What is the 12 Chinese Zodiac?

The Chinese zodiac is the repeating cycle of 12 years in which an animal is associated with a zodiac sign according to the Culture of Chinese People. The animals are associated with your date of birth and reveal a lot about your personality. The Chinese zodiac is also known as Shengxiao. The associated 12 animals are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Let us discuss the traits of each Zodiac Sign.

What’s the Origin of the Chinese Zodiac?

You might have read many stories and tales to explain the beginning of the Chinese zodiac. It is estimated that since the Han Dynasty, The daily 24 hours were divided into 12 periods, and each represents the behavior of these zodiac animals:

The animals may refer to a double-hour period, and at the center of the period is the Horse (马 Horse), which means afternoon.

• Rat (Zishi): 23:00 to 00:59. Rats are mostly seeking food at this time. 
• Ox (Choushi): 01:00 to 02:59. At this time, oxen chew their cud.
• Tiger (Yinshi): 03:00 to 04:59. Tigers hunt for prey during these times.
• Rabbit (Maoshi): 05:00 to 06:59. 
• Dragon (Chenshi): 07:00 to 08:59. Dragons hover in the sky this time to bring rain.
• Snake (Sishi): 09:00 to 10:59. Snakes leave their cave.
• Horse (Wushi): 11:00 to 12:59. 
• Goat (Weishi): 13:00 to 14:59. Feeding time for goats.
• Monkey (Shenshi): 15:00 to 16:59. Most active time to see monkeys.
• Rooster (Youshi): 17:00 to 18:59. Rooters are returning to their sleeping places
• Dog (Xushi): 19:00 to 20:59. Dogs guide the house at this time.
• Pig (Haishi): 21:00 to 22:59. They are seen sleeping very deep.

Some records discovered carved on ancient bamboo sticks showed that Chinese zodiac existed way before the Qin Dyansty. And also the 12 Animal cycles were existing way before the Eastern Han Dynasty (25 – 220). So whats then is the origin of the Chinese Zodian? There is no conclusion.

Some historians believe that the 12 Chinese zodiac animals are simplified versions extracted from the 28 animals which represent the ancient Chinese astronomy.

Structure of the Chinese Zodiac Signs

The discovery of A stone carving of the Chinese zodiac gifted the new generation of Chinese the knowldge of how these animals are arranged. The Chinese zodiac starts with the sign of the Rat followed by Ox, Tiger etc. The following are the twelve Chinese zodiac signs in order of appearance, we have set each with a related characteristics. 

1. Rat – 鼠, shǔ (子) (Yang, 1st Trine, Fixed Element Water)
2. Ox – 牛, niú (丑) (Yin, 2nd Trine, Fixed Element Earth)
3. Tiger – 虎, hǔ (寅) (Yang, 3rd Trine, Fixed Element Wood)
4. Rabbit – 兔, tù (卯) (Yin, 4th Trine, Fixed Element Wood)
5. Dragon – 龙/龍, lóng (辰) (Yang, 1st Trine, Fixed Element Earth)
6. Snake – 蛇, shé (巳) (Yin, 2nd Trine, Fixed Element Fire)
7. Horse – 马/馬, mǎ (午) (Yang, 3rd Trine, Fixed Element Fire)
8. Goat – 羊, yáng (未) (Yin, 4th Trine, Fixed Element Earth)
9. Monkey – 猴, hóu (申) (Yang, 1st Trine, Fixed Element Metal)
10. Rooster – 鸡/雞, jī (酉) (Yin, 2nd Trine, Fixed Element Metal)
11. Dog – 狗, gǒu (戌) (Yang, 3rd Trine, Fixed Element Earth)
12. Pig – 猪/豬, zhū (亥) (Yin, 4th Trine, Fixed Element Water)

According to the Chinese astrology these animal signs are designated to a year. The Chinese then perceive how you present yourself during this year. 

What’s Your Chinese Zodiac? (What my Chinese Zodiac)

Chinese People’s birth years determine their corresponding zodiac animals. However, things are not that simple! and bear in mind that the People of China follow a different calendar.

The 12 zodiac animals are shown below in order,

Chinese Zodiac and Compatibility

Real Chinese Zodiac Compatibility Grid

Rat:

Birth years of the Rat: 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020

Next Year of the Rat: 2032

The rats have strong survival abilities, and they adapt themselves to different circumstances. They live balanced, stable, and well-off life. They attract people who own positive vibes, and they are good at livening different social circles. They got good self-control, and their optimistic approach towards tricky situations makes things easier.

Rats’ Horoscope in 2021:

2021 is considered as the year of the Rat, and it is considered as the fortune year. People who are in the zodiac sign of the Ox have a good relationship. Rats can be a good help for other people. But they face some difficulties in their studies and career.

