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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?

Birth 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.

Birth 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.

Birth 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.

Birth 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.

Birth 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.

Birth 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.

Birth 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.

Birth 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.

Birth 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.

Birth 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.

Birth 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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Birth 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.

Sources:

The post The 12 Chinese Astrology Signs and What They Mean for You appeared first on Reader's Digest.

Which Chinese Zodiac Animal Are You? Full List Of Birth Years

2023 is the year of the Rabbit. (Credits: Getty Images)

Have you ever wondered what your Chinese Zodiac sign is?

Often a popular topic of conversation around Chinese New Year, discovering your Zodiac sign and the associated traits can be really interesting.

The Chinese Zodiac is based on a 12-year cycle calculated according to the Chinese lunar calendar, with each year in a cycle related to an animal sign.

Much like astrological star signs, the Chinese Zodiac animal has attributes and significance attached.

Want to know yours? We've got you covered…

Full list of Chinese Zodiac signs

As you might expect, there are 12 Zodiac signs to reflect the 12-year cycle of the calendar.

Each animal has an associated set of traits, and, as such, will be more compatible with other Zodiac signs than others.

A full list of the Chinese Zodiac animals. (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto) Rat

Year of birth: 2020, 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, 1948, 1936, 1924

Traits: People born under the Year of the Rat are thought to be quick-witted and resourceful. In Chinese culture, rats represent hard-workers and thriftiness.

Best matched with: Ox, Rabbit, Dragon

Least compatible with: Rooster, Horse

(Picture: Getty) Ox

Year of birth: 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, 1949, 1937, 1925

Traits: Those born in the Year of the Ox are said to be strong and determined, with typically conservative characteristics.

Best matched with: Rat, Monkey, Rooster

Least compatible with: Tiger, Horse, Goat

(Picture: Getty) Tiger

Year of birth: 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, 1950, 1938, 1926

Traits: If you're born under the Year of the Tiger, you're thought to be brave, confident and charming – but also stubborn and impetuous.

Best matched with: Dragon, Horse, Pig

Least compatible with: Ox, Tiger, Snake

(Picture: Getty) Rabbit

Year of birth: 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951, 1939, 1927

Traits: Those born on a Year of the Rabbit are thought to be elegant, quiet and patient.

Best matched with: Rat, Goat, Monkey, Dog, Pig

Least compatible with: Snake, Rooster

(Picture: Getty) Dragon

Year of birth: 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, 1952, 1940, 1928

Traits: Dragons are typically ambitious and intelligent, and those born under a Dragon year are thought to make great leaders. However, they can be a hot-headed and arrogant.

Best matched with: Rat, Tiger, Snake

Least compatible with: Ox, Goat, Dog

(Picture: Getty) Snake

Year of birth: 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953, 1941, 1929, 1917

Traits: If you're a born Snake, you're thought to be enigmatic and intuitive. You can be quite withdrawn, but are said to be wise and deliberate.

Best matched with: Dragon, Rooster

Least compatible with: Tiger, Rabbit, Goat, Pig

(Picture: Getty) Horse

Year of birth: 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, 1942, 1930

Traits: People born under a Horse year are active, energetic and love to be in groups. A Horse can lack self-confidence though, so love to follow the crowd.

Best matched with: Tiger, Goat

Least compatible with: Rat, Horse, Rooster

(Picture: Getty) Goat

Year of birth: 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967, 1955, 1943, 1931

Traits: Said to be gentle and shy with a strong sense of justice and kindness.

Best matched with: Rabbit, Horse, Pig

Least compatible with: Dragon, Snake, Dog

(Picture: Getty) Monkey

Year of birth: 2018, 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968, 1956, 1944, 1932

Traits: Fast-learners, witty and magnetic, Monkeys also have the tendency to be mischievous and haughty.

Best matched with: Rabbit, Ox

Least compatible with: Tiger, Pig

(Picture: Getty) Rooster

Year of birth: 2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969, 1957, 1945, 1933

Traits: Observant, hard-working and talented, the rooster has a lot of self-confidence but can also become vain and boastful.

Best matched with: Ox, Snake

Least compatible with: Rat, Rabbit, Horse, Rooster

(Picture: Getty) Dog

Year of birth: 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, 1958, 1946, 1934

Traits: Dogs are loyal, honest and kind but they can be critical and lean into pessimism.

Best matched with: Rabbit

Least compatible with: Dragon, Goat, Rooster

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(Picture: Getty) Pig

Year of birth: 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971, 1959, 1947, 1935

Traits: Compassionate and generous, those born under the Year of the Pig tend to be independent and refuse help from others.

Best matched with: Goat, Tiger, Rabbit

Least compatible with: Monkey, Snake

(Picture: Getty)

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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 years

If you were born in any of these Chinese lunar years, your Chinese zodiac sign is Tiger:

February 17, 1950 - February 5, 1951: Metal Tiger

February 5, 1962 - January 24, 1963: Water Tiger

January 23, 1974 - February 10, 1975: Wood Tiger

February 9, 1986 - January 28, 1987: Fire Tiger

January 28, 1998 - February 15, 1999: Earth Tiger

February 14, 2010 - February 2, 2011: Metal Tiger

February 1, 2022 - January 21, 2023: Water Tiger

January 19, 2034 - February 7, 2035: Wood Tiger

Chinese zodiac Tiger traits

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 strengths

Some of the strengths of people with the Chinese zodiac sign Tiger are bravery, adventurousness, passion, optimism, charm, determination, and nobility.

Chinese zodiac tiger weaknesses

On 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 Tigers

The 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 Tiger

Wood 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 Tiger

Fire 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 Tiger

Earth 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 Tiger

Metal 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 Tiger

Water 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 compatibility

Some 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 compatibility

Dragon 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 compatibility

This 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 compatibility

When 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.

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