Chinese tradition has long held the belief of Chinese zodiac signs, and their corresponding importance for a person’s fortunes. Each year symbolises a different animal in the Chinese Zodiac, and as we get ready to enter the Year of the Rabbit, it is fascinating to see just what this entails!
The Chinese Zodiac, known as Sheng Xiao or Shu Xiang, is a repeating 12-year cycle where each year is represented by an animal and corresponding attributes.
The Chinese zodiac animals in order are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig.
The Year of the Rabbit will run from January 22nd 2023 to February 9th 2024, and will then be followed by the Year of the Dragon.
Chinese Zodiac Origin
Legend has it that the Jade Emperor wanted 12 animals to stand guard over his palace. In a race to the palace to win the role, the strong and dependable Ox was expected to come first, but the resourceful Rat snuck in on the Ox’s back and took first place.
After the Ox, came the Tiger and Rabbit who were both fast and determined, followed by the Dragon and the Snake.
Next to finish the race were the Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. These 12 animals became the guardians of the Heavenly Gate, and were immortalised as the Chinese zodiac signs.
What Are the Chinese Zodiac Signs?
The year of a person’s birth determines their Chinese zodiac sign, and the belief is that this determines their character, career, personality, fortune, relationships and fate.
Each zodiac animal has personality traits that have both advantages (e.g. strong, intelligent) and disadvantages (e.g. stubborn, impatient).
Rat
Personality traits: Quick-witted, resourceful, versatile, considerate, stubborn
Year of the Rat: 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032
Ox
Personality traits: Diligent, dependable, strong, determined, stubborn
Year of the Ox: 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033
Tiger
Personality traits: Confident, brave, loyal, trustworthy, arrogant
Year of the Tiger: 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034
Rabbit
Personality traits: Gentle, elegant, considerate, responsible, timid
Year of the Rabbit: 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2035
Dragon
Personality traits: Confident, intelligent, enthusiastic, energetic, short-tempered
Year of the Dragon: 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024, 2036
Snake
Personality traits: Enigmatic, intelligent, wise, determined, suspicious
Year of the Snake: 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025, 2037
Horse
Personality traits: Easy-going, patient, steady, energetic, outspoken
Year of the Horse: 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026, 2038
Goat
Personality traits: Gentle, calm, sympathetic, considerate, timid
Year of the Goat: 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027, 2039
Don’t Miss…
Lunar New Year is nearly here, offering lots of opportunity for fun and celebration – from lion dances and dragon masks to dumplings, lanterns and a whole host of Zodiac animals! These Chinese New Year colouring pages are a great idea for keeping the kids busy and entertained!
Monkey
Personality traits: Intelligent, curious, sociable, enthusiastic, arrogant
Year of the Monkey: 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028, 2040
Rooster
Personality traits: Capable, hardworking, brave, independent, impatient
Year of the Rooster: 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029, 2041
Dog
Personality traits: Brave, loyal, reliable, responsible, stubborn
Year of the Dog: 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030, 2042
Pig
Personality traits: Optimistic, compassionate, generous, diligent, short-tempered
Year of the Pig: 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031, 2043
About the Author: Emily Manning
