The Chinese Zodiac, known as shengxiao, is a fascinating system that links each year to an animal and its reputed attributes.
The Chinese Zodiac
This cycle of 12 animals represents time and life's progression in the lunar calendar. The animals include the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat (or sheep), monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. Each animal's assignment to a year is based on a captivating legend involving a race summoned by a god, determining the order of the animals.
Why No Cat in the Zodiac?
An interesting anecdote for cat enthusiasts explains the absence of their favorite pet from the Zodiac. Originally, the cat and the rat were friends. The cat, known for its late risings, entrusted the rat with waking it for the race. However, overcome with excitement, the rat forgot, leaving the cat out of the Zodiac.
The Rat's Cunning Victory
Contrary to what one might expect, the rat's victory in the race wasn't due to its speed but its cunning. Convincing the ox to carry it across, the rat leaped forward at the last moment to secure the first position in the Zodiac.
The Chinese Zodiac holds significant cultural weight across several East Asian countries, guiding people in various aspects of life, including marriage compatibility and personality assessment.
Discover Your Zodiac Animal and Its Traits
To find your Chinese Zodiac animal, match your birth year with the corresponding animal and explore the characteristics and compatibility associated with it.
Rat (Years: 2020, 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960)
Compatible with: Dragon, Monkey
Characteristics: Intelligent, adaptable, quick-witted, charming, sociable.
Ox (Years: 2021, 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961)
Compatible with: Snake, Rooster
Characteristics: Loyal, reliable, strong, determined, steady.
Tiger (Years: 2022, 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962)
Compatible with: Horse, Dog
Characteristics: Courageous, ambitious, confident, charismatic, leadership qualities.
Rabbit (Years: 2023, 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963)
Compatible with: Sheep, Boar
Characteristics: Empathic, modest, diplomatic, sincere, caretakers.
Dragon (Years: 2024, 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964)
Compatible with: Rat, Monkey
Characteristics: Lucky, imaginative, eccentric, spiritual, charismatic.
Snake (Years: 2025, 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965)
Compatible with: Rooster, Ox
Characteristics: Philosophical, intelligent, intuitive, elegant, decisive.
Horse (Years: 2026, 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966)
Compatible with: Dog, Tiger
Characteristics: Loyal, courageous, adventurous, ambitious, intelligent.
Sheep (Years: 2027, 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967)
Compatible with: Boar, Rabbit
Characteristics: Warm, elegant, charming, intuitive, sensitive.
Monkey (Years: 2028, 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968)
Compatible with: Dragon, Rat
Characteristics: Quick-witted, charming, lucky, bright, versatile.
Rooster (Years: 2029, 2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969)
Compatible with: Snake, Ox
Characteristics: Honest, energetic, intelligent, flamboyant, confident.
Dog (Years: 2030, 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970)
Compatible with: Tiger, Horse
Characteristics: Loyal, courageous, sociable, diligent, adaptable.
Pig (Years: 2031, 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971)
Compatible with: Sheep, Rabbit
Characteristics: Philanthropic, determined, optimistic, sincere, sociable.
The Chinese Zodiac offers a unique lens through which to view personality traits and interpersonal compatibility. Whether you find yourself a cunning rat, a steadfast ox, or any other animal, the Zodiac provides a rich tapestry of cultural storytelling and personal reflection.