Hai. The fixed element of pigs is Water. Therefore, the earthly sign of pigs is Water. In terms of yin and yang, pigs are yin that represents darkness, shadow, passivity and earth.
The compatibility of the pig with other signs are as follows:
Most Compatible: Tiger, Rabbit, Goat
Least Compatible: Snake, Monkey
Years of the Pig since 1920s: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
