What will the Year of the Tiger bring YOU? Chinese zodiac expert reveals
Year Of The Tiger Chinese Zodiac Personality
Unlike Western or Vedic astrology, in which zodiac signs vary by month, Chinese astrology focuses on the year you were born to determine your Chinese zodiac sign. And since there are 12 signs, the cycle rotates through each for 12 lunar years before returning to the first one.
The 12 Chinese zodiac signs are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. In addition, each lunar year is represented by one of the five Chinese zodiac elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, or Water. So every Chinese zodiac sign cycles through each element over the course of 60 years.
Just like in Western astrology, each Chinese zodiac sign, in combination with that year's element, represents a unique set of personality traits.
Tiger Chinese zodiac yearsIf you were born in any of these Chinese lunar years, your Chinese zodiac sign is Tiger:
In Chinese culture and mythology, the Tiger zodiac sign is a symbol of extraordinary power, cunning, and nobility. They are natural leaders but can be prone to arrogance and cruelty.
Tigers are shrewd strategists who do not show their hand at once. They prefer to lure out information, often through good manners and charm, to stack the odds in their favor.
The Tiger is also considered the patron deity of children, therefore people often dress their kids in hats and shoes with tiger motifs on them for good luck.
Chinese zodiac tiger strengthsSome of the strengths of people with the Chinese zodiac sign Tiger are bravery, adventurousness, passion, optimism, charm, determination, and nobility.
Chinese zodiac tiger weaknessesOn the flip side, Tiger zodiac signs are known for their cruelty, ruthlessness, and stubbornness. They can also be rebellious when they are young and are prone to overconfidence and high emotion.
Types of TigersThe five Chinese zodiac elements bless each Chinese zodiac sign with a different expression of its natal abilities and traits. Here are the traits of Tigers according to their elements.
Wood TigerWood is the natural element of the Tiger zodiac sign. Therefore, people born during Wood Tiger years tend to be naturally collaborative and good at working in a team. They are more modest and even-tempered than the other tiger types as well as smart, sensible, and social.
Fire TigerFire Tigers are bold and aggressive but they are also tender and compassionate towards those they love. They love to take up space and talk a lot. But they hate criticism. Fire tigers have strong willpower and an equally strong stubborn streak.
Earth TigerEarth Tigers are naturally ambitious and confident. They want to achieve big things, especially in their career and/or business. But they are prone to arrogance. Earth Tigers make good friends and know how to show gratitude to those who help them.
Metal TigerMetal Tigers have extraordinary endurance and power. They tend to be frank and do not like being restrained. They are also confident and family-oriented.
Water TigerWater Tigers are the gentlest and calmest of all the tiger types. They can be very romantic and are curious by nature. Water tigers are fast learners.
Tiger zodiac compatibilitySome Chinese zodiac signs are naturally more compatible with the Tiger than others. In love and friendship, the Tiger is most compatible with the Dragon and Horse and least compatible with the Ox.
Related Stories From YourTango: Dragon and Tiger compatibilityDragon and Tiger zodiac signs are a match made in heaven! They are both powerful in their own right and do not like to be told what to do and how to do it. When a Tiger and a Dragon get together, they boost each other's confidence and drive. Because Tiger and Dragon are both ambitious and high-achieving, the couple can easily become a power pair, encouraging each other to go even further. Their life paths align very well when together.
Horse and Tiger compatibilityThis is a very stable and hearty match. When a Tiger and a Horse come together, they are very supportive of each other emotionally and can make an excellent pair for starting a family. Tiger and Horse are both pragmatic in nature and seek harmony in relationships. A relationship with a Tiger can bring luck and fortune into a Horse's life. A relationship with a Horse brings stability, dependability, and trust into a Tiger's life.
Ox and Tiger compatibilityWhen a Tiger and an Ox come together, prepare yourself for a battle. These two are extremely stubborn in their own ways and have very little in common. Being with an Ox can become bothersome for a Tiger in the long run as the former has a different approach towards money than the latter. Also, Ox is not a risk-taking zodiac sign while Tigers are known for their bravery and drive. This temperamental difference leads to clashes in terms of ambition and what each wants out of life.
