Chinese Zodiac: 12 Animal Signs & 2025 Horoscope Predictions

How to Determine Your Chinese Zodiac Sign
What Is Your Personality Like According to Your Animal
What Are My Lucky Things
What Is My Signs Love Compatibility
What Are the Luckiest and Unluckiest Animal Signs
Whats My Chinese Horoscope for 2025
What Is the Chinese Zodiac Story
Do They Use the Chinese Zodiac in Other Asian Countries
Chinese Zodiac & Western Astrology. Whats the Difference

If you ever want to be confused, then ask people in China how they calculate a person's age. You see, whenever a child is born, they are already considered to be 1 year old. And once another year circle begins at Lunar New Year, they turn 2, regardless of their biological age. So in case the Chinese people need to know the biological age of a person, they ask “what year do you belong to?” to calculate themselves. You think they want to hear the numbering? No, they ask for the animal.

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You see, even though China and Taiwan adopted the Gregorian calendar in the early 20th century, there is still a revered tradition to attribute a certain animal to a year, courtesy of the traditional Chinese calendar. There are twelve animals that create a 12-year cycle repeated over and over again.

But the tradition goes way beyond just naming a certain year after a beast. According to the Chinese horoscope, the year you are born in also leaves a mark on your personality. Want to know what beast has granted you its powers? Then let’s find out.

How to Determine Your Chinese Zodiac Sign?

First, let’s honor these animal symbols by learning the backstory. There is a legend that claims that these 12 beasts were the animals that came to say goodbye to Buddha upon his leaving the Earth. Their order in the Chinese calendar is the order they bowed their heads to the deity. Beautiful, right?

So now let’s jump right into it and see what year you belong to. Here are the Chinese horoscope animal signs by birth year:

Rat: 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032
Ox: 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009. 2021, 2033
Tiger: 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034
Rabbit: 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2035
Dragon: 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024, 2026
Snake: 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025, 2037
Horse: 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026, 2038
Goat: 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027, 2039
Monkey: 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016. 2028, 2040
Rooster: 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029, 2041
Dog: 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030, 2042
Pig: 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031, 2043

So determining your Chinese year horoscope animal is fairly simple - just find your year of birth and meet your animal. Let’s say you were born in 1980. That makes you a skillful Monkey! Although, when determining your animal, you have to keep in mind that any year in Chinese tradition starts on the Lunar New Year. So, for instance, if you were born in 1980 before the Lunar Year happened, that would make you a Goat. If that confuses you, then make sure to use online Chinese horoscope birth year calculators to be sure.

What Is Your Personality Like According to Your Animal?

The Chinese horoscope signs have a lot more than just a beautiful symbolic meaning. People in China believe that every animal grants their best traits to the person born under their influence.

Being a Rat makes you charming, quick-witted, full of energy and aspirations. You can find a way out of any predicament.
If you bear traits of an Ox, you are strong-willed, determined, patient, and confident. On the downside - you might have a short fuse.
Those lucky to call a Tiger their guardian are slightly unpredictable, albeit brave and sympathetic. They also could have a thing for challenging others.
Rabbit people are the epitome of elegance and fine taste. These people are kind, trustworthy, and not prone to temper issues. They are also devilishly lucky.
Dragons of this world are as energetic and eccentric as their mythical counterparts. They could be stubborn and even short-tempered, but deep inside they are very sensitive. Their intelligence is the stuff of legends.
Having a Snake as your guardian is a treat - it gives you wisdom and wit. While you could be somewhat selfish and a bit vain, you have an inherent need to help others.
If you were born under the Horse’s watchful gaze, then you are cheerful and enthusiastic beyond measure. You are great at entertaining people. You could also be somewhat hot-headed.
If you happen to be a Goat, then you have the gentle soul of an artist. You are timid and sometimes even pessimistic, but also exceptionally compassionate and wise. And hey, you are also good with money.
The Monkey people have an inhuman intuition and a matching intellect. While somewhat erratic in their behavior, their resourcefulness and sharp mind help them get out of any trouble. They are also thirsty for knowledge and possess an uncanny memory.
If you have Rooster’s traits, then you are hard-working as heck. Such people are exceptionally capable, determined, and courageous. They aren’t so easy to be around, but are sure interesting to have a conversation with. They also tend to always be right, which infuriates some people.
If the Dog is watching over you, then you are honest, loyal, and charming. It’s not to say that you can’t sometimes be stubborn or even selfish. You tend to be a good leader, provided you can take control of your sharp tongue.
If there is anything common between a real pig and a person born this year, it’s their immense strength, both outer and inner. Pigs are people’s people - kind, compassionate, generous. They can seem quiet and distant, but it’s only a disguise - they are actually quite sharp and observant.

What Are My Lucky Things?

Believe it or not, the Chinese year horoscope isn’t only about what traits a person inherits from their animal. There is so much more to gain from this belief system that you can use to make your life better. For instance, your lucky things! Below, you’ll find a list of numbers and colors that are considered lucky for your particular sign.

Rats’ lucky numbers are 2 and 3. Their luckiest colors are green, blue, and gold.
Oxen should consider 1 and 4 their friends. As for colors - go for yellow, green, and white.
Tigers will have good chances with 1, 3, and 4. Their colors are orange, gray, and blue.
Rabbits should stick to 3, 4, 6 and the shades of red, purple, and blue.
Dragons’ lucky numbers and colors are these: 1, 6, 7; gold and silver.
Snakes are lucky if they have 2, 8, 9 by their side and wear red, yellow, or black.
Horses will have a blast with 2, 3, 7 as well as with green and yellow hues.
Goats’ faves should be 2 and 7 and the shades of red, brown, and purple.
Roosters will find 5, 7, and 8 lucky. As for the colors - go with yellow, gold, and brown.
Dogs should consider 3, 4, and 9 their lucky numbers and green, red, and purple their lucky colors.
Pigs’ lucky numbers are 2, 5, and 8. Their best choice of hues are gold, yellow, brown, and gray.

