Chinese Horoscope and all it's Zodiac Signs
You’ve probably heard of the Chinese horoscope before. Undoubtedly, you can recall the Chinese New Year celebrations, which take place between late January and February, accompanied by vibrant parades full of color. The zodiac consists of twelve animals, and each year is dedicated to one of them.
We bring you the most comprehensive article on the Chinese horoscope, where you will find all the important information you’re looking for.
In the following article, you will read about:
- Chinese calendar in general
- History of the Chinese horoscope
- Chinese zodiac signs and their characteristics
- Interesting facts about the Chinese horoscope
1. Chinese Calendar
The Chinese calendar is a lunisolar calendar, meaning it combines the principles of both solar and lunar calendars—the sun and the moon. Its main goal is to compensate for the disadvantages of both types of calendars. This means that the length of the months corresponds to the length of the lunar cycle, which is approximately 29.5 days. The year length follows the tropical year, which is the time it takes for the sun to return to its original position on the ecliptic.
Therefore, the Chinese calendar is lunisolar and based on precise astronomical observations of the sun’s duration and the phases of the moon. It attempts to align its years with the tropical year and shares some similarities with the Jewish calendar. Both calendars have a common year of 12 months and a leap year of 13 months. A regular year has 353–355 days, while a leap year has 383–385 days.
A table indicating good and bad days for bloodletting and when protection from demons is needed. The chart includes "sme ba" (9 digits symbolizing geomantic elements) in the center, surrounded by the Chinese "pa-kua" and 12 animals representing months and years. Source: wikipedia.org
Although the Chinese calendar originated in China, the Gregorian calendar is now primarily used for civil purposes. The Chinese calendar is still observed by various Chinese communities around the world. It is used to determine dates for celebrations of various anniversaries, New Year celebrations, or wedding dates. It is also used to determine moon phases.
The Chinese calendar does not count years in an endless sequence. Each year within a 60-year cycle is assigned a name consisting of two components.
- Jia (associated with growing wood)
- Yi (associated with cut wood)
- Bing (associated with natural fire)
- Ding (associated with artificial fire)
- Wu (associated with earth)
- Ji (associated with earthenware)
- Geng (associated with metal)
- Xin (associated with forged metal)
- Ren (associated with flowing water)
- Gui (associated with still water)
Two main rules are used to calculate the Chinese New Year. The first guiding rule is that the Chinese New Year should be the new moon closest to the beginning of spring (in the Northern Hemisphere), known as Lìchūn. This rule usually holds, but there may be times when Lìchūn falls between two new moons. For example, this happened in 1985 and 2015. The Chinese New Year almost always falls between January 21 and February 21.
The second guiding rule is that the Chinese New Year usually falls 11 days earlier than the previous year. However, if it is expected to be outside the range of the Chinese New Year (January 21-February 21), a leap month must be added.
The origins of the Chinese calendar date back to the 14th century BC. Shang dynasty oracle bones testify to the use of a lunisolar calendar, which was significantly modified but survives to this day. It is believed that Emperor Huangdi introduced the calendar between 3000 and 2600 BC. His minister, Ta Nao, is thought to have prepared the first calendar, known as the Chia-tzu or Kan-chih system, which translates to the "system of cyclical characters."
An additional phase was added to the calendar as it was designed for popular use. During the Chou period, twelve animals were associated with each year. These 12 animals are commonly known in Western society as the 12 zodiac animals. They were believed to be just popular symbols without much significance. However, there are various folk legends associated with the origin of the 12 animals.
Wooden decorations from DUBLEZ in Oriental style:
2. History of the Chinese Horoscope
It is generally believed that the origin of the Chinese zodiac is rooted in animal worship, with the system dating back to the Qin dynasty, more than 2,000 years ago. The fixed order of the animals is explained by an ancient myth. The Jade Emperor, or the supreme ruler of heaven, organized a race to set the calendar. All creatures on earth were invited to participate. The first twelve animals to cross the finish line were granted their place and order in the Chinese zodiac.
