Chinese zodiac (birth-year animal)
The Chinese zodiac (Shengxiao) is a repeating twelve-year cycle in which each year is associated with one of twelve animals, a system rooted in ancient Chinese astrology and calendar tradition dating back over two millennia. It sorts people by the animal of their birth year, with each animal carrying a set of folk personality traits. The year boundary follows the lunar new year (late January or February), not January 1. Our free course tells the myth of the Great Race behind the animals' order, explains the cycle and its elements, and tours the twelve animals — a rich folkloric tradition rather than a validated link between birth year and personality.
The Shengxiao is a traditional cultural and folkloric system with no scientifically validated link between birth-year animal and personality. (Traditional Chinese astrology / lunisolar calendar; documented since the Han dynasty (c. 2nd century BCE), with roots earlier)
Groups
- Rat — Recent years include 1984, 1996, 2008 and 2020; classically associated with quick wit, resourcefulness, and adaptability.
- Ox — Recent years include 1985, 1997, 2009 and 2021; classically associated with diligence, reliability, and patience.
- Tiger — Recent years include 1986, 1998, 2010 and 2022; classically associated with courage, confidence, and competitiveness.
- Rabbit — Recent years include 1987, 1999, 2011 and 2023; classically associated with gentleness, tact, and quiet kindness.
- Dragon — Recent years include 1988, 2000, 2012 and 2024; classically associated with ambition, charisma, and energy.
- Snake — Recent years include 1989, 2001, 2013 and 2025; classically associated with wisdom, intuition, and discretion.
- Horse — Recent years include 1990, 2002, 2014 and 2026; classically associated with independence, enthusiasm, and a love of freedom.
- Goat (Sheep) — Recent years include 1991, 2003 and 2015; classically associated with calmness, compassion, and creativity.
- Monkey — Recent years include 1992, 2004 and 2016; classically associated with cleverness, curiosity, and playfulness.
- Rooster — Recent years include 1993, 2005 and 2017; classically associated with observance, honesty, and hard work.
- Dog — Recent years include 1994, 2006 and 2018; classically associated with loyalty, sincerity, and a strong sense of justice.
- Pig — Recent years include 1995, 2007 and 2019; classically associated with generosity, diligence, and good-natured warmth.
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