What Is My Sign’s Love Compatibility?

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You might be wondering - could this Chinese year horoscope also help me with my love life? Of course. Like any other horoscope system, the Chinese animal signs also cover the sensitive topic of love compatibility.

Rats will have better chemistry with Dragons, Monkeys, Oxen and Rats.
Oxen are better off with the likes of Rats, Snakes, and Roosters.
Tigers will find their soulmate in Dogs, Pigs, and Horses.
Rabbits will have their happily ever after with Pigs, Dogs, and Goats.
Dragons will be happy to have Roosters, Rats, and Monkeys under their wings.
Snakes should cozily curl around Oxen and Roosters.
Horses should stick to Goats, Dogs, and Tigers if they want a happy marriage.
Goats will be happy with Rabbits, Horses, Pigs, and Goats by their side.
Roosters should consider Snakes, Oxen, and Dragons their perfect match.
Dogs will love and cherish the likes of Tigers, Horses, Monkeys, and Rabbits.
Pigs will have better chances with Tigers, Goats, and Rabbits.

What Are the Luckiest and Unluckiest Animal Signs?

This might sound a bit biased to other animal signs, but only a handful of them are considered to be lucky. The luckiest signs in the Chinese horoscope are the years of Rat, Dragon, Snake, and Pig. The unluckiest animal is considered to be the Goat. There is no particular reason for it other than tradition. Or more likely a superstition.

What’s My Chinese Horoscope for 2025?

Can you guess what the guardian animal for the upcoming year according to the Chinese horoscope will be? That’s right, Snake. Do you want to find out what the wise Snake has in store for you for the year 2025?

In 2025, Rats are sure to make a series of wise decisions that will lead them to success. Get ready to enjoy both your family and your career.
The year 2025 will be a fruitful one for Oxen. Thanks to your diligence and determination, you will lay a stable foundation upon which your strong interpersonal bonds will be built, both in terms of love and business.
Tigers are likely to face some challenges in 2025. Keep your spirits up and remember - any crisis leads to personal growth.
The year 2025 will be a pivotal year for Rabbits. The harder you work, the better the harvest of wealth and love you’ll reap.
Dragons are entering a year of quiet stability. This doesn’t mean that you can relax and do nothing, though. Make sure to pave your road to further success brick by brick.
Snakes will have a bit of a troubling year in 2025. Your main goal is to stay optimistic and build a metaphorical ship that you will sail to success once the storm dies out.
In 2025, Horses will have a blast! Expect to be satisfied with every little aspect of your lives.
Goats are another lucky beasts in 2025. Health, wealth, and a bunch of exciting adventures - it’s all yours.
Despite how 2025 might treat Monkeys, they will still find a way to adapt and thrive. So you are in for some sweet stable year.
Roosters, rejoice! 2025 will be kind and generous to you. If you think there isn’t such a thing as too much love and wealth, this year will challenge your views.
Dogs will have a decent year, devoid of any unnecessary complications. If you have been putting in good work, then this year is the one to reap the fruit of your labor.
While Pigs will enjoy the financial side of 2025, it could be filled with interpersonal drama. Stay positive and never lose your cool - and you’ll be just fine.

What Is the Chinese Zodiac Story?

While we have already covered one legend, there is another one that also explains the presence of the animals on the calendar and their order. This legend says that Yudi, the Jade Emperor, one of the most revered gods in the Daosist pantheon, challenged all the animals of the world to a race. The winning creatures would become his guards.

The order of the animals in the cycle is the order these 12 won the race. Rat and Ox were the first to win the race because they were the early birds. Rat beat Ox by cunningly climbing onto its back when the two were crossing a river.

Tiger and Rabbit joined the race later, but were fast enough to beat the rest. Dragon was next and made such an impression on the Jade Emperor that the latter promised that Dragon’s son was going to be the next winner. Snake came next and boldly claimed that it was Dragon’s offspring.

Horse and Goat followed, delayed by their mutual desire to let the other one go first. Monkey caught up with them thanks to its agility. Rooster, Dog, and Pig were the last of the 12.

If you ignore this beautiful myth, you will see that there is a solid reason for these particular animals being on the calendar. After all, all of them are either considered lucky beasts or have some sort of connection to the lives of people in ancient China.

Do They Use the Chinese Zodiac in Other Asian Countries?

Since many aspects of Chinese culture have permeated other cultures, especially Oriental ones, it’s safe to say that other Asian countries use this system, too. Some, like Singapore, Cambodia, North Korea, and South Korea have adopted the system to the full extent. Other countries, however, either changed the order of the beasts, or changed some of the animals. For instance, here’s the 12-year cycle used in Vietnam: Rat, Buffalo, Tiger, Cat, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. As you see - it’s almost the same, safe for a few altered details. Because why extensively change a good thing if it works?

Chinese Zodiac & Western Astrology. What’s the Difference?

While slightly similar in terms of having 12 symbols and a cyclical nature, there are distinct differences between the Chinese and Western Zodiac. First off, the Western astrology covers only one year, dividing it into 12 segments. The Chinese calendar, however, uses 12 whole years to build a cycle.

Another difference is that the Western division uses constellations as the foundation for the 12 signs. It’s their position relative to the Earth that has the influence on the person’s character. Meanwhile, the 12 animals of the Chinese calendar are more of a reflection on Chinese philosophy and overall culture.

And that’s it! We have now covered the Chinese horoscope and met the animals that symbolize each year. What animal is your guardian? Do you agree that you have its traits?