In fact, the twelve chosen animals were selected and arranged after many adjustments. These animals are closely associated with the daily life of ancient Chinese people and also serve as symbols of luck in the local culture.
With such a rich history, it’s no wonder the Chinese zodiac remains popular throughout China and much of Asia. It is an integral part of daily life, used to determine yearly fortunes, marital compatibility, career advancements, and the best times for conceiving a child.
- Dì Zhī (地支), or Earthly Branches, were the original terms and were assigned to hours of the day based on solar time.
- Animals were later added as aids and categorized as either yīn (阴) or yáng (阳).
- The twelve Earthly Branches: zi (子), chǒu (丑), yín (寅), mǎo (卯), chén (辰), sì (巳), wǔ (午), wèi (未), shēn (申), yǒu (酉), xū (戌), hài (亥).
- The ten Heavenly Stems: jiǎ (甲), yǐ (乙), bǐng (丙), ding (丁), wù (戊), jǐ (己), gēng (庚), xīn (辛), rén (壬), guǐ (癸).
- The five elements: water (水/shuǐ), wood (木/mù), fire (火/huǒ), earth (土/tǔ), metal (金/jīn).
Since the Chinese zodiac cycle repeats every 12 years, it’s easy to determine your sign. Below are the 12 zodiac animals in order along with the accompanying years:
Chinese horoscope - illustration. Source: pinterest.com
3. Chinese Zodiac Signs
Table of zodiac signs in the Chinese horoscope. Click on an animal to jump to its specific description.
Chinese Zodiac Sign - Rat
The first sign of the Chinese zodiac represents wisdom and sharpness. Rats are highly intelligent, practical, and have a keen sense of detail. They are also good at socializing and saving money. People born under the sign of the Rat are charming and entertaining. They have excellent taste in music, fashion, or partners, and they make some of the best friends. They are often generous and loyal to their loved ones. However, they can sometimes be too motivated by money and may succumb to greed. They are curious, seek education, and embrace new challenges.
People born under the sign of the Rat are good at handling others, crave power, and love gossip. They also tend to achieve great things in life. They are innovators, visionaries, and have a talent for creation. Their unique way of solving things is why they have the ability to think fast and, most importantly, think ahead.
Positive traits: self-control, reserve, optimism, sharpness, flexibility, intellectualism
Negative traits: gullibility, shyness, manipulativeness, cunning, secrecy
People born under the Rat zodiac sign were born in: 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Chinese Zodiac Sign - Ox
People born in the Year of the Ox are perseverant and goal-oriented leaders, focused on their objectives. They pay attention to details and are extremely hardworking. However, they can also be stubborn, serious, and introverted. As a result, they sometimes feel lonely and insecure. They love their family and friends and are reliable and caring companions.
They are also known for their temperament and frequent mood swings. They value people, but only until their morality is touched. They have a narrow vision and tend to overlook the "colorful" aspects of life, focusing only on black and white. They stick to their principles, making it difficult for others to persuade them.
Positive traits: diligence, goal orientation, thinking, stability, morality, sincerity, determination, straightforwardness, sacrifice
Negative traits: orthodoxy, solitude, distrust, egoism, apathy, irritability, silence, withdrawal
People born under the Ox zodiac sign were born in: 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
Chinese Zodiac Sign - Tiger
Those born under the Tiger sign are often authoritative, confident, ambitious, and brave. They excel in leading others and possess a great deal of charisma. They are not short on courage or kind-heartedness, making them very attractive to others. However, they can be moody, intense, and unpredictable.
People born under the Tiger sign are dogmatic. They see things clearly, which makes them difficult to deceive. They carefully consider their options and narrow them down to what they believe in. The Tiger sign is known for its excellent memory, keeping track of every event that affects them. Their physical strength is brilliant, making them hard workers. Tigers love adventure and have a great sense of humor, quickly becoming popular in groups.
