What is the Chinese Zodiac?

Chinese zodiac, aka Shu Xiang, is a long-standing folk culture in China, represented by 12 animals, in order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. The 12 zodiac signs are the figurative representatives of the 12 Earthly Branches ( Zi-Rat, Chou-Ox, Yin-Tiger, Mao-Ribbit, Chen-Dragon, Si-Snake, Wu-Horse, Wei-Sheep, Shen-Monkey, You-Rooster, Xu-Dog and Hai-Pig), and with the development of history, they are gradually integrated with the folk beliefs and concepts, reflected in marriage, career, character, fortune and so on.

What is your Chinese Zodiac Sign?

Your zodiac sign is determined by your lunar year of birth. The dates of Chinese New Year change every year, so it’s easy for someone born in January or February to get their zodiac sign wrong.

You can quickly find your Chinese zodiac sign according to the table below.

 

Chinese Zodiac Sign	Recent Years
Rat	… 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032 …
Ox	… 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033 …
Tiger	… 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034 ….
Rabbit	… 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2035 …
Dragon	… 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024, 2036 …
Snake	… 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025, 2037 …
Horse	… 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026, 2038 …
Sheep	… 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027, 2039 …
Monkey	… 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028, 2040 …
Rooster	… 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029, 2041 …
Dog	… 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030, 2042 …
Pig	… 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031, 2043 …

What is the origin of Chinese Zodiac?

The origin of Chinese zodiac is believed to be related to animal worship, and there was a relatively complete zodiac system before the Qin Dynasty (221-207 BC). In fact, there is no definitive conclusion on the origin of the Chinese zodiac, but various legends and speculations make it more mysterious and interesting.

Here is an engrossing folk tale:

The Yellow Emperor wanted to choose 12 Chinese animals to serve as palace guards. The Cat asked the Rat to sign up, but the Rat forgot, which led to the Cat seeking revenge when it saw the Rat. Originally, the Ox was recommended as the first because of his honesty and diligence, but the Rat sneaked onto the Ox’s back to take the lead. The Tiger and the Dragon were not convinced, and were named the King of the Forest and the God of the Sea, ranking behind the Ox. The Rabbit had a race with the Dragon and finally won the race, ahead of the Dragon. After some competition, the Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, and Rooster followed closely behind the Dragon. The Dog was fined last for biting the Rabbit in a fit of rage. The Pig took the last seat due to being late.

 

The Personality of Different Chinese Zodiac Signs

People summarize the character of Shu Xiang through the nature of the zodiac animals. For example, people born under the Ox sign are reliable, diligent and hard-working, but have a fierce temper and are not good at expressing themselves.

However, in real life, the development of character is closely related to environment and encounters. Even people born in the same year may have different personalities. Therefore, the following is for reference only.

 

Rat

Advantages: resourceful, versatile, optimistic, adaptable, easygoing

Disadvantages: timid, stubborn, self-centered, lack of perseverance

 

Ox

Advantages: reliable, diligent, prudent, honest

Disadvantages: Stubborn, fractious, not good at expression

 

Tiger

Advantages: independent, brave, confident, right-minded

Disadvantages: reckless, arrogant, overly competitive, imprudent

 

Rabbit

Advantages: gentle, quiet, modest, patient, responsible, meticulous

Disadvantages: timid, conservative, indecisive

 

Dragon

Advantages: adventurous, ambitious, romantic, energetic

Disadvantages: lack of persistence, overstrict, irritable

 

Snake

Advantages: dedicated, humorous, sociable, perceptive, intelligent

Disadvantages: possessive, lazy, prodigal

 

Horse

Advantages: animated, warm-hearted, wise, independent

Disadvantages: conceited, inflexible, outspoken, extravagant

 

Sheep

Advantages: benevolent, upright, cordial, softhearted, elegant

Disadvantages: shy, sentimental, indecisive, pessimistic

 

Monkey

Advantages: up-and-coming, friendly, smart, frank, enthusiastic

Disadvantages: inattentive, self-respect, lack of patience

 

Rooster

Advantages: temperate, incisive, accommodating, far-seeing

Disadvantages: short-tempered, overconfident, flattering

 

Dog

Advantages: cautious, righteous, loyal, helpful, reliable

Disadvantages: emotional, conservative, critical

 

