What is my Chinese Zodiac sign, what animal am I and what does it mean?
ACCORDING to the Chinese Zodiac, the animal associated with your birth year can reveal a lot about your personality and what is written in the stars for the year ahead.
If you're wondering which animal you are then look no further as we have everything you need to know about the Chinese zodiac and what it means.
Which zodiac animal am I?
The Chinese animal zodiac or shengxiao, which means "born resembling, is arranged in a repeating cycle of 12 years - all of which are associated with one of the five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water.
It, therefore, features 12 different animals.
For example, 1991 is the year of the Goat. If you were born in 1991, your Chinese zodiac sign is the Goat, and you are known as a "Goat".
The animal changes at the beginning of the Chinese New Year, and traditionally these animals were used to date the years.
However, Chinese New Year is a movable celebration, dictated by the lunar cycle.
Because the dates of Chinese New Year change every year, individuals born in January or February will need to pay special attention to their birth date in addition to their birth year.
If you're feeling confused, you can calculate your zodiac sign here.
In 2024, the celebration, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, will take place on February 10, 2024. This year will welcome the Year of the Dragon.
Animals of the Chinese zodiac
Check the years to see which animal you are.
Ox
Years: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021.
Traits: The Ox is an honest, earnest animal.
They never seek to be the centre of attention and do not look for praise.
People born in the year of the Ox are considered to be loyal friends and good leaders.
They are hard workers with a strong sense of responsibility, but can sometimes be bullish and they usually feel that they are right.
This animal is traditional and has a high moral character.
They can be stubborn and have a fantastic memory.
They aren't known for being romantic but are patient.
In love terms, the ox is most compatible with the Rat.
Their Earth/Water signs align and they complement each other's lives.
They are the type to bottle emotions up, and when they do lose their temper it's an explosion.
Ox are diligent, dependable, intelligent, and determined.
There are different types of this animal in the zodiac system.
These include the Metal Ox, Water Ox, Wood Ox, Fire Ox, and Earth Ox.
Tiger
Years: 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022.
Traits: Tigers are considered to be kind and benevolent animals.
They are sentimental and have a likable and friendly personality.
They are pleasure seekers who are always on the move and seem to have an endless supply of energy.
They rarely feel tired and have rich emotions.
Sometimes though, they make brash decisions and are hard to control.
Recklessness is their biggest weakness.
They have high self-esteem and are fiercely independent.
Tigers are brave, resilient, confident, and competitive.
When it comes to romance, Tigers are most compatible with a Pig, Horse, and Dog.
There are different types of this animal in the zodiac system.
These include the Wood Tiger, Metal Tiger, Water Tiger, Fire Tiger, and Earth Tiger.
Rabbit
Years: 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023.
Traits: Rabbits tend to be gentle, quiet, and polite.
This animal represents kindness, courage, and strength.
They take love seriously and will never fall for someone easily, but when they find the right person they will love them forever.
With this in mind, Rabbits are most compatible with the Pig, Goat, Monkey, and Dog.
They are non-judgemental and open-minded and are often sought for advice. Rabbits are seekers of peace but can also be self-centred at times.
They are very goal-driven and are careful with their next moves.
They are also good at socializing and paying close attention to detail. Rabbits are quiet, elegant, kind, and responsible.
There are different types of this animal in the zodiac system.
These include the Wood Rabbit, Metal Rabbit, Water Rabbit, Fire Rabbit, and Earth Rabbit.
Dragon
Years: 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012.
The next year of the Dragon will be 2024.
Traits: Dragons are often larger than life, quick-witted, and charming.
They are considered to be strong and independent figures, who make superb leaders because of their knowledge and capability.
They have hearts full of adventure and romance, but they can come across as a little mysterious.
In love terms, Dragons are thought to be most compatible with Roosters. Dragons are ambitious and driven and have a strong desire to realize their dreams.
Because of their drive, they are prone to heavily criticizing those who make mistakes.