Positive traits: decisiveness, sensitivity, thoughtfulness, goal orientation, morality, perseverance, motivation, hard work, activity, seriousness, care, straightforwardness
Negative traits: stubbornness, egoism, moodiness, insensitivity, explosiveness, orthodoxy, criticism
People born under the Tiger zodiac sign were born in: 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
Chinese Zodiac Sign - Rabbit
People governed by the Rabbit sign surround themselves with family and friends. They are popular, compassionate, and very honest. They often strive to avoid conflict and prefer to spend time with their loved ones, enjoying fun within the comfort of home.
The most prominent characteristics of people born under the Chinese Rabbit zodiac are vigilance, kindness, and generosity. Their obedient nature often leads others to think they are ignorant or naive, which they are not. They are shrewd observers, keeping track of everything happening around them. They are the first to leave when any danger appears. Their ability to act quickly in adverse situations helps them avoid many things that would cause them harm. For the same reason, they may miss out on opportunities that could be useful to them. When Rabbits find themselves in an uncomfortable situation, they adhere to their code of conduct and tactfully resolve it, getting to the heart of the matter and finding a solution. This methodical approach makes them reliable.
Positive traits: peacefulness, caution, sensitivity, understanding, empathy, sharpness, promptness, detail orientation, activity
Negative traits: nervousness, distrust, shyness, hesitation, extravagance, egoism, materialism
People born under the Rabbit zodiac sign were born in: 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
Chinese Zodiac Sign - Dragon
People born under the Dragon sign are powerful, energetic, and kind-hearted. Their charisma helps them find fortune in love, though they can push people away with their egoism. They are natural-born leaders who make quick and effective decisions, allowing them to remain at the forefront of their group.
Dragons exude positive energy, are highly ambitious, and tend to succeed because they are entirely self-reliant. Dragons are hardworking and charming, tackling challenges with full confidence and strength. They are passionate and have a flair for doing things in grand style. A loyal and trustworthy friend, Dragons believe in helping others by meeting them halfway, though they rarely seek help themselves.
Chinese dragon as a modern wooden decoration from DUBLEZ, a must-have :)
Positive traits: pleasure-seeking, courage, adventurousness, fearlessness, honesty, kindness, self-sufficiency, talent, creativity
Negative traits: arrogance, pride, lack of manners, strictness, impatience, overconfidence, rashness, stubbornness
People born under the Dragon zodiac sign were born in: 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
Chinese Zodiac Sign - Snake
People born under the Snake sign possess seductiveness, generosity, and charisma. They can be sociable but also introverted. Their analytical abilities, diligence, and intelligence bring them success. Insecurity and jealousy make them appear frivolous. They tend to work alone and rely solely on themselves. This creates a comfort zone that they despise anyone entering. It is known that they protect their own interests first, not those around them. The Snake’s solitary nature makes people think they lack interest in socializing and making friends, which leads them to have fewer friends.
They have a mysterious personality, are intelligent, and rule through their wit and charm. They are impatient and eager to achieve their desires. They seek their own time and speak when they deem it necessary.
Positive traits: communication, decency, civility, intelligence, sophistication, diligence, creativity, presence of mind
Negative traits: jealousy, possessiveness, stubbornness, egoism, secrecy, negativity, distrust, laziness, extreme frugality
People born under the Snake zodiac sign were born in: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
Chinese zodiac signs - Illustration. Author: 西城 YU
Chinese Zodiac Sign - Horse
Those born under the Horse sign enjoy roaming freely. They are energetic, self-sufficient, and have a knack for multiplying profits. They enjoy travel, love, and intimacy. As unique charmers, they can be impatient and rarely stay in one place for long.
The Horse is one of the animals that learns independence the fastest. They often trust in their strength and independence. They pay attention to their appearance—in style and dressing. Horses do not like to suppress emotions and also dislike receiving favors from others.
Their rhetorical talent and persuasiveness make them leaders. They are aware of what other people think. They are very diligent, creative, and quick learners. Horses always seek appreciation and admiration, which satisfies them and motivates them to work even better than before.