Pig

Advantages: cool-headed, ebullient, romantic, compassionate, optimistic

Disadvantages: taciturn, crabby, sleepy, extravagant

Lucky Signs of Chinese Zodiac

Chinese Zodiac	Lucky Numbers	Lucky Colors	Lucky Flowers	Lucky Directions
Rat	1, 4, 6	Gold, Red, Sliver	Lily, African violet	Southwest, West,  Northwes
Ox	0, 5	Purple, Gold, Green	Tulip, Peach blossom, Evergreen	South, Northeast
Tiger	2, 3, 8	Red, Gold	Flamingo Flower, Cineraria	South, North
Rabbit	1, 3, 6	Green, Black	Fittonia, Cyclamen	Northwest, East,  South
Dragon	0, 5, 4, 9	Gold, Blue, White	Snapdragon, Torch Lily, Clerodendrum	South, North, Southeast
Snake	2, 3, 7, 8	Gold, Purple, Orange	Cactus, Orchid, Myosotis	Southwest, East, West
Horse	2, 7	Green, Blue	Jasmine, Calla lily, African daisy	East, Southwest
Sheep	3, 7	Red, Gold, Brown	Primrose, Acacia flower, Iris, Carnation	Northwest, East
Monkey	4, 9	Gold, Blue, Green	Crape myrtle, Chrysanthemum	East, South
Rooster	0, 4, 5	Gold, Purple, White	Impatiens, Celosia, Calamus	South, Southeast
Dog	2, 5, 7	Red, Gold, Purple	Cymbidium faberi, Rose, Green bristlegrass	South, Northeast, East
Pig	1, 6	Gray, Black, Green	Hydrangea, Common nepenthes	East, Southwest

Unlucky Signs of Chinese Zodiac

Chinese Zodiac	Unlucky Numbers	Unlucky Colors	Unlucky Directions
Rat	5, 9	Yellow, Brown	South, Southeast
Ox	3, 4, 6	Blue	Southwest
Tiger	6, 7	Brown	Southeast
Rabbit	7, 8	Dark Yellow, White	North, West, Southwest
Dragon	3, 8	Green	Northwest
Snake	1, 6	Brown, White	Northeast, Northwest
Horse	1, 5, 6	White	North, Northwest
Sheep	4, 9	Blue, Black	Southwest
Monkey	2, 7	Red, Pink	Southeast
Rooster	1, 3, 9	Red	East
Dog	1, 6	Blue, White	Southeast
Pig	3, 7, 9	Red, Blue	Southeast

Chinese Zodiac Compatibility

Are you curious who your Mr./Ms. Right is? The compatibility of the zodiac animals, widely popular among the Chinese people, is based on the principle of the 12 zodiac signs complementing each other. In numerology, the zodiac signs correspond to the 12 earthly branches, and the 12 earthly branches are endowed with the attributes of the Five Elements (Metal – Monkey, Rooster; Wood – Tiger, Rabbit; Water – Rat, Pig; Fire – Snake, Horse; Earth – Ox, Dragon, Sheep, Dog).

It is believed that people born in a certain zodiac year have the characteristics of that zodiac animal, which will more or less affect their personality and thus hinder or actively promote a romantic relationship.

Find the right one based on the table below.

Chinese Zodiac	Best Match	Better Avoid
Rat	Ox, Dragon, Monkey	Rabbit, Horse, Sheep, Rooster
Ox	Rat, Snake, Rooster	Dragon, Dog, Sheep
Tiger	Horse, Dog	Snake, Monkey, Pig
Rabbit	Sheep, Dog, Pig	Rat, Dragon, Horse, Rooster
Dragon	Rat, Monkey, Rooster	Ox, Rabbit, Dragon, Dog
Snake	Ox, Rooster	Tiger, Monkey, Pig
Horse	Tiger, Sheep, Dog	Rat, Ox, Rabbit, Rooster
Sheep	Rabbit, Horse, Pig	Ox, Dragon, Dog
Monkey	Rat, Dragon	Tiger, Snake, Pig
Rooster	Ox, Dragon, Snake	Rat, Rabbit, Horse
Dog	Tiger, Rabbit, Horse	Ox, Dragon, Sheep,Rooster
Pig	Rabbit, Sheep	Snake, Monkey, Pig

Zodiac Year of Birth (Ben Ming Nian)

Ben Ming Nian refers to the year of the lunar zodiac that occurs once every 12 years. People experience their birth year of the Chinese zodiac sign at the ages of 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96, and 108.

In traditional Han customs, Ben Ming Nian is often considered an unlucky year, during which you may encounter many obstacles. So how do you create good luck in your Zodiac Year of Birth.

Every Zodiac Year of Birth, people from all over China, both adults and children, will wear red underwear and red ornaments. They believe that only in this way can they avoid misfortune, adversity and disasters. During the Spring Festival, streets and bazaars are filled with red hand ropes, necklaces and belts, which place people’s good wishes for blessing.

 

Chinese Zodiac Animal’s Horoscope in 2022

Career, wealth, love, and health are the eternal concerns of everyone. If you want everything to go well, you need the help of good luck. Let’s take a look at the fortune of each zodiac animal in 2022!

 

Rat Horoscope 2022:

Rats, in 2022 your life will have its ups and downs, and you will experience changes in every aspect of your life. You need to devote more time and energy to your work, try to avoid mistakes, and you’re advised to correct your work attitude. Invest prudently and stay frugal. Those with a partner will be particularly happy in their love lives. Besides, you should pay more attention to your physical condition to avoid overwork.

 

Ox Horoscope 2022:

Oxen, in 2022 your life will be better than that in last year. You’ll encounter more opportunities this year. If you can seize them, it will be of great help to your career development. Romantic relationships can become more bland, and you need to actively express your affection. If you’re single, you’re likely to meet your Mr./Ms. Right. Ox people are in good physical condition this year, and even the occasional cold and fever will be overcome quickly.

