Chinese Zodiac
Simple, Convenient and Free zodiac sign query tool
The Chinese zodiac (Sheng Xiao) consists of 12 animals: Rat(鼠), Ox(牛), Tiger(虎), Rabbit(兔), Dragon(龙), Snake(蛇), Horse(马), Sheep(羊), Monkey(猴), Rooster(鸡), Dog(狗) and Pig(猪). 2025 (Jan. 29, 2025 - Feb. 16, 2026) is the Year of the Snake, followed by the Year of the Horse in 2026.
What is Chinese Zodiac?
The Chinese zodiac system was discovered in ancient bamboo manuscripts dating back to the Qin Dynasty (221-207 BC). The Chinese zodiac as we know it today, with its complete 12-animal cycle, was established during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220 AD). The origins of the Chinese zodiac remain mysterious, with multiple theories explaining its 2,000-year history.
According to Chinese zodiac scholars, one theory suggests that the Chinese zodiac animals evolved from 28 constellation-representing creatures in ancient Chinese astronomy. Another interpretation of the Chinese zodiac links it to Jupiter's 12-year orbital period. However, the most widely accepted explanation of the Chinese zodiac relates to traditional animal worship customs. A fascinating Chinese zodiac legend tells of the Jade Emperor's search for palace guards. In this tale of the Chinese zodiac, the Emperor favored the honest Ox, but the clever Rat secretly rode on the Ox's back to claim first place. The mighty Tiger and Dragon became forest and sea rulers respectively, ranking after the Ox in the Chinese zodiac order. The Rabbit earned fourth place by winning a race against the Dragon. Following them came the Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, and Rooster. The Dog, initially meant to be last, ended up eleventh after biting the Rabbit, while the tardy Pig completed the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac.
What's your Chinese Zodiac animal? - 12 Zodiac Animal Signs
Your birth year determines your zodiac animal sign, but it's not as straightforward as it might seem. While each year corresponds to an animal, these years follow the lunar calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar (January 1st to December 31st).
The Lunar New Year falls on different dates each year, typically between January and February. If your birthday is between March and December, determining your animal sign is relatively simple. However, if you were born in January or February, you'll need to pay special attention to the exact Lunar New Year date of your birth year.
To discover your Chinese zodiac sign accurately, you can use our zodiac calculator above. Simply input your birth date, and it will show both your lunar calendar birth date and corresponding animal sign. This ensures you identify the correct zodiac animal that influences your personality traits and fortune according to traditional beliefs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chinese Zodiac
1. What is the Chinese Zodiac?
The Chinese Zodiac is a traditional time-keeping system in Chinese culture that consists of 12 animals: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. These animals correspond to the Earthly Branches and are used to represent years and individual zodiac signs.
2. What personality traits are associated with each zodiac sign?
Each zodiac animal is associated with distinct personality traits:
• Rat: Quick-witted and adaptable
• Ox: Diligent and honest
• Tiger: Brave and decisive
• Rabbit: Gentle and kind
• Dragon: Confident and charismatic
• Snake: Mysterious and contemplative
• Horse: Passionate and energetic
• Goat: Tender and considerate
• Monkey: Clever and agile
• Rooster: Hardworking and punctual
• Dog: Loyal and reliable
• Pig: Honest and generous
3. What are the lucky colors for each zodiac sign?
Each zodiac sign has its corresponding lucky colors:
• Rat: Blue
• Ox: Yellow
• Tiger: Orange
• Rabbit: White
• Dragon: Gold
• Snake: Black
• Horse: Red
• Goat: Green
• Monkey: Purple
• Rooster: Gold or White
• Dog: Brown or Red
• Pig: Yellow or Gray
4. What is the relationship between BaZi and Chinese Zodiac?
BaZi (Eight Characters) is determined by the year, month, day, and hour of birth using the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches. The Chinese Zodiac is an integral component of this system, and together they influence an individual's personality and destiny according to Chinese metaphysics.
5. How was the order of the zodiac animals determined?
According to legend, the order was determined by a race called by the Jade Emperor to select palace guards. The clever Rat came first by riding on the Ox's back, while the Pig arrived last due to its leisurely pace, thus establishing the traditional zodiac sequence.
6. Which zodiac signs are considered the luckiest?
The Dragon and Horse are traditionally considered the luckiest zodiac signs. The Dragon symbolizes power and prosperity, while the Horse represents vitality and success in Chinese culture.
7. How do zodiac signs influence career choices?
Different zodiac signs are believed to be suited for different careers:
• Rat: Business and sales
• Ox: Agriculture and finance
• Tiger: Military and management
• Rabbit: Education and arts
• Dragon: Leadership and innovation
• Snake: Research and analysis
• Horse: Sports and tourism
• Goat: Service industry
• Monkey: Technology and creative work
• Rooster: Administration and organization
• Dog: Law and security
• Pig: Charity and social work
8. How do zodiac signs differ from Western astrology?
Western astrology is based on the sun's position at birth and follows a monthly cycle, while the Chinese Zodiac is based on the lunar calendar and operates on a 12-year cycle. While both systems describe personality traits, they have different origins and interpretative methods.
9. How do zodiac signs influence marriage compatibility?
In Chinese tradition, certain zodiac combinations are considered more compatible than others. For example, Rat and Dragon, or Ox and Snake are believed to be harmonious pairs. Many people consult zodiac compatibility when considering marriage prospects.
10. How are zodiac signs used in fortune telling?
Fortune telling using zodiac signs involves analyzing both a person's zodiac sign and the current year's influences (known as the Year's Luck). This is often combined with the Five Elements theory for more detailed predictions about various aspects of life.