Positive traits: honesty, empathy, sensitivity, optimism, romanticism, justice, morality, initiative, talent, creativity, independence
Negative traits: vanity, aggression, explosiveness, impatience, egoism, arrogance, impulsiveness, stubbornness
People born under the Horse zodiac sign were born in: 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
Chinese Zodiac Sign - Goat
Goats enjoy their inner world, are creative, wandering, and are considered great thinkers. On the other hand, they can be disorganized, tense, and insecure, leading to many worries. As a result, they need a lot of love, support, and reassurance.
The Goat is a Chinese zodiac animal that is calm and docile. It loves peace and harmony in its life. Goats try their best to avoid situations that might cause chaos in their lives. Even when they have to face such problems, they systematically deal with them to minimize damage. They like things as they are and generally avoid risky adventures. People born in the year of the Goat don’t act impulsively, making sure to see both sides of the coin before making a decision.
They are friendly, polite, and perceptive. The noble touch they have in their demeanor makes them likable and helps them earn respect and admiration. Building friendships may take time because they choose their friends carefully, opening up only after a while. However, Goats lack self-confidence, making them easily influenced by those who feel superior.
Positive traits: gentleness, sensitivity, empathy, diligence, perseverance, thriftiness, politeness, friendliness
Negative traits: indecisiveness, low self-esteem, self-doubt, hesitation, cowardice, pessimism, moodiness
People born under the Goat zodiac sign were born in: 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
Chinese Zodiac Sign - Monkey
Monkeys love to have fun, they are energetic, optimistic, and great listeners. They lack self-control. They enjoy activity and different stimuli but always put themselves first. They are heart-breakers, as they don’t stay in relationships for long.
People born in the year of the Monkey are intelligent and wise, which helps them achieve great careers and significant wealth. They are adaptable, quick-witted, very flexible, and honest. They can be cunning, but their honesty ultimately prevails at the end of the day.
They have an impulsive nature, which can make them difficult to be around. Monkeys have a great habit of living life in small moments. They enjoy every day—life is meant to be lived to the fullest. They believe they are bold and cheerful. Every bad experience becomes a lesson in their lives.
Positive traits: rationality, empathy, intelligence, humor, honesty, attentiveness, confidence
Negative traits: carelessness, thoughtlessness, restlessness, jealousy, cunning, arrogance
People born under the Monkey zodiac sign were born in: 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
Chinese Zodiac Sign - Rooster
Those born under the Rooster sign are practical, resourceful, attentive, analytical, straightforward, and honest. They are trusting perfectionists with conservative tendencies.
The Rooster is his own role model</ strong>. He follows his instincts, preferring to rely on his inner feelings rather than on others. While freedom allows the Rooster to soar high, boundaries and guidelines stifle his spirit and prevent him from moving forward. Any achievements the Rooster attains are due to his own hard work.
The Rooster likes to get lost in his thoughts and tends to overthink trivial matters. He is domineering and doesn’t like to take orders from others. Roosters have a habit of preaching, wandering, and giving unsolicited advice.
Positive traits: independence, positivity, presence of mind, sharpness, honesty, truthfulness, empathy, ambition, diligence, perseverance
Negative traits: impatience, arrogance, stubbornness, selfishness, boastfulness, bossiness
People born under the Rooster zodiac sign were born in: 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
Chinese Zodiac Sign - Dog
People born under the Dog sign are loyal, faithful, and sincere, though also suspicious. They often resort to “compassionate lies.” Their temperament manifests through mood swings, a certain dogmatism, and sensitivity. They are great businesspeople but have difficulty making genuine friends.
They are always ready to help those in need, regardless of their own interests. But if they notice that people are taking their helpful nature for granted, they feel humiliated and sad. They often start to think that the world is a bad, complicated, and unfair place.
