12 Chinese Zodiac Animal Signs and Years Chart
Chinese Zodiac sign is based on one’s year of birth according to the Chinese lunar calendar. People under different signs have unique characters and fortune. You can find out your animal signs quickly according to the zodiac years chart below and click the animal sign to view more information about the sign.
1912, 1972 (Water Rat)
1924, 1984 (Wood Rat)
1936, 1996 (Fire Rat)
1948, 2008 (Earth Rat)
1960, 2020 (Metal Rat)
1913, 1973 (Water Ox)
1925, 1985 (Wood Ox)
1937, 1997 (Fire Ox)
1949, 2009 (Earth Ox)
1961, 2021 (Metal Ox)
1914, 1974 (Wood Tiger)
1926, 1986 (Fire Tiger)
1938, 1998 (Earth Tiger)
1950, 2010 (Metal Tiger)
1962, 2022 (Water Tiger)
1915, 1975 (Wood Rabbit)
1927, 1987 (Fire Rabbit)
1939, 1999 (Earth Rabbit)
1951, 2011 (Metal Rabbit)
1963, 2023 (Water Rabbit)
1916, 1976 (Fire Dragon)
1928, 1988 (Earth Dragon)
1940, 2000 (Metal Dragon)
1952, 2012 (Water Dragon)
1964, 2024 (Wood Dragon)
1917, 1977 (Fire Snake)
1929, 1989 (Earth Snake)
1941, 2001 (Metal Snake)
1953, 2013 (Water Snake)
1965, 2025 (Wood Snake)
1918, 1978 (Earth Horse)
1930, 1990 (Metal Horse)
1942, 2002 (Water Horse)
1954, 2014 (Wood Horse)
1966, 2026 (Fire Horse)
1919, 1979 (Earth Sheep)
1931, 1991 (Metal Sheep)
1943, 2003 (Water Sheep)
1955, 2015 (Wood Sheep)
1967, 2027 (Fire Sheep)
1920, 1980 (Metal Monkey)
1932, 1992 (Water Monkey)
1944, 2004 (Wood Monkey)
1956, 2016 (Fire Monkey)
1968, 2028 (Earth Monkey)
1921, 1981 (Metal Rooster)
1933, 1993 (Water Rooster)
1945, 2005 (Wood Rooster)
1957, 2017 (Fire Rooster)
1969, 2029 (Earth Rooster)
1922, 1982 (Water Dog)
1934, 1994 (Wood Dog)
1946, 2006 (Fire Dog)
1958, 2018 (Earth Dog)
1970, 2030 (Metal Dog)
1923, 1983 (Water Pig)
1935, 1995 (Wood Pig)
1947, 2007 (Fire Pig)
1959, 2019 (Earth Pig)
1971, 2031 (Metal Pig)
The Enigmatic Origins of the Chinese Zodiac
It's a mystery that which country created the zodiac first. According to the historical literature, the 12 animals in China used today including the animal selection and their orders were originated in the Han Dynasty (202 BC – 220 AD). The order of the animals is most explained with a folk-tale about how the animals were summoned to heaven by the Jade Emperor who ruled the heavens of China.
What's the Story Behind the 12 Chinese Zodiac Signs?
There are many different versions of stories and folklores related to Chinese zodiac. The most popular one is about the race between the animals. Legend said the Jade Emperor held a race and asked all the animals to participate. The first 12 could be given a place in the calendar. Although the Rat is small, it won the first place by riding on the Ox’s back. The pig got the last one because of stopping to eat. View more Chinese Zodiac Stories. View more
Chinese Zodiac Stories.
Why Twelve and Why These Animals?
Ever wondered why the Chinese zodiac has exactly twelve animals, and how these specific creatures were chosen? The answer lies in the stars above and the earth below. But why these particular animals? The chosen twelve form a perfect mirror of ancient Chinese life. Imagine them as three ancient emojis telling humanity's story: the dependable farm animals that fed civilization (horse, ox, goat, pig, dog, chicken); the wild neighbors who inspired awe and fear (tiger, rabbit, monkey, rat, snake); and crowning them all—the magnificent dragon, the ultimate symbol of celestial power that flows through every Chinese heart. This wasn't random selection—it was a brilliant ancient code that connected heaven's cycles with earth's reality, creating a timeless calendar where every animal carries both practical meaning and magical significance. View more about
→ The Fixation of Twelve: Secrets Behind the Chinese Zodiac's Animal Selection → Why is the Dragon the Only Mythical Creature in the Chinese Zodiac?What Are Symbolic Meanings of Chinese Zodiac Signs?
Chinese Zodiac plays an important role in Chinese folk culture. Each animal has symbolic meanings. View more about
Symbolic Meanings of Chinese Zodiac Signs
In Chinese folk culture, the twelve zodiac animals are meaningfully grouped into six complementary pairs. This pairing reflects a traditional belief in yin-yang balance, where the characteristics of one animal naturally complete and harmonize with the other, creating a cohesive and interdependent cycle.
Rat and Ox: Rat is a symbol of wisdom while Ox a symbol of diligence.
Tiger and Rabbit: Tiger is a symbol of valor and vigor while Rabbit symbolizes prudence.
Dragon and Snake: Dragon is a symbol of strength and inflexibility while Snake symbolizes flexibility.