Valeria Black is a tarot reader and astrology nerd with a dash of wicked humor on the side. Follow her on Instagram @queen.Of.Vands for more.
Year Of The Dragon Chinese Zodiac Years And Traits
In Chinese astrology, your zodiac sign is determined by the year you were born in.
For example, 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit, so every child born during the lunar year between January 22, 2023 and February 10, 2024 will have the Rabbit Chinese zodiac sign.
In total, there are 12 Chinese zodiac signs: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat (or Sheep), Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. The calendar cycles through all 12 over 12 years, beginning with the Rat and ending with the Pig.
In addition, each year is represented by one of the five Chinese zodiac elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, or Water.
For example, 2023 is the Year of the Water Rabbit while the Chinese lunar year between 1975 - 76 was the Year of the Wood Rabbit.
So with the basics out of the way, let's focus on the Chinese Dragon zodiac sign and the traits of the people who were born in Dragon years.
Dragon zodiac yearsIf you were born in any of these Chinese lunar years, your Chinese zodiac sign is Dragon:
In Chinese astrology, the Dragon zodiac sign is the most powerful of them all. It represents power, nobility, honor, luck, and success. No other zodiac sign can parallel the Dragon's talent and excellence.
In fact, Chinese culture reveres dragons so much that studies have shown a significant increase in childbirths during Dragon years in Asian populations.
Chinese zodiac dragon strengthsSome of the strengths of people with the Chinese zodiac sign Dragon are strong ambition, leadership abilities, far-sightedness, fearlessness in the face of challenges, and good confidence.
Chinese zodiac dragon weaknessesOn the flip side, Dragon zodiac signs are known for their hot temper and can easily become arrogant and self-important if they don't take care. The negative traits of the Dragon also include the inability to face criticism and too much aggression.
Types of DragonsEach Chinese zodiac element blesses the sign with a different expression of its natal abilities and traits.
Here are the traits of Dragons according to their elements.
Wood DragonWood Dragons are the most patient of the lot and exhibit wisdom and respect for traditions and elders. They are not as ambitious as Fire Dragons or Metal Dragons, but they are very determined when they make up their mind.
Fire DragonFire Dragons are extremely smart, outgoing, and enthusiastic about life. They have big dreams and even bigger aspirations. But they can be a little unreliable and impulsive. Plus, they get angry very easily.
Earth DragonEarth is the natural element of the Dragon zodiac sign. It blesses the natives with a balanced outlook on life with enough gravitas to be a king/queen and also enough wisdom to not make a fool of themselves in the process. Earth Dragons are very hard-working and don't get into fights unless provoked.
Metal DragonMetal Dragons can be ruthless when it comes to achieving what they want. They never give up and don't like to associate with people who aren't serious about life.
Water DragonWater Dragons are magnanimous and romantic at heart. They tend to be more introverted but don't let their silence fool you. They are very observant.
Dragon zodiac compatibilitySome Chinese zodiac signs are naturally more compatible with the Dragon than others.
In love and friendship, the Dragon is best compatible with the Rooster and Rat and least compatible with the Goat.
Rooster and Dragon compatibilityRoosters are pragmatic, bold, and ambitious. They are also very good with money and form strong bonds of loyalty and friendship with the people they are close to, in both romantic and platonic situations. This makes the Rooster a perfect match for the Dragon.
Related Stories From YourTango:The couple enjoys each other's company and loves giving each other gifts. Both are independent go-getters and supportive of each other's goals.
Rat and Dragon compatibilityRats are incredibly smart. They find the swiftest, easiest, and most strategic solutions to problems. And they love it when people underestimate them. It makes it easier for them to win.
Dragon and Rat zodiac signs are a great match because they form a symbiotic relationship of positive influence on each other. The Dragon lends the Rat more confidence and power while the Rat brings their ingenuity and pragmatism to the table. This is a good match for marriage.
Goat and Dragon compatibilityThese two should avoid each other if possible. Goats and Dragons don't see eye to eye. Their inherent nature is at odds with each other's. And so, they are unable to appreciate each other and constantly 'find faults' in each other.
