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.
This article will introduce you to all information about the Chinese Zodiac, including traits and characteristics of each zodiac signs, your zodiac compatibility, and horoscope predictions of different zodiac signs in 2025.
What is My 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 the Chinese Zodiac?
The origin of the 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 regarding the origin and order of the Chinese Zodiac:
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 characteristics and traits 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 characteristics of each Zodiac sign are 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 the Chinese Zodiac
| Chinese Zodiac | Lucky Numbers | Lucky Colors | Lucky Flowers | Lucky Directions |
| Rat | 1, 4, 6 | Gold, Red, Silver | Lily, African violet | Southwest, West, Northwest |
| 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 the 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 Horoscope 2025: Predictions for Different Zodiac Signs
Career, wealth, love, and health are 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 2025!
Rat Chinese Horoscope in 2025:
In the past few years, the horoscope of the Rat people have been unstable, and in 2025, they will usher in a turnaround. The overall odds are good for rats in 2025. In the career, although the environment is not good, but you can give full play to your talents. Whether you are self-employed or in the workplace, you have a good performance. Your financial fortunes are stable and you will get a good return on your investment. Your personal charm rises, and there are plenty of dating options for the Rat’s relationship in 2025. However, you must focus more on health.
Ox Chinese Horoscope in 2025:
In the New Year of 2025, there will be a significant improvement in the overall horoscope of Chinese zodiac sign Ox. Because Ox’s profession, fortune, and connections with others can all be enhanced while he is under He Tai Sui’s care. Don’t expect to become wealthy overnight, though. In 2025, Ox people can change their circumstances if they seek out noble individuals with the assistance of outside powers.
Tiger Prediction for 2025:
The overall horoscope of the zodiac Tiger in 2025 is fluctuating. Your career is inefficient and you won’t be trusted. There has been a precipitous decline in wealth. Your relationship will also encounter all kinds of difficulties. And you’re not in good health. It is recommended that you resolve it reasonably, so that you can have good luck.
Rabbit Prediction for 2025:
In 2025, the overall horoscope of the Rabbit people are relatively smooth. You can enjoy a stable life, and there will be no major events in every aspect. If you want to achieve a breakthrough in your studies, career, and wealth, you need to devote more time and energy to it, and you need to analyze it on a case-by-case basis.
Zodiac Dragon Horoscope in 2025:
The Chinese zodiac sign Dragon will have a bright future overall once 2025 rolls around. Your career will expand well and you will be able to receive the support of auspicious stars. You can utilise luck to your advantage and succeed in your career as long as you put in the necessary effort and continue to study. You’ll have the ability to invest and manage your risks.
Zodiac Snake Horoscope in 2025:
2025 is the Year of the Chinese zodiac Snake. Therefore, in the Tai Sui year, the Snake people will have bad luck in all aspects of career, wealth, health and relationships. Your income may decrease and there will be problems in relationships. There will also be a lot of unlucky things and accidents that need to be resolved. When encountering accidents, you need to keep a calm mind and don’t panic in order to be able to resolve the crisis.
Zodiac Horse Horoscope in 2025:
During 2025, the overall horoscope of the Horse is relatively smooth and good luck is in the air. But you need to firmly grasp the opportunity to make your life a little better. In terms of wealth, you are good at making money and can spend the least amount of time to earn the most money. The more opportunities you have, the more you need to take advantage of them. Horse people can get the ending they want in terms of relationships during 2025.
Zodiac Sheep Horoscope for 2025:
The general horoscope for the Sheep people in 2025 is somewhat flat, with neither advancement nor regression nor joyous occasions. In order to avoid being surrounded by bad luck, sheep people must strive for consistency in their development and exercise extra caution in other areas. The good news is that the career of your sheep will advance significantly.
Zodiac Monkey Horoscope in 2025:
For monkeys, the harmonious relationship between their zodiac sign and Tai Sui in 2025 makes it a generally smooth year. In wealth, relationships, and social interactions, they can easily get support from benefactors. People born in the Year of the Rat can be helpful for them when they encounter obstacles. In their careers, they will see increased profits and promotions. Single Monkeys may encounter potential partners at work or social gatherings. Just pay extra attention to possible legal troubles brought by inauspicious stars, being cautious when drafting or signing contracts.
