Guide to the Chinese Zodiac

The Chinese Zodiac features 12 animals who rotate each year, in sync with the lunar calendar. The origin mythology tells of a great race between all of the animals, with the sequence of the 12 animals in the zodiac reflecting how they placed in the race— the rat is first, the ox second, and onward.

Each animal is associated with certain characteristics and has unique traits that reflect those born in their year. While these characteristics can get incredibly in-depth, we're sharing just a sample of some of the essential personality traits.

RAT

1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020

Rats are great at making friends! Those born in the Year of the Rat are optimistic and intelligent but can sometimes be timid or stubborn.

OX

1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021

Oxen are people you can count on. Those born in the Year of the Ox are hard workers who often solve problems logically but can also be overly cautious.

TIGER

1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022

Tigers are naturalborn leaders! Those born in the Year of the Tiger are courageous and love a good challenge but can oftentimes be overconfident and rebellious.

RABBIT

1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023

Rabbits are creative! People born in the Year of the Rabbit are kind-hearted and gracious to everyone they meet but can be stubborn or hesitant.

DRAGON

1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024

Dragons are passionate about everything they do! Those born in the Year of the Dragon are strong and independent but can give up easily when challenged.

SNAKE

1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025

Snakes are quick thinkers. Those born in the Year of the Snake are smart and talented but can sometimes be possessive or indifferent towards their loved ones.

HORSE

1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026

Horses are independent thinkers who have natural popularity. Those born in the Year of the Horse are generous and romantic but can also be too extravagant or outspoken.

SHEEP

1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027

Sheep are always thinking of others! Those born in the Year of the Sheep have the strengths of being gentle and considerate but they can also be negative or hesitant.

MONKEY

1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028

Monkeys are always up for an adventure. Those born in the Year of the Monkey are active and quickwitted but they can also be arrogant or impatient.

ROOSTER

1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029

Roosters are popular and honest with their words. Those born in the Year of the Rooster are forward-thinking but can sometimes be selfish or critical.

DOG

1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030

Dogs enjoy great popularity among friends. Those born in the Year of the Dog are reliable and sincere but can be stubborn or tend to give up easily.

PIG

1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031

Pigs are always ready to give a helping hand. Those born in the Year of the Pig are sincere, and generous, but can be easily influenced or short-tempered.