Dogs are intelligent, keep their thoughts to themselves, and don’t share them with just anyone. They focus more on their personal aspects. They are self-loving individuals who enjoy spending time solving puzzles and riddles. They tend to live cautiously and seriously. Dogs take charge of their own path. They never cross boundaries just to impress or please others.
Positive traits: straightforwardness, devotion, empathy, helpfulness, intuition, self-reflection, positivity, sharpness, conscientiousness, loyalty, ambition
Negative traits: stubbornness, moodiness, instability, conflict-prone, suspicion, independence
People born under the Dog zodiac sign were born in: 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
Chinese Zodiac Sign - Pig
People born under the Pig sign are extremely kind, well-mannered, and have good taste. They are perfectionists and love luxurious things, but they are not snobbish. They enjoy helping others, who view them as great companions. But beware of crossing their boundaries. Pigs are intelligent, knowledge-hungry, and have their own uniqueness.
Even though they are considered materialistic, they are not greedy and love to share everything they have. Pigs enjoy showcasing themselves as leaders and guiding others. People born under the Pig sign are pure and simple, which is why everyone likes them. They are generous and don’t hold grudges. Pigs tend to forgive easily and move on. They are caring, friendly, determined, and obedient. They are people who will never let you down.
Positive traits: compassion, generosity, empathy, perseverance, diligence, independence, optimism, justice, honesty, kindness, openness, carefreeness, decisiveness
Negative traits: naivety, stubbornness, explosiveness, materialism, impatience, suspicion, secrecy
People born under the Pig zodiac sign were born in: 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
Chinese zodiac signs - Illustration. Author: 西城 YU
4. Interesting Facts About the Chinese Horoscope
- The Chinese zodiac has 12 signs, and the first is the Rat – There are 12 Chinese zodiac signs, and unlike constellations, the zodiac signs are represented by 12 animals. In order, they are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig.
- The zodiac year does not start on January 1st – Most people believe that the Chinese zodiac year begins on the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar. Chinese New Year falls between mid-January and the end of February. However, some astrologers believe that the zodiac year begins with the solar term, also known as the "beginning of spring," which occurs between February 4–6.
- Each zodiac year comes with an element – According to Chinese astrology, each zodiac year is associated with one of five elements (gold, water, wood, earth, and fire). Each zodiac sign has five types, and each element with a given sign repeats every 60 years.
- Each zodiac sign has fateful personality traits – The year in which a person is born determines their zodiac sign, and it is believed to influence their personality. Since ancient times, people have developed horoscopes to predict destinies based on zodiac signs.
- The zodiac is used to find a suitable marriage partner – Most Chinese believe that there are various degrees of predetermined compatibility between zodiac signs. In ancient times, the Chinese zodiac determined whether two people were compatible for marriage or a romantic relationship. Even today, some people still consider zodiac compatibility before starting a marriage or romantic relationship. For example, Roosters are most compatible with Oxen, Dragons, or Snakes, but least compatible with Rabbits, Roosters, or Dogs.
- The Goat is considered the unluckiest zodiac sign – A Chinese folk saying goes that 9 out of 10 people born in the year of the Goat are destined to have bad luck and live an unhappy life. Most Chinese also believe that people born in the year of the Goat are more likely to be followers than leaders. Although this is an outdated superstition, it still has a real impact on Chinese society.
- The zodiac was used to tell time – In ancient times, when people didn’t have clocks, they used the “12 Earthly Branches” to name hours. For convenience and fun, they used 12 animals to mark time. Each zodiac sign represented 2 hours, for example, the hours of the Dog were from 7-9 PM.
- The color red – According to ancient Chinese superstition, the best way to avoid bad luck is to wear red items (red underwear, red socks, red hair ties, or a red bracelet).
- The year 2023 is the year of the Rabbit – Specifically, the Water Rabbit. The Rabbit sign in Chinese culture symbolizes longevity, peace, and prosperity. The year 2023 is expected to be a year of hope and fulfilled goals.
Wooden decorations from DUBLEZ with Asian culture themes in Oriental style:
