Ian Parkin is the author of this post.

The 12 Chinese Zodiac Animals And Years With Their Meanings

Special Note: For finding the right Chinese zodiac animals and years if you were born between January 21 and February 19. It's important to note that the Chinese lunar new year is celebrated at the second new moon after the winter solstice. It falls between January 21 and February 19 each year on the Gregorian calendar. If your birthday falls within these dates, you will need know when the Chinese New Year began to determine your correct birth year animal sign. (So, I've actually included Lunar New Year Dates, in brackets, in the following dates below).

Who created the Chinese astrology animals?

  • According to ancient legends in Chinese culture the Jade King, whose realm was in the heavenly clouds, ordered a dozen animals to be brought from Earth. After he inspected each of these animals, he then devised 12 years of astrological cycles as well and every one of these 12 animals was designated as the representative of one of these cycles. Each Chinese astrological year cycle is based on personality traits and characteristics that each animal possesses.

What are the 12 zodiac animal signs in Chinese culture?

  • In the Chinese zodiac each year is represented by an animal. They are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. Each animal of the 12 zodiac signs possesses personality traits and characteristics that reveal things about us all.
List of Chinese zodiac animals and years in order with attributes.The list of Chinese Zodiac Animals in order with attributes.

All Chinese Zodiac Animals And Years With (Lunar New Year Dates) And Meanings

Dragon Dates: 1940 (Feb 08), 1952 (Jan 27), 1964 (Feb 13), 1976 (Jan 31), 1988 (Feb 17), 2000 (Feb 05), 2012 (Jan 23), 2024 (Feb 10), 2036 (Jan 28).

Dragon Chinese Astrology Animals

What does the dragon mean in the Chinese zodiac?

The most ostentatious of the Chinese zodiac signs is Dragon! With the Dragon there is never a dull moment. The person born in the year of the dragon is a visionary with wide-reaching goals. Never one to back down from a fight, the Dragon slays any challenges or obstacles that stand in its way, while people stand back in awe of the mastery of the Dragon.

The Dragon is a remarkable sight, because not only are they also a mysterious creature and at the same time they can be flamboyant. They attract attention everywhere they go.

Not all the dreams that a Dragon has will go to fruition, but that doesn't stop the Dragon from dreaming them. The Dragon person is stimulating.

Best matches for Dragons are with Rats, Snakes, Monkeys, and Roosters.

Snake Dates: 1941 (Jan 27), 1953 (Feb 14), 1965 (Feb 02), 1977 (Feb 18), 1989 (Feb 06), 2001 (Jan 24), 2013 (Feb 10), 2025 (Jan 29), 2037 (Feb 15).

Snake Chinese Astrology Animals

What are the characteristics of a snake in the Chinese zodiac?

The Snake person is known for great wisdom and holding many interests. They are true seekers of knowledge. With that said, they are one of the quietest of the Chinese zodiac sign animals.

These people are highly complex. Good luck to you in trying to figure out the snake - they guard their privacy vigorously.

With that said, the Snake is a very likable person, who can dazzle and charm anyone. Though they simply don't see the need to impress. People are drawn to the Snake's mysterious aura. The Snake is selective and sensual.

Snakes are most compatible with the Ox and Rooster.

Horse Dates: 1942 (Feb 15), 1954 (Feb 03), 1966 (Jan 21), 1978 (Feb 07), 1990 (Jan 27), 2002 (Feb 12), 2014 (Jan 31), 2026 (Feb 17), 2038 (Feb 04).

Horse Chinese Astrology Animals

What does the horse mean in the Chinese zodiac?

Nonconformists and freethinkers, forget about trying to control the Horse. These people will pop in and out of your life at a moment's notice. A true maverick.

In Chinese astrology, the Horse is the one zodiac sign associated with masculinity. The Horse is male.

This shows through the Horse's independent and adventurous nature. Horses love the great outdoors and sports.

Because the Horse is hard to capture, people are drawn to this energetic beast. The Horse is the most unpredictable of the Chinese zodiac animals.

Best matches for the Horses are with Tigers, Dogs, and Sheep.

Sheep Dates: 1943 (Feb 05), 1955 (Jan 24), 1967 (Feb 09), 1979 (Jan 28), 1991 (Feb 15), 2003 (Feb 01), 2015 (Feb 19), 2027 (Feb 06), 2039 (Jan 24).