Horse and Sheep: Horse is a symbol of persistence and marching forward with indomitable will while Sheep is a symbol of peace.
Monkey and Rooster: Monkey is a symbol of flexibility while Rooster, which crows every morning, is a symbol of constancy.
Dog and Pig: Dog is a symbol of loyalty while Pig is considered amiable.
Why is Chinese Zodiac So Important to the Chinese?
The Chinese zodiac, as an integral part of traditional Chinese culture, has been deeply embedded in the daily lives of the people. From birth, each person is assigned an animal sign that serves as a lifelong symbol and mascot, believed to influence one's behavior, character, and destiny. Each zodiac animal carries distinct personality traits, which the Chinese often use to interpret interpersonal relationships and guide life decisions. For instance, in choosing a partner, people tend to seek those with compatible animal signs. Similarly, during specific zodiac years, individuals are advised to take certain precautions to ensure a smooth and fortunate journey ahead. In essence, the Chinese zodiac is not only a vivid reflection of the rich cultural psyche of the Chinese people but also a lasting legacy of ancient wisdom that continues to shape lives in meaningful ways.
12 Zodiac Signs and Time (Shichen in Chinese)
"Shichen" is a timing unit in ancient China and an old Chinese way of dividing a day. Based on the time of sun rise, the traditional Chinese people divided a day which has 24 hours into 12 segments. These segments with each having two hours are called 'Shichen' in Chinese. Each two-hour period (one Shichen) is given the name of one of the 12 Earthly Branches. By observing life characters of animals in different time periods, the Chinese people linked each 'Shichen' with one of the twelve Chinese zodiac animals. Following are connections between 12 animals and 'Shichen':
|
Animal |
Zodiac Hour
(Shichen) |
Time Period |
Animal Features during the Period |
|
Rat |
Zi (子) |
23:00-01:00 |
Rats are most active during this period in seeking food. |
|
Ox |
Chou (丑) |
01:00-03:00 |
Oxen ruminate slowly and leisurely. |
|
Tiger |
Yin (寅) |
03:00-05:00 |
Tigers are most ferocious and hurt prey more. |
|
Rabbit |
Mao (卯) |
05:00-07:00 |
The jade rabbit on the moon is busy pounding medicinal herb according to the tale. |
|
Dragon |
Chen (辰) |
07:00-09:00 |
Dragons are hovering in the sky to give rainfall. |
|
Snake |
Si (巳) |
09:00-11:00 |
Snakes start to leave their caves. |
|
Horse |
Wu (午) |
11:00-13:00 |
The sun is overhead. Other animals are lying down for a rest, while Horses are still standing. |
|
Sheep (Goat) |
Wei (未) |
13:00-15:00 |
Sheep(Goats) eat grass and urinate frequently. |
|
Monkey |
Shen (申) |
15:00-17:00 |
Monkeys are screeching and most lively. |
|
Rooster |
You (酉) |
17:00-19:00 |
Roosters return to their coops as it is getting dark. |
|
Dog |
Xu (戌) |
19:00-21:00 |
Dogs are most alert and begin to do their duty to guard houses. |
|
Pig |
Hai (亥) |
21:00-23:00 |
Pigs are sleeping soundly and growing fast. |
Zodiac Signs of Different Countries
Chinese zodiac culture, the gem and an important component of Chinese culture has deeply penetrated in people’s daily life in many aspects. It does not only exist in China, but also other countries in the world. However, the signs in different countries are different. Check the following table to get zodiac equivalents in other counties to Chinese zodiac signs.
|
Country |
Zodiac Signs |
|
China, Korea |
Rat |
Ox |
Tiger |
Rabbit |
Dragon |
Snake |
Horse |
Sheep |
Monkey |
Rooster |
Dog |
Pig |
|
Japan |
Rat |
Ox |
Tiger |
Rabbit |
Dragon |
Snake |
Horse |
Sheep |
Monkey |
Rooster |
Dog |
Boar |
|
Vietnam |
Rat |
Buffalo |
Tiger |
Cat |
Dragon |
Snake |
Horse |
Goat |
Monkey |
Rooster |
Dog |
Pig |
|
Thailand |
Rat |
Ox |
Tiger |
Rabbit |
Python/ Large Snake |
Snake |
Horse |
Goat |
Monkey |
Chicken |
Dog |
Pig (Elephant in Northern Thailand) |
Egypt
(Traditional) |
Nile |
Amon-Ra |
Mutual |
Geb |
Osiris |
Isis |
Thoth |
Horus |
Anubis |
Seth |
Bastet |
Sekhmet |
|
Egypt (Pharaoh’s) |
Thoth |
Horus |
Wadjet |
Sekhmet |
Sphinx |
Shu |
Isis |
Osiris |
Amun-Ra |
Hathor |
Phoenix |
Anubis |
|
Myanmar (Burma) |
Garuda (mythical bird) |
Tiger |
Lion |
Elephant (with tusks) |
Elephant (no tusks) |
Rat |
Guinea Pig |
Dragon |
|
|
|
|
|
Western Countries |
Sagittarius |
Capricorn |
Aquarius |
Pisces |
Aries |
Taurus |
Gemini |
Cancer |
Leo |
Virgo |
Libra |
Scorpio |
