Chinese horoscope, Chinese zodiac, a 12-year cycle named after animals, is often used to denote the year of a person’s birth. It becomes a special way of numbering the years by associating the 12-year cycle with 12 symbolic animals. The 12 animals are rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. They correspond respectively to 12 Earthly Branches: zi, chou, yin, mao, chen, si, wu, wei, shen, you, xu, and hai. Chinese horoscope is an interesting folk custom through which people pray for blessings and on which they place hopes for an easy and comfortable life. With its rich cultural connotation, it may be rated as a cultural symbol unique to the Chinese nation.
Chinese horoscope appeared in an embryonic form as early as the Shang and Zhou Periods (16th -3rd Century B.C). The names of Chinese horoscope gradually came into being during the time from the spring and Autumn Period (770-476B.C) and were established in the Han Dynasty (206B.C-220A.D). Since then, Chinese horoscope has been used for more than one thousand years and has been handed down from generation to generation.
Chinese used the 12 symbolic animals to mark the year of one’s birth. They also believe the animal sign is related to one’s characteristics and fortune.
Rat ranks first. It is regarded as a symbol of being alert and flexible, adaptable to difficulties, having a flourishing family, and living in prosperity. The rat sign carries the auspicious meaning of breeding unceasingly and interminably. Those born in the year of rat are, gentle, clever, alert, sensitive, temperamental, ambitious, having broad interests and strong ability in adapting to environment and able to react adequately to any changes. They are quick-witted, full of ideas and adept in understanding others. They are gifted in many ways, and have an easy going manner. The females are particularly clean in habit, and good at house-keeping. They are active and pleasant, tactful and fantastic, and are able to grasp opportunities. They are acute in perception, could do everything, and manage well in multiple ways. They seem to have interest in everything and hope to participate in doing it and really do it very well. In love, they are easily involved in romantic affairs. 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, and 2008 are the year of rat.
Ox ranks second. It is regarded as a symbol of being industrious and simple, sincere and honest, mighty and persistent, and enduring humiliations. The ox sign symbolizes prosperity through fortitude, hard work and propitious weather. Those are born in the year of ox are, tenacious, prudent, careful, earnest, firm and steady, a little bit stubborn, and doing things on their own ideas or abilities, not easily disturbed by others or the environment. Before taking any action, they often have a careful thought, and stick to their ideas and strong physical strength. They have the temper of ox, make a clear of distinction between the right and wrong, act in accordance to the rules, and persevere in their undertakings. They are gentle and kind, patriotic, idealistic and ambitious, pay great attention to their families and jobs, and are the conservatives in respecting the convention. Their emotions are rich, love and hatred in distinct, and they should be eventually successful despite some zigzags. 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, and 2009 are the year of ox.
Tiger ranks the third. It is regarded as a symbol of being powerful and valiant, bold and upright, quick tempered, talented and dignified-looking. The sign of tiger carries the auspicious meaning of exorcising evil spirits and ensuring peace and health. Those born in the year of tiger are lenient externally, but unyielding internally, brave and prefer to be praised, but are kind and willing to sacrifice themselves for others. They like to be in the limelight, stubborn in personality, and act arbitrarily. They take risks, like to show off, are very ambitious and will rush even on frustration with full confidence. They are open, frank and easily trusted. They are fond of competitions, not obedient to others. Whether couples or lovers they are, there are often more obstacles in course. 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010 are the year of tiger.
Rabbit ranks the fourth. It is regarded as a symbol of being gentle and quiet, pure and elegant, sensitive and quick-witted, a little self-conceited, honest and kind-hearted. The sign of rabbit carries the auspicious meaning of transcending the worldliness and attaining longevity. Those born in the rear of rabbit are meticulous, gentle and give every care to others. They are linguistically talented and eloquent, so are welcomed by others. Their characters are changeable, conservative and sober-minded. They prefer smooth love life without any disturbance. They are sociable and kind to others, talk cheerfully and humorously on a broad range of topics with elegant demeanor. They dislike quarrel with others, and have gentle temperament of turning enemies to friends. They are bold, unconstrained, and resolute on their decisions. They pay attention to aesthetics, the arrangement and furnishings in their homes are fine and tastefully laid out. They like to make friends, are polite, sympathetic, and happy to help others. Their feelings are sometimes fragile, and easily misunderstood.1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, and 2011 are the year of rabbit.
Dragon ranks the fifth. It is regarded as a symbol of being honorable and sacred, adaptable to circumstances, sensible and broad-minded, and having lofty aspirations. The design of dragon carries the auspicious meaning of punishing the evil forces and safeguarding peace and prosperity. Those born in the year of dragon are firm, proud and disagreeable with their seniors. They like to ponder, predict, and struggle. They have strong ideas and physical strength, and are energetic and sensitive to their reputation. They never admit failures, and often act self-confidently. They have strong ego consciousness and ambitious plans, frank characters and are talented in leadership. They are sincere, and will never do any mean, evil or false deeds or make any mischief. They are not afraid of difficulties, and will try to do everything as perfectly as possible. They are also temperamental. The females are straightforward, warm, and generous and understand others well, and are attractive to males. In love affairs, it seems to be smoother than in other aspects.1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, and 2012 are the year of dragon.
Snake ranks the sixth. It is regarded as a symbol of being beautiful and attractive, magnanimous and open-minded, flexible and adaptable. The snake sign carries the auspicious meaning of combating the toughness with gentleness and being indomitable before setbacks and frustrations. Those born in the year of snake are somewhat mysterious, romantic and gentle in manner, and adept in handing affairs. They are gentle in demeanors, wealthy, eloquent, conceited, sometimes egotistical, and good at securing personal gains. They are calm and steady, having the will and spirit of carrying on their work from the beginning to the end. They do not show off their talents, but encourage themselves secretly to go forward on their plans. They are naturally strong in perception and awareness, and good at caring for others. They often have good opportunities and luck and dream to create brilliant undertakings by their own force. They act after thinking twice, and know their abilities well. In love it seems embarrassing to mention and the situation is fluctuating and variable. 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, and 2013 are the year of snake.