Sheep Chinese Astrology Animals

What are the characteristics of the sheep in the Chinese zodiac?

On the opposite side of the spectrum, the Sheep (sometimes called Ram or Goat) is associated with female. This makes the Horse and Sheep true soul mates.

Not known for aggression, the sheep has a gentle persona. They love children and animals. These people are considered the artists of the zodiac, as they are the most creative of all Chinese zodiac animals.

Sheep seek peaceful and charming environments. Natural homemakers, they move through life better as a team versus a party of one. Love is most important, so marriage and family is number one on their list.

Best matches in zodiac compatibility for Sheep are with Rabbits, Pigs, and Horses.

Monkey Dates: 1944 (Jan 25), 1956 (Feb 12), 1968 (Jan 30), 1980 (Feb 16), 1992 (Feb 04), 2004 (Jan 22), 2016 (Feb 08), 2028 (Jan 26), 2040 (Feb 12).

Monkey Chinese Astrology Animals

What are the characteristics of the Monkey in the Chinese zodiac?

The Monkey person is fun, witty and unpredictable. They are the life of the party. But it's not all fun and games with the Monkey.

They have a curious nature which leads them on a quest of knowledge. They spend a lot of time thinking. They are also very perceptive and pick up on cues that many others miss.

Confident and competitive, the Monkey easily moves up the ladder of success. The Monkey is the exciting one of the Chinese zodiac animals.

Monkeys are most compatible with the Dragon and Rat.

Rooster Dates: 1945 (Feb 13), 1957 (Jan 31), 1969 (Feb 17), 1981 (Feb 05), 1993 (Jan 23), 2005 (Feb 09), 2017 (Jan 28), 2029 (Feb 13), 2041 (Feb 01).

Rooster Chinese Astrology Animals

What does it mean to be a rooster in the Chinese zodiac?

For Chinese zodiac animals of gallantry, you want the Rooster. Straight shooting and with no problems telling what's on his mind, honesty is one of the strong points of the Rooster.

The Rooster's clever mind will sometimes show itself with its dry sense of humor.

Efficient and highly organized compels others to keep up. Often the center of attention, the Rooster loves the spotlight, and the spotlight loves the Rooster. One word to categorize the Rooster is dashing.

Roosters can find their best matches in Chinese zodiac compatibility with Ox, Snake, and Dragon.

Dog Dates: 1946 (Feb 02), 1958 (Feb 18), 1970 (Feb 06), 1982 (Jan 25), 1994 (Feb 10), 2006 (Jan 29), 2018 (Feb 16), 2030 (Feb 03), 2042 (Feb 22).

Dog Chinese Astrology Animals

What are the characteristics of the dog in the Chinese zodiac?

Faithful, dependable, and sincere are the qualities that make up the Dog person. The Dog has a strong sense of justice and will fight for it. A natural spokesperson, the Dog stands up for those who can't stand up for themselves.

Everywhere these Dogs go, they are respected by friends, family and within the community.

There is none more loyal and protective than the Dog in Chinese zodiac animals. Dog people are known as being very loving.

Dogs are compatible with those born in the Years of the Horse, Tiger, and Rabbit.

Pig Dates: 1947 (Jan 22), 1959 (Feb 08), 1971 (Jan 27), 1983 (Feb 13), 1995 (Jan 31), 2007 (Feb 18), 2019 (Feb 05), 2031 (Jan 23), 2043 (Feb 10).

Pig Chinese Astrology Animals

What are the characteristics of the pig in the Chinese zodiac?

(Pig is sometimes called Boar) You know the saying, "Nice guys finish last?" Well, here is the last animal of the 12 Chinese zodiac years and those born the year of the Pig, are the nice guys in Chinese astrology.

The Pig’s kindness and helpful nature extends itself to friends and strangers alike. Social pigs are loved everywhere they go because not only are they cheerful, but they have good hearts.

With so many acts of kindness, the Pigs are very fortunate in life, as successes seem to fall right into their laps. Passionate is the best word to describe Miss Piggy.

Best matches in zodiac compatibility for Pigs are with Rabbits and Sheep.

Rat Dates: 1936 (Jan 24), 1948 (Feb 10), 1960 (Jan 28), 1972 (Feb 15), 1984 (Feb 02), 1996 (Feb 19), 2008 (Feb 07), 2020 (Jan 25), 2032 (Feb 11).