OX (牛 / Niu):

Birth years of the OX: 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021

People born in OX have a strong sense of responsibility and are hard workers. They are very patient, but they don’t force themselves onto someone. They keep their emotions inside and are usually quiet in most situations. They have a very short friend circle. They lose their temper once in a blue moon, but it’s like an explosion. They are highly intelligent, kind, and reliable. They gain recognition through their hard work.

Men born in Ox year are very trustworthy and reliable. They put their entire focus into one to make their dreams come true. They have settled their rules and don’t allow people to go against their rules.  Women born in Ox are very polite and gentle. They have a firm belief in their fate. Women born in Ox are very down to Earth. They have a sudden reaction to everything, and their stubbornness makes the situation tough.

OX’s Horoscope in 2021:

This year is going to be very lucky and focus on relationships. This year you will feel the weight of the responsibilities. You will double your efforts to accomplish anything that will make your future bright. 2021 will be a colorful year.  They are more compatible with rat, snake, rooster.

Tiger (虎 / Hǔ)

Birth years of the tiger: 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010

People born in the year of the tiger have high self-esteem and are independent. They have leadership abilities and give the right instructions to people. They never back in any argument and love to do justice with the people. They always find a way to solve the complexities of their life.

They are highly compatible with the horse, dog, pig, and monkey. Tiger is considered a year of knowledge, development, and evolution. You are highly oriented towards spiritual development. They always love to do the creative things in life.

They love to live a balanced life and are passionate about their career. They believe in hard work and put their 100% to get things done in the right pattern.

Tiger’s Horoscope in 2021:

People born in the year of the tiger will face career struggles. You will use your high intelligence and outstanding working abilities to give extra shine to your career. Tigers will get a better lifestyle in 2021. They will explore a hugely different world within themselves.

2021 will provide them better opportunities to work on different projects. Before applying anything, they will analyze things from all perspectives. They are attracted towards more positive energies.

Rabbit (兔 / Tù)

Birth years of the rabbit: 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011

People born in the year of Rabbit are very polite, hard workers, gentle, and down to earth. They are intelligent and patient enough to achieve their life goals with extreme focus. They accept people’s positive vibes and give their 100% to make the relationship work. They take love seriously and love them to the end of the world. They dislike fighting with other people and try to find solutions through communication. On the other side, they are stubborn, overly discreet, and superficial.

Rabbit’s Horoscope in 2021:

2021 is going to be an interesting year for the people born in the year of the rabbit. They will get involved in professional projects and social activities. They will put some extra effort to make their career shine. But due to their stubbornness, they will face some serious career issues. Eventually, they will find some permanent solutions to the hard, and complex problems of their life.

In 2021 without losing mental balance, they will solve the marriage issues. They will find happiness and peace in their love life. But some of the emotional problems will remain in your mind. It is a career-oriented year.

Dragon (龙 / Lóng)

Birth years of the dragon: 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012

People born in the year of the dragon have hearts full of positive energies and adventures. They have mysterious personalities and might seems lazy. But once they decide to do something, they will be more vigorous and ambitious than anyone else. People born in the dragon year are very royal, and organized, and they love to keep the balance in their life.

Dragon people love to express their feelings and always try to keep themselves free from any tension. They try to make serious commitments in life when they try to achieve something in their life.

Dragon’s Horoscope 2021:

In 2021, the dragon will have a good year of success. They will use their analytical skills to solve complex problems. They can solve all the challenging problems with their expertise and intelligence. People who are doing business will excel their business beyond boundaries. People who are doing jobs will be rewarded with an incredible promotion.

In 2021, dragons will find charming love relationships. They will spread love wherever they will go, even with their colleagues. But they will make some compromises and create a good balance in life. The dragon people are compatible with rat and monkey.

In 2021, the dragons will be in an excellent state of health. They will start some major projects in their life. The most favorable directions will be east and west.

Snake (蛇 / Shé)

Birth years of the snake: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013

People born in the year of the snake are idealists. Deep down, they are enthusiastic and warm.  People born under snakes have got some extra communication skills. They rightly know how to convince people. They take the advantage of their communication level to improve their lifestyle, relationship, and even more excellent business opportunities.

They are blessed with extra positive vibes. They know how to communicate with people to improve the worst situation into an incredible one. Through their amazing communication skills, they can solve the old conflicts among the people. They are very down-to-earth and make few friends. People love to share their secrets with them.

Snake’s Horoscope 2021:

2021 is going to be good and fortune for most of the people. It is one of the buildings and progressive years of your life. You can take advantage of your communication to improve your love life. You will have older family and friend conflicts. Don’t start a risky business as you will face some serious business problems. Try to keep a work and personal life balance. Try to work in the field of IT. You will experience good progress in this field.