However, they don't take setbacks well.
Dragons are confident, intelligent, and enthusiastic.
There are different types of this animal in the zodiac system.
These include the Wood Dragon, Metal Dragon, Water Dragon, Fire Dragon, and Earth Dragon.
Snake
Years: 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025.
Traits: Snakes are the most psychic of the Chinese zodiac.
Their minds and senses are constantly "on" and they tend to be very wise and often deep in thought. Snakes are humorous and sophisticated - but they are not into small talk.
They are reliable and loyal, but they never forget a slight or a betrayal.
They are skilled at holding their ground and are good at coming up with solutions to any problem.
However, they can be perceived as slow and lazy due to their observant nature. Snakes can also be seen as ruthless and relentless.
When it comes to love, the Snake is most compatible with the Monkey, Rooster, and Ox.
The snake is enigmatic, intelligent, and wise.
There are different types of this animal in the zodiac system.
These include the Wood Snake, Metal Snake, Water Snake, Fire Snake, and Earth Snake.
Horse
Years: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, and 2026.
Traits: Horse personality types are warm-hearted, enthusiastic, and positive. They are also considered to be independent, intelligent, and have a great work ethic.
They are always positive and energetic, pushing themselves forward.
However, there are some negatives, horses are bad at keeping secrets and lose interest quickly.
They tend to enjoy outdoor activities, as well as a rich social life.
They are likely to rise high in their career from early in life.
Horses can also sometimes be vain and stubborn.
In terms of finances, they have trouble holding onto their money and are known to spend it frivolously.
When it comes to love, the horse is the most compatible with the Goat, attracted by their tenderness and their reliance.
The horse is animated, active, and energetic.
There are different types of this animal in the zodiac system.
These include the Wood Horse, Metal Horse, Water Horse, Fire Horse, and Earth Horse.
Goat
Years: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027.
Traits: The Goat is the symbol of filial piety, as well as kindness, purity, and wholesomeness.
Goats are compassionate, empathetic, and generous - but are quietly very strong people.
They have pure and kind hearts - they'd rather suffer silently than ruin someone else's mood.
However, you shouldn't take the Goat's kindness for weakness.
When in danger, the Goat becomes defensive.
Despite their patience and willingness to put others first, their inner stubbornness sometimes makes communication difficult.
Goats have tricks up their sleeves as well.
They are skilled at using soft power and able to patiently and politely persuade others in their favour.
They have an organized home and are very tidy.
They also love big families.
When it comes to finding love, Goats and Horses are the most compatible pair of the zodiac animals, as Horses help Goats solve problems and they have similar living standards.
The goat is calm, gentle, resilient, selfless, and sympathetic.
There are different types of this animal in the zodiac system.
These include the Wood Goat, Metal Goat, Water Goat, Fire Goat, and Earth Goat.
Monkey
Years: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028.
Traits: A Monkey's defining characteristic is their intelligence.
They are studious as children and leaders in the workplace in their professional lives.
People born in the year of the Monkey do things based on their interests.
If it's something they don't quite care for, they'll do the work sloppily.
If it is something they're interested in, they'll put their entire heart into it and work until they succeed.
They regularly receive recognition and praise for their efforts. Due to this, they can sometimes be arrogant.
They live a long life full of energy and curiosity for the world.
But, they can also be competitive, which is both negative and positive. Monkeys also value relationships.
However, spoiling children may be their weakness.
In terms of love, Monkeys are most compatible with the Snake, Rat, or Dragon.
The monkey is sharp, smart, and curious.
There are different types of this animal in the zodiac system.
These include the Wood Monkey, Metal Monkey, Water Monkey, Fire Monkey, and Earth Monkey.
Rooster
Years: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029.
Traits: Roosters can be extravagant and they are unafraid to be "different". They can also be straightforward, decisive, and serious about their careers. These no-nonsense animals are perfectionists are criticize what they deem unfit.
They tend to be dreamers who are ahead of their time and very brave.
They are creative and talented in the arts and make great friends.
Roosters are also overs of knowledge and confidence, but at their worst, they can refuse to acknowledge their own shortcomings.
Family and friends are where they find their respite.
Roosters want a large family as they grow older.
When it comes to finding romance, the Rooster is the most compatible with the Dragon.
Roosters are observant, hardworking, resilient, and courageous.
There are different types of this animal in the zodiac system.
These include the Wood Rooster, Metal Rooster, Water Rooster, Fire Rooster, and Earth Rooster.
Dog
Years: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030.
Traits: People born in the Year of the Dog are conservative and full of justice. Because of their loyalty, Dogs are valued in the workplace.
Anyone born during the year of the dog is said to be honest and loyal with an emphasis on family, and fidelity as a key trait.
They rarely break rules, except for people important to them. In life, they only wish to live quietly with their family.
However, in certain circumstances they can be exceptionally stubborn, accompanied by a sharp tongue and a judgemental nature.
When it comes to love, they could find romance with a Rabbit, Tiger, or Horse. Dogs are lovely, honest, and prudent.
There are different types of this animal in the zodiac system.
These include the Wood Dog, Metal Dog, Water Dog, Fire Dog, and Earth Dog.
Pig
Years: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031.
Traits: Pigs are very kind realistic and affirmative people.
They tend to be selfless, courageous, and strong - but they can sometimes find themselves taken advantage of.
They can be quick-tempered but will generally concede to their rival.
Pigs love to indulge in entertainment and will let themselves enjoy life. Sometimes they can be materialistic, but they work hard for what they want. They can find love with a Tiger, Rabbit, or Goat.
Pigs are compassionate, diligent, energetic, enthusiastic, and generous.
There are different types of this animal in the zodiac system.
These include the Wood Pig, Metal Pig, Water Pig, Fire Pig, and Earth Pig.
Rat
Years: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, and 2020. Traits: Rats are creative and friendly.
They like saving and collecting.
They rarely struggle financially and live organized lives.
Those born in the year of the rat are clever, quick thinkers, and successful but quite content with living a quiet and peaceful life.
They are liked by all for their energetic and optimistic outlook.
Rats don't look for praise and recognition, they are very sensitive and know when they are in trouble.
When they do choose to take risks, they are usually pretty successful. Rats also don't have the best communication skills, so their words can be taken the wrong way at times.
When it comes to finding love, Rats can find the perfect match with an Ox, Monkey, or Dragon.
They are quick-witted, resourceful, versatile, and kind. There are different types of this animal in the zodiac system.
These include the Wood Rat, Metal Rat, Water Rat, Fire Rat, and Earth Rat.
What do Yin and Yang mean?
Yin and Yang is the principle of existence and the fact that everything in life flows and grows.
It is impossible to define the state of yin or yang but instead, both energies are feeding off each other and existing simultaneously.
According to Taoist philosophy, every entity on the planet is made up of partly Yin and partly Yang.
Yin and Yang represent an energetic set with one of the two polarities in a dominant position.
The Yin energy is considered to be receptive, intuitive, and feminine while the Yang energy is deemed to be giving, logical, and masculine.
Horoscope traits
Aries - The best and worst characteristics of the head of the zodiac Aquarius - The traits you need to know for the air sign
Capricorn - What does this star sign mean for your personality?
Cancer - The key traits of the sign include a keen love of food
Gemini - The traits to be aware of for the sign with a symbol of twins
Leo - The best and worst characteristics of the fire sign
Libra - What does the seventh star sign mean for your personality?
Pisces - The key traits for the sign include an interest in the arts Sagittarius - The traits you need to know for the fire sign
Scorpio - What does this star sign mean for your personality?
Taurus - The best and worst characteristics of the Earth sign
Virgo - The key traits of the sign include loyalty and kindness