 

Tiger Horoscope 2022:

Tigers, in 2022 you may face lots of misfortune, as this year is your Zodiac Year of Birth, which is generally considered an unlucky year. Work pressure could be relatively large, adjust your mentality as much as possible, and don’t be pessimistic. Make more efforts to keep the economy stable. This year, you will easily feel tired, so remember to always be alert to your physical changes. Fortunately, there is no major turbulence in the love life.

 

Rabbit Horoscope 2022:

Rabbits, in 2022 your fortunes are mixed. Work ability will be improved rapidly, but there are few opportunities to show it in the workplace. However, as long as you keep working hard, you will be rewarded accordingly. Love life is not going well, and you need to be more careful in choosing a partner. Get rid of lazy habits and exercise more to keep your body healthy.

 

Dragon Horoscope 2022:

Dragons, in 2022 your fortunes are quite good. In your career, you’ll get unexpected help at work, making promotion and salary increase. There will be no obstacles in the process of seeking wealth, but the wealth that can be harvested is limited. This year, you need to spend more time with your partner. In addition, you should pay more attention to your health.

 

Snake Horoscope 2022:

Snakes, in 2022 you will encounter many difficulties, but you always get better results in the end. It is recommended that you be more active at work and not be lazy. Keep up the good habit of being frugal. In love life, you need to control your emotions and avoid conflicts as much as possible. Keep a positive attitude towards life, and the disease will not come near you.

 

Horse Horoscope 2022:

Horses, in 2022 you are so lucky especially in career and health. Be patient and persistent at work, and you’ll be encouraged and rewarded by your superiors. For some reason, you have to spend more on your daily life. Allocate more time to your partner to keep the relationship warm. You are in good health this year. It is suggested to reduce staying up late for more spirit.

 

Sheep Horoscope 2022:

Sheep, in 2022 you will be the luckiest one among the 12 zodiac animals. There are many unexpected surprises in the workplace, and you are very likely to be entrusted with important tasks. Put your time and energy into making money, and you’ll be well rewarded. For married Sheep people, you have a harmonious relationship. Single people are also lucky to find their significant other. You rarely get sick this year, but you still need to ensure enough sleep.

 

Monkey Horoscope 2022:

Monkeys, in 2022 you are not very smooth, but there are still some lucky things to look forward to. You will feel a lot of pressure at work or school. Remember to be more patient and don’t give up easily. Invest prudently and you have the potential to earn an unexpected income. When encountering unsatisfactory things, you need to control your temper and don’t vent it to the other half. Pay extra attention to your physical condition.

 

Rooster Horoscope 2022:

Roosters, in 2022 you’re blessed in career and love. Surprises and opportunities will take your career to the next level. Hard work can produce good results. Restrain your extravagant habits and spend less money on impractical items. Timely communication with the other half will make the relationship go more smoothly. Maintain good physical condition and improve your resistance.

 

Dog Horoscope 2022:

Dogs, in 2022 you are predicted to be lucky in career and wealth. Working hard can make your career thrive. Keep a low profile and try not to create unnecessary conflicts with colleagues. Be cautious about investing in large amounts. For businessmen, there will be good fortune in business. A positive attitude will make your love life go more smoothly. It is recommended that you pay more attention to dietary hygiene and maintain a good daily routine.

 

Pig Horoscope 2022:

Pigs, in 2022 your fortunes are moderate, with some obstacles and difficulties to overcome. Keep working enthusiasm and correct working attitude. In everyday life, you need to cut back on entertainment expenses in case of emergencies that require money. Connect with friends more emotionally. Couples can get along very well. In addition, you need to change irregular dietary habits and increase exercise.

 

Year of the Tiger 2022

2022, represented by the Chinese Zodiac Animal Tiger, starts on February 1, 2022 and lasts to January 21, 2023. The most recent Tiger Years are 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034.

 

If you were born in one of the above years, then 2022 is your Ben Ming Nian (Zodiac Year of Birth), which is unlucky according to Chinese folklore. However, let go of your worries and ward off bad luck by wearing red underwear and red pendants.

 

Tigers are generally considered to be ferocious, brave, swift, and witty, so people born in the Year of the Tiger are endowed with tiger characteristics – confident, ambitious, adventurous, and powerful. 2022 is not a smooth year for Tiger people, so you need to pay special attention to your words and deeds, and don’t be too domineering to your relatives, friends, and colleagues. Reduce your investment in stocks, funds, lotteries. Luckily, 2022 is a good year to improve your abilities and prepare for a better career or study.

 

In fact, according to the Five Elements of the Ten Heavenly Stem, 2022 is the Year of the Water Tiger, occurring every 60 years. Babies born in this year are upright and strong, but have a soft and kind heart and are easily moved by others. This means that the Tiger people born in 2022 have a poor judgment ability, and are easily deceived by others. They are labelled arrogant, flamboyant, and passionate, while reason, kindness, and empathy are their personality traits.