Horse (马 / Mǎ)

Birth years of horse: 1942, 1954,1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014

People born in the year of the horse never surrender. They work hard to achieve their dreams and put their efforts to achieve their life goals. They are known for having the best positive energies and keep pushing themselves to achieve their goals. Their biggest desire is to keep everyone happy around them.  But they cannot focus on one thing for a long period, and they can’t keep the secrets of others for a long period.

Horse’s Horoscope 2021:

2021 will put a lot of work pressure, but you will achieve some major goals in life. Your positive energies will avoid some stressful situations in your life. You will meet some new people that will change the real meaning of your life. By the end of 2021, you will overcome all the negative energies of your life.

This year will be romantic and charming for you. You will love to spend your time with your family. You will solve many older issues that are bothering you for so long. You will discover few new hobbies that will, later on, turn into incredible opportunities.  This year you can count on some extra support from your friend, family, and your loved ones.

Goat (羊 / Yang)

Birth years of the goat: 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015

People were born in the year of goat’s kind and pure heart. They value enjoying little things in life, but they try to hide their pain as much as they can hold. They badly suffer silently but always try to look at the brighter side. They listen to everyone and try to hold on to their own opinion.

They believe in hard work and are crazy to achieve their dreams. They have the skill to speak politely and melt the heart of many people to achieve their dreams. With their positive attitudes, they can bring an unexpected change in other people’s life. They will get involved in all the spheres of life.

Goat’s Horoscope 2021:

2021 will be bad for the business as they are not strong at their business basics. Work-life will be highly imbalanced, and you will find it hard to maintain your work-life focus. At the same time, you will start some incredible projects where you will earn a lot of money.

Your love life is lucky in 2021. Y You will get some extra support from the love of your life. You may fall in love at first sight and can spend a dream life together.

Monkey (猴 / Hóu)

Birth years of the Monkey: 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016

People born in the year of Monkey loves to do things that are solely based upon their interests. They love to do things independently and chase their dreams passionately. If something has attracted them, they will put their entire heart into that particular thing to get it done immediately.

They love to utilize their time productively and create a balance in their work-life as well. Monkeys value people over the relationship. They love to enjoy little things in life and always try to make people smile.

Monkey’s horoscope 2021:

2021 will be an incredible year, and it will boost your focus on spiritualism. You will see a gradual increase in your income. You will focus on the peace of your mind. You will get thousands of opportunities that will help you to grow.

You will bless with many positive energies that will push you to attain a positive role in your career. Meanwhile, you will attract to the love of your life. Dragon and Rat are the ideal partners for you as they will support you in every phase of your life. 2021 is full of adventure for you where you will meet amazing people in your life.

Rooster (鸡 / Jī)

Birth years of the roosters: 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017

People born in the year of rooster have great sense to pick the things that will happen. They analyze people’s behavior quickly. Their sixth sense works fast, and they make the right decisions after much critical thinking. They are very organized, disciplined and love to add their creative magic to everything.

Roosters are very talented and creative. Because of their sweet behavior, they made a friend very quickly, but they trust only a few people in their life. They always try to generate unique ideas. They plan everything carefully because of their foresight.

Rooster’s Horoscope 2021:

2021 will be a lucky year for you as you will generate several streams of income. You will start incredible business ideas. Your strength will be double this year, and you will get anything you want. You will meet with the love of your life. You will forget the bitterness of life this year. You will glow differently this year.

Dog (狗 / Gǒu)

Birth years of the Dog: 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018

People born in the Dog year loves to do justice in every fraction of their life. They are valued wherever they go, and they rarely break rules. They love to live in their own space and maintain the privacy of their personal life. They wish to make their family happy and give them the best pleasure of life.

Dog’s Horoscope 2021:

This is a very important year for you. You will get involved in many activities. Consider 2021 as the luckiest year of your life. Your income will boom double this year as you will get opportunities to grow. Moreover, you will start profitable projects this year. But still, be careful as there is a major risk of losing a huge amount of money. If you make the right decision, you can avoid that risks in your business. Take care of your health this year.

Pig (猪 / Zhū)

Birth years of Pig: 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019

People born in the pig year can always see positive aspects in every negative position. They can fix anything, and their focus can let their world dive to chase a particular thing. They are very kind and provide the best support to their family. They find it difficult to communicate with people, but they become the best communicator where it is required.

Pig’s Horoscope 2021:

After facing all the difficulties in the past, 2021 will be an easier and fruitful year for you. This year you will be more positive. Those who are married will lead a better life, and those who are single will get married.

Everything is favorable this year, and your professional life will boom. You will touch the sky, and your business will generate passive income. Your social circle will increase with some incredible people. This year you will divert your focus towards something big. ,

In 2021 you will live a great quality of life, and your mind becomes more creative. You will help other people to grow. You become a little sensitive and passionate about your loved ones. There might be some trouble that will affect your love life. But you will get some friends that will ling last a lifetime.

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