Horse ranks the seventh. It is regarded as a symbol of being dynamic and vigorous, faithful and honest, proud and unrestrained, firm and courageous. The horse sign carries the auspicious meaning of advancing forward boldly and energetically all the time. Those bon in the year of horse, are romantic and enthusiastic, eloquent, frank and easy-going. They are somewhat heroic and often outraged at injustice to others. They act actively and have the temperament of refusing to admit inferiority. They are free and frank, have many friends, and live harmoniously with others. They prefer warmly caring others, and being open-minded to them. They have many bright ideas, and have sub-consciousness of refusing failures. In many ways they have talents and insight, with nimbleness in the mind and the limbs. In love it should not be urged, and opportunity will come with good results. 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, and 2014 are the year of horse.
Sheep ranks eighth. It is regarded as a symbol of being temperate and good-natured, benevolent and amiable, pure and gracious, and obedient to the will of heaven. The sheep sign symbolizes a bumper harvest year and making a fortune through amiability. Those born in the year of sheep, have initiative spirits, consider in every aspect before action, and are able to get along very well. They are sociable and have good relationship with others. They are gentle and have the spirit of sacrificing themselves for benevolence. Their characters are gentle externally, but firm internally, and are trustworthy due to their discreteness. They are sentimental, dependent, meticulous, scrupulous, energetic and bold. They are filial throughout their life and take care of children carefully. They are subjective and stubborn and prefer mysterious atmosphere. They have strong desire of seeking knowledge, do not spend money extravagantly, and are often thrifty. They are kind to others and love nature, and have noble and generous appearance. In love, the females may achieve as their wishes, but in males, it may be not so successful, and so the mood should be moderated.1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, and 2015 are the year of sheep.
Monkey ranks ninth. It is regarded as a symbol of being free and agile, intelligent and ingenious, combining wisdom and courage, and attaching importance to friendship. The monkey sign carries the auspicious meaning of warding off evil spirits and ensure a happy and harmonious year. Those born in the year of monkey, are gifted and bright, active, and good at competition, nimble and chivalrous, quick in reaction and act according to the situation. They are highly sociable and good in comprehension, easily merged with others, but dislike to be controlled by others and prefer fresh things. They are clever, irritable, full of wit, innovative, good at speaking, and have a strong desire of showing off. They lack of respect for others some times. They are very fit to be actors or promotion traders. They have strong desires in pursuing knowledge, read books of broad subjects, and have a wonderful memory. They are flexible and creative, and have a strong feeling to their elder members of the family, but the relation between husband and wife may be tense or disturbed.1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, and 2016 are the year of monkey.
Rooster ranks tenth. It is regarded as a symbol of being valiant and warlike, determined and dauntless, detoxifying and bringing peace and fortune. The rooster sign symbolizes peace, contentment, and a harmonious conjugal relation. Those born in the year of rooster, are fashionable, quick minded, impatient, prefer make up, sociable. They have broad friends and good in speaking and convincing in debate. They speak as they think without keeping secrets. They often challenge the authorities, and prefer luxurious life. They prefer being praised and praising others. They are active, brave and interesting. They have strategies. They are diligent, enthusiastic and generous. In love affairs, the association and care of the lovers should not be neglected even busy in work. 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, and 2017 are the year of rooster.
Dog ranks eleventh. It is regarded as a symbol of being alert and smart, sincere and courageous, loyal and duteous, faithful and self-giving. The dog sign carries the auspicious meaning of leading a healthy and safe life throughout the year and having peace and tranquility accompanied. Those born in the year of dog, are upright and loyal, full of feelings, and work to their best. They are straightforward, brave, chivalrous, prudent, responsible, humble, and loyal. They are pure, instinctively, sympathetic, and frank without any scheming. They are accurate in intuition, prefer upholding justice, and respected by others. In love affairs, the love will not easily vary. They would rather suffer themselves than others, or do something immoral for their own interests. 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, and 2018 are the year of dog.
Pig ranks twelfth. It is regarded as a symbol of unconstrained and modest, unadorned and straightforward, carefree, and happy-go luck. The boar sign symbolizes living in peace contentment and having amole food and clothing. Those born in the year of pig are sincere and upright, a little lazy, serious and have good relationship with others. They are frank, kind, generous, and openhearted, not punctilious, and lovely. Their manners are proper and their attitudes are friendly. They make friends with long-lasting friendship. They have strong desire of pursing knowledge. They don’t need work hard to maintain their life. They are tolerant to the sarcasm of others. Their families are calm and smooth. The love affairs are also very smooth and successful. 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, and 2019 are the year of pig.
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Chinese Fengshui	Yin and Yang and Eight Trigrams(Bagua)
Five Elements(Wuxing)	Chinese Zodiac(The twelve Animal Signs)
Chinese Festivals	Chinese 24 Solar Terms
Chinese Architectural Culture	Dragon in Chinese culture
Chinese Symbolic Designs	Chinese Couplets and Spring Festival Pictures
Chinese Characters and Chinese language	Chinese Names
Chinese Religions	Chinese Imperial Examination System
Chinese Four Treasures of the Study	Traditional Chinese Music
Chinese Literature	Chinese Four Great Inventions
Chinese Marriage Customs	Binding Foot