Rat Chinese Astrology Animals

What does the rat mean in the Chinese zodiac?

Rats mark the first year of the Chinese astrological cycle. And rightfully so. Those born under the zodiac sign of Rat are pioneers, the first to the scene of action. These people stay busy, as they keep their lives full. If you know a person born in the zodiac year of the Rat, then you know that they are active both mentally and physically.

Rat people tend to keep their true feelings to themselves. They go from being very chatty to being quiet. So, while one side of them likes to go out and have a social life, the other part desires quiet times with friends.

Speaking of friends, the Rat has only a few. But to these few, they are considered family. Not that others don't like Rat people, they do! The Rat people are well known for their charm and passion.

Rats are most compatible with people in the birth years of the Dragon, Monkey, and Ox.

Ox Dates: 1937 (Feb 11), 1949 (Jan 29), 1961 (Feb 15), 1973 (Feb 03), 1985 (Feb 20), 1997 (Feb 07), 2009 (Jan 26), 2021 (Feb 21), 2033 (Jan 31).

Ox Chinese Astrology Animals

What are the characteristics of the Ox in Chinese astrology?

Those born in the zodiac year of the Ox are known for being hard workers and persistent. If they have their eye set on something, look out! They will not be deterred and will not rest until they get what they want.

These people may seem calm and even sluggish, but don't let that fool you. They are very ambitious.

The Ox is the most dependable zodiac animal. People look up to them and may frequently find themselves in leadership positions. Not known for being party animals, Ox people get their most satisfaction from being with friends and surrounded by family. They are known for their affectionate nature.

Best matches for Oxen are Snake, Rooster, and Rat people.

Tiger Dates: 1938 (Jan 31), 1950 (Feb 17), 1962 (Feb 05), 1974 (Jan 23), 1986 (Feb 09), 1998 (Jan 28), 2010 (Feb 14), 2022 (Feb 01), 2034 (Feb 19).

Tiger Chinese Astrology Animals

What does Tiger mean in the Chinese zodiac?

Adventurous and full of courage is what makes up those born the year of the Tiger. If you want to see a natural born leader, look no further than the Tiger. These people are popular, but independent and commanding. Anyone looking to compete against the Tiger has their work cut out for them.

But there is a softer side of the Tiger. He or she can be a playful as a kitten. There is something innocent about the Tiger, coupled with a fun sense of humor.

The Tiger is also very empathic and compassionate - devoted to helping those in need. If you are looking for the sexiest of the zodiac animal signs look no further. The Tiger is known for its sexiness and being a great lover.

Tigers will find their best matches with Horses, Dragons, and Dogs.

Rabbit Dates: 1939 (Feb 19), 1951 (Feb 06), 1963 (Jan 25), 1975 (Feb 11), 1987 (Jan 29), 1999 (Feb 16), 2011 (Feb 03), 2023 (Jan 22), 2035 (Feb 08).

Rabbit Chinese Astrology Animals

What does rabbit mean in the Chinese zodiac?

If you have conflict that needs to be solved, call upon the Rabbit. The Rabbit (sometimes called Cat) is the peacemaker of the Chinese zodiac signs. In fact, many people seek out the Rabbit when there is conflict. The Rabbit is the epitome of calm and kindness. People born in year of the rabbit are sensitive people with a gentle heart.

That sensitivity can be shown in other areas of the Rabbit's life. They love the arts and elegance.

Their home is considered an oasis and they to love shop! The Rabbit is all about peace and comfort, by any means necessary. The Rabbit is a very sensual being.

Rabbits are most compatible with those born in the years of the Sheep, Pig, and Dog.

Click Here To Enter Your Birthday To Begin

Discover What The Mayan Priests Would Have Said About You And Your Future...
Based On Where Your Birthday Lands On This Ancient Stone Calendar!

Click Here & Enter Your Birthday To Begin



You may also like these

Chat with a Chinese Astrologer now!

Which Chinese Zodiac animal are you? The year of your birth can say a lot about your personality, your compatibility with others and your destiny. Find out what your Chinese Zodiac signs say about you and benefit from this ancient wisdom. Chat with a Chinese Astrologer now!

Wiki - Chinese Zodiac