Whatever your belief in zodiac signs, many people are intrigued to know what they are all about and, as Chinese New Year approaches, now is as good a time as any to learn more about Chinese Zodiac signs and discover what sign your birth year falls under.
January 29 will mark the start of Chinese New Year in 2025 and this is the Year of the Snake. The Chinese Zodiac, known as Sheng Xiao, runs on a 12-year cycle, calculated by the lunar calendar.
Each year is named after an animal and they are: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. People are said to hold similar personality traits to the animal named after the year they were born.
With this in mind we take a look here at the Chinese Zodiac and explore the characteristics of its 12 signs. And for more about plans to celebrate Chinese New Year in Newcastle see here.
Which Chinese Zodiac sign are you?
See the years of each animal below, but if you were born in January or February take care as the Chinese (Lunar) New Year moves between January 21 and February 20. If you were born in January or February, check whether your birth date falls before or after Chinese New Year to know what your Chinese zodiac year is – or just use the handy tool below.
Snake
Years: 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
Characteristics: Mysterious, soft-spoken, determined, sympathetic and jealous.
Perfect match: Dragon, rooster.
Horse
Years: 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
Characteristics: warm-hearted, frank attitude, dynamic, zealous, persistent and stingy (with money).
Perfect match: Tiger, sheep, rabbit.
Previous Chinese New Year celebrations in Stowell Street, Newcastle
Sheep
Years: 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
Characteristics: Gentle, soft-hearted, considerate, attractive, moody and timid.
Perfect match: Horse, rabbit, pig
Monkey
Years: 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
Characteristics: Clever, enthusiastic, sociable, innovative.
Perfect match: Ox, rabbit.
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Rooster
Years: 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
Characteristics: Independent, capable, warm-hearted, self-respect, quick minded, impatient and selfish.
Perfect match: Ox and snake.
Dog
Years: 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
Characteristics: Valiant, loyal, responsible, clever, courageous, lively, sensitive, stubborn and emotional.
Perfect match: Rabbit.
Pig
Years: 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
Characteristics: Warm-hearted, good-tempered, loyal, honest, gentle, naïve and gullible.
Perfect match: Tiger, rabbit, sheep.
Crowds gather to celebrate a previous Chinese New Year, in Stowell Street, Newcastle
Rat
Years: 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032
Characteristics: Adaptable, wit, flexibility and vitality.
Perfect match: Ox, rabbit and dragon.
Ox
Years: 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033
Characteristics: Conservative, honest, diligent and persistence.
Perfect match: Rat, monkey and rooster.
Tiger
Years: 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
Characteristics: Brave, forceful, powerful, arrogant, confident and independent.
Perfect match: Dragon, horse and pig.
A Chinese New Year celebration in Newcastle
(Image: newcastle chronicle)
Rabbit
Years: 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
Characteristics: Decent, noble, elegant, sensitive, and compassionate.
Perfect match: Sheep, monkey, dog and pig.
Dragon
Years: 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
Characteristics: Decisive, sensitive, ambitious, romantic and generous.
Perfect match: Rat, tiger and snake.
Why are there 12 animals in the Chinese Zodiac?
The 12 animals were chosen deliberately as they are either closely related to ancient Chinese people’s daily lives, or have lucky meanings. The ox, horse, goat, rooster, pig, and dog are six of the main domestic animals raised by Chinese people. The other six animals: rat, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake and monkey are all popular with the Chinese people.
Are the animals in a fixed order?
Yes, the 12 Chinese Zodiac animals are in a fixed order according to Chinese Yin and Yang Theory. The yin or the yang of the animals is based on the odd or even number of their claws (or their toes or hooves) and the animals are then arranged in an alternating (complementary) yin-yang sequence.