In truth, it's just a difference of opinion and not an actual personality flaw that they complain about.
Valeria Black is a tarot reader and astrology nerd with a dash of wicked humor on the side. Follow her on Instagram @queen.Of.Vands for more.
The 12 Chinese Astrology Signs And What They Mean For You
For more than 2,000 years, the Chinese zodiac has played an integral role in Chinese culture. You may have heard that 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit, but if you're not familiar with Chinese traditions, you might not understand the significance of Chinese New Year and the Chinese zodiac system. While Western astrology is detailed, Chinese astrology is even more complex and nuanced, incorporating not just the 12 Chinese astrology signs but also the five Chinese zodiac elements—earth, metal, water, wood and fire—and yin and yang energy. But let's begin with the basics: What are the 12 Chinese astrology signs, how did they come to be, and what do they mean for your personality? And if you're looking to learn more than just your animal sign, read up on the Lunar New Year, Chinese New Year food and Chinese New Year traditions.
What is the Chinese zodiac?The Chinese zodiac, also known as Shengxiao ("born resembling"), is a repeating cycle of 12 years, and each year is represented by a different animal. In order, the 12 animals are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. The order of the Chinese astrology signs is related to the most commonly accepted legend of the Chinese zodiac: the Jade Emperor's Race. As the story goes, the Chinese emperor held a race to determine which lucky animals would have the honor of being added to the calendar. The first-place winner—who ended up being the rat—would claim the first year of the 12-year cycle, and so on.
What is my Chinese astrology sign, and what does it mean?Juleen (Zhuqing) Wang, Student Services Advisor for Montclair State University's School of Business, grew up in Hangzhou, China. She loves to share Chinese culture and history with her students, and she also sometimes teaches Chinese language classes. As a native of China, she and her family always clung to the superstition of the Chinese zodiac. "Nowadays," she says, "[fewer] people care about it, but it's still in people's minds." For example, zodiac traits and compatibility are often cited as reasons for why two people don't get along. ("They're a Tiger and an Ox—of course they're fighting!")
While that may sound a lot like Western astrology, Wang notes that the very natures of Western and Eastern astrology are inherently different. "In Western astrology, horoscopes change," she explains. "Chinese astrology is pretty set in stone." Unlike Western astrology, which is governed by the constant planetary movements, Chinese astrology is predetermined by birth year; an Ox is an Ox, and that never changes (though the personality of a Water Ox will be somewhat different from a Fire Ox's). So, what does your animal sign say about you?
© Emma Kumer/rd.Com RabbitBirth years of the Rabbit: 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011
Next year of the Rabbit: 2023
People born in Rabbit years are described as smart, kind and docile. Rabbits do not get along with Snakes, which Wang knows from personal experience. "My dad was an Ox," she reminisces. "I'm a daddy's girl. My mom is a Rabbit and she said I bullied her!" Rabbits are said to get along famously with Dogs, Goats, Monkeys and Pigs.
© Emma Kumer/rd.Com DragonBirth years of the Dragon: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012
Next year of the Dragon: 2024
Dragons are incredibly important to Chinese culture, so naturally, the Dragon is a very popular Chinese astrology sign. "Dragon is warmhearted and enthusiastic. The birth rate will actually even increase during that year because everyone wants a Dragon baby," Wang reveals. "There is such a huge competition when Dragon babies need to go to college, because [they] are facing more competitors." She also notes that Jack Ma, owner of Alibaba and one of the richest men in China, is a Dragon. Dragons pair best with Roosters, Rats and Monkeys.
© Emma Kumer/rd.Com SnakeBirth years of the Snake: 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013
Next year of the Snake: 2025
"We say that Snake is like the mini Dragon, so that is very popular as well," says Wang. "They're very curious and wise, but they can also be jealous and greedy. Snake goes really well with Ox—and I actually married an Ox!" Dragons and Roosters are optimal matches for a Snake.