Zodiac Rooster Horoscope in 2025:
2025 is a crucial year for Rooster people’s careers because there are a lot of opportunities or significant changes to be expected. Additionally, this crucial period must be seen in the later period of the year. They may have a lot of money, be generally steady, and receive a portion of their wage as well as income from investments and side businesses. In terms of general relationships, the Rooster is rather steady in 2025.
Dog Chinese Horoscope in 2025:
The horoscope of those born under the sign of Dog will alter in 2025. Along with earning a high salary in terms of wealth, you will get along well with your coworkers. You can save a lot of money if you can fight the impulse to buy. Your relationship is stable if you have a partner. You will meet the right person if you’re a single Dog. In terms of health, there won’t be any illness. In conclusion, you can perform well in every area to bring forth innovations and transformations.
Pig Horoscope in 2025:
People born in the Year of the Pig can expect notable progresses in 2025. Protected by several powerful auspicious stars, Pigs will get significant career advancements and turn obstacles into opportunities. The timely opportunities will help them get career growth and financial gains. But, considering the potential challenges in the following Year of the Snake, Pigs should plan ahead for work or investments that span the end of the year.
Science behind Chinese Zodiac
Twelve Earthly Branches & Twelve Zodiac Signs
In ancient Chinese astronomy, a day was divided into twelve 2-hour periods, named the twelve earthly branches. The twelve earthly branches are zi (子), chǒu (丑), yín (寅), mǎo (卯), chén (辰), sì (巳), wǔ (午), wèi (未), shēn (申), yǒu (酉), xū (戌), hài (亥) in order. This system was used to denote time and observe celestial phenomena.
These Earthly Branches are deeply intertwined with the theories of the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) and Yin-Yang, and play an important role in Chinese astronomy.
To make it easier for the common people to accept, 12 animals with similar characteristics and traits were chosen to represent the twelve Earthly Branches.
How Do Chinese astrologers know each zodiac’s personality, fortune, and compatibility?
The period from 11 PM to 1 AM is known as the “Rat Hour” because it is the time when rats are most active. Similarly, 1 Am to 3 AM is named “Ox Hour” for it is usually the time when oxen are fed. According to this pattern, each two-hour period of the twelve Earthly Branches is paired with an animal. Then, method of timekeeping was also adapted to mark years, forming the twelve-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac.
From long-term observations, people associate each zodiac animal with specific personality traits, fortunes, and different elements. By analyzing a person’s birth branch and zodiac sign, the Chinese horoscope can predict his/her personality, health, career path, etc. and provide corresponding advice to navigate life challenges more effectively. For example, people born in the Year of the Rat are often intelligent and adaptable, and those born in the Year of the Tiger are often seen as brave and enthusiastic.
In Chinese Feng Shui theory, the specific symbolic meaning of each zodiac sign is also used to predict auspicious and inauspicious incluences. Each zodiac sign has its “friends” (best matches) and “enemies” (signs to avoid). For instance, the Rat (belongs to the Water Element structure) is harmonious with the Ox (Earth element), Dragon (Water element), and Monkey (Metal element), but conflicts with the Horse (Fire element).
More readings about Chinese culture and traditions:
- Chinese Mid-autumn Festival
- Chinese Tea Culture
- History of China – Timeline of Chinese History & Dynasties
Year of the Snake 2025
In traditional Chinese culture, people combine the twelve zodiac signs with the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches (two sets of signs) to mark years, months, days, and hours. 2025 is the Yisi Year of the Snake. Generally, the new zodiac year starts from the first day of the Spring Festival, the first day of the first lunar month. Thus, the Year of the Wood Snake starts on January 29, 2025, and ends on February 16, 2026.
Among the 12 zodiac signs, the dragon is one of the smartest ones. Thoughtful, imaginative, tolerant, peaceful, and adaptable, snakes enjoy a good challenge. But they are tend to be envious and possessive.