© Emma Kumer/rd.Com HorseBirth years of the Horse: 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
Next year of the Horse: 2026
The horse has been one of the most influential animals in all of human history, which is why, Wang says, the Horse "is a leader and very generous as well." People born in Horse years are also said to be talented and energetic. This Chinese astrology sign matches well with Tigers, Goats and Rabbits.
© Emma Kumer/rd.Com GoatBirth years of the Goat: 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
Next year of the Goat: 2027
Often seen as being followers and not leaders, people born in Goat years are gentle, decent and a little timid. "Goat is actually an animal that a lot of people try to avoid, because Goat always has a hard life," says Wang, adding that the birth rate tends to decrease in Goat years. If you're a Goat, you'd be wise to make a match with a Horse, Rabbit or Pig. Even if you're not the biggest on astrology, these zodiac memes will still probably make you chuckle.
© Emma Kumer/rd.Com MonkeyBirth years of the Monkey: 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016
Next year of the Monkey: 2028
Pretty much everyone loves a Monkey, likely because this is the animal most genetically linked to humans. "Monkey has really good social skills and is very humorous," Wang says. Those two personality traits also make Monkeys playful and even sometimes mischievous. Ox, who is patient, and Rabbit, who is kind, are ideal matches for this sign.
© Emma Kumer/rd.Com RoosterBirth years of the Rooster: 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017
Next year of the Rooster: 2029
One can literally and figuratively set their clock by the Rooster, a sign that's defined by reliability and consistency. For this reason, Roosters tend to do very well in Ox years. "They are also very brave and very entertaining," Wang says. Ox and Snake are the best matches for a Rooster. When it comes to compatibility, you may want to cross-reference your zodiacs. According to Western astrology, these are the zodiac signs that should never date each other.
© Emma Kumer/rd.Com DogBirth years of the Dog: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018
Next year of the Dog: 2030
"Dog sign is exactly what you think about dogs," Wang says of man's best friend. "Dog is very loyal, playful and selfless." This sign is also considered practical, much like how the real animal is used for protection or bred by humans for specific purposes. Dog's best bet for a partner is a Rabbit—someone who is as kind and loving as they are.
© Emma Kumer/rd.Com PigBirth years of the Pig: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019
Next year of the Pig: 2031
"The Pig is loving, happy, direct and persuasive," says Wang. The Pig may have come in last in the emperor's race, but this animal sign is no slouch. 2019 was the year of the Earth Pig, which was predicted to bring steadiness, wealth and opportunity. (How was it for you?) Tigers, Rabbits and Goats will make a Pig happy.
© Emma Kumer/rd.Com RatBirth years of the Rat: 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Next year of the Rat: 2032
"We normally say Rat is smart, charming and imaginative," Wang says. "That's how he got first place." The Rat secured first place in the emperor's legendary race by riding on the back of the Ox and jumping off just in time to cross the finish line. This enviable wit is a source of pride for people of this Chinese astrology sign. As it happens, Rat is most compatible with Ox, as well as with Dragon and Monkey.
© Emma Kumer/rd.Com OxBirth years of the Ox: 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
Next year of the Ox: 2033
Duped by the Rat, the Ox came in second place. "Ox is very determined and generous and patient," Wang says. "Ox is also considered very hardworking." Those virtues may have helped people born in Ox years through 2021, the year of the Metal Ox—because in Chinese astrology, your own year is actually considered unlucky. That's because being born is said to antagonize a Chinese god of fortune named Tai Sui, earning you his curse. "He's going to be against you," Wang explains. "You're trying to fight that monster." One way to ward off the evils of your birth year is to wear red, an auspicious color in Chinese culture. Snakes, Rats and Roosters are the best matches for an Ox.
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© Emma Kumer/rd.Com TigerBirth years of the Tiger: 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
Next year of the Tiger: 2034
"Tiger is very adventurous," explains Wang. "[The Chinese] consider people in that year very lucky. The negative side is that Tigers can be kind of dramatic and cocky." Interestingly, Forbes once did a study of the 400 richest Americans and found a disproportionately large number of them were Tiger babies! Tiger goes well with Dragon, Horse and Pig.
Additional reporting by Emma Taubenfeld.
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