All Animals of The Chinese Zodiac Signs

Chinese astrology is based on the 12-year cycle, with each year being assigned to one of the Chinese zodiac signs. There are many legends surrounding these animals and the way they were chosen to be a part of the zodiac.

The most popular legend tells a story about the Jade Emperor summoning animals, with the first 12 species that came becoming assigned to the zodiac. Aside from the legends, these animals were most probably chosen to be zodiac signs because they represented certain character qualities. 

Chinese Zodiac Animal Legends

But how were these particular animals assigned as zodiac signs? Well, one legend says that the Jade Emperor (the God of Heaven and Earth, according to Taoism) summoned all animals to meet him in heaven.

The first 12 animals that arrived were assigned to represent the zodiac signs. To get there, animals had to swim across a river. 

The Cunning Rat

Since rats couldn’t swim, the Rat climbed onto the Ox’s back until they crossed the water, and then he quickly ran to the Emperor, being the first one to get there and, as a result, becoming the first zodiac sign. 

However, that wasn’t the only trick that the Rat pulled to make sure he reached the Emperor first. For a long time, the Rat was friends with the Cat. Sleepy as usual, the Cat asked the Rat to wake her up in time for the race. 

However, the Rat failed to do so, and the Cat overslept the race, missing the chance even to be considered a zodiac sign. Since then, cats and rats have been sworn enemies. 

Slow Dragon

Surprisingly enough, for an animal that can fly quite fast, Dragon arrived as the fifth animal. Jade Emperor was also surprised by this, so he asked the Dragon what took him so long. 

The Dragon replied that on his way to the Emperor, he saw a village suffering under a drought. So, he stopped and brought rain for the village people. 

Then, when he was close to the finish, the Dragon spotted the Rabbit struggling to pass the river. The Dragon decided to help the poor Rabbit, which also slowed him down.

When the Emperor heard this, he praised the Dragon for his helpful and good nature and gave him fifth place in the zodiac.

Fashionably Late

The Pig was the last to arrive, and the Dog came just minutes before. Although the Dog was the best swimmer, he spent too much time playing in the water instead of swimming. In his defense, he claimed he had to take a bath.

On the other hand, the Pig arrived at the last place because she got hungry in the middle of the race. She stopped to eat something and fell asleep. Fortunately, she woke up just in time to arrive as the twelfth zodiac sign!

Chinese Zodiac Animal Sign Compatibility

When one is around people often enough, one will get along with some people better than with others. That’s because some people are simply more compatible, and their zodiac signs play a crucial role in that.

Opposite and Compatible Chinese Zodiac Animal Signs

Every Chinese animal sign has its opposite and compatible sign. Compatible animal signs are signs that find rapport with one another and stand a good chance of developing into soulmates. 

Opposite animal signs are signs that strike a wrong note when they occur and do not bode well for a meaningful relationship.

The Role of the Zodiac Animal in Finding The Love of your Life 

Finding the love of your life is never an easy task. In Chinese philosophy, there is an interesting explanation for the meaning of a soulmate. This story says that when we are born, our soul is divided into two halves. These halves become separate beings. To be truly happy, one has to reunite with the other. This is our soulmate.

In other words, we can only find true love when we bond completely with another human being in a positive way. When we share our dreams and our hearts with someone else, and that relationship flowers into something good, we have found true love.

Love and the Stars

It could be the stars. It could be a magnetic or some other force of attraction that exists between your Animal Signs that brings two people together. Since the beginning of recorded history, many people have experienced this phenomenon.

Oftentimes, this state of attraction is attributed to the stars. The stars bring two people together, but only their hard work will make their relationship a lasting one. The binding of their souls will always be something they need to work on.

A Journey of Two Souls

It is a journey that spans mountains and valleys of emotion, alternating between the light and the darkness. Only those with the desire to become one with their partner and make a deep commitment can ever hope to succeed in this quest.

Many things in this life that we simply do not understand, and love is certainly one of them. Love can take many shapes, and it wears many disguises. But, there is one universal truth that should guide us. Love is a positive thing, and it should build up, not tear down. The true union of love is an upward flight of spirits, not a death spiral.

Chinese Zodiac Signs and the Elements 

Finding your Chinese Element

To find your Chinese element, take into account the last number of your year of birth. If, for example, you were born in 1941, 1951, etc., your Chinese element would be “metal.” This element will influence the general characteristics of your sign.

0-1	Metal	Produces feelings which conduct electricity, likes power and fame	Color: White
2-3	Water	Water is silent, constant, and influences others’ thoughts.	Color: Black
4-5	Wood	Wood values ethics, is cooperative, and has a generous nature.	Color: Green
6-7	Fire	Fire is attractive, impulsive, and has strong leadership qualities.	Color: Red
8-9	Earth	Earth has deductive powers and prefers solid and reliable pursuits.	Color: Yellow

Your Chinese year of birth determines your Chinese animal sign and your Chinese cosmic element. If you were born between January 21, 1966, and February 8, 1967, you were born during the Horse year, which was also a Fire year. As a result, your Chinese cosmic element is Fire, and your Chinese animal sign is Horse.

As a result, you are known as a Fire Horse. Likewise, anyone born in an Earth Ox year is known as an Earth Ox.

Chinese Zodiac Elemental Qualities of the Animal Signs

As already mentioned, while the zodiac signs determine the general qualities of the person, the five elements bring nuance to a certain person’s character.

• Metal – Most strong-willed, impatient, critical of others, and firm in their beliefs.

• Water – Open to suggestions, more diplomatic, sometimes unrealistic, and prone to rationalization.

• Wood – Most creative, very logical and reasoning, less assertive, and avoids conflict.

• Fire – Most outgoing, tends to be a perfectionist, extremely critical of others, charismatic.

• Earth – Most social, patient and stable, balanced and fair, bad temper if agitated.

Yin Yang and the Chinese Zodiac Elements

The binary Yin Yang cycle is combined with the elements, increasing the element cycle to a cycle of 10. This means that odd years are yin, while even years are yang. Every zodiac can only appear in either yin or yang since the zodiac animal cycle of 12 is divisible by two.

For example, the dragon is always yang, the snake is always yin, etc. This produces a cycle that lasts 60 years and goes from Wood Rat to Water Pig. The current cycle began in the year 1984, and it will end in 2044.

12 Animals of the Chinese Zodiac

The 12 Chinese zodiac animals in order are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. The animals have different traits and as we saw earlier, some are compatible while others are less so. Depending on which year you were born your zodiac animal is also influenced by one of the five elements.

Following are all the zodiac animals in order listing their different traits and other unique factors influencing them. Here you will also see the elements for the various years for each of the animals.

Rat (shu) Zodiac Animal Sign

The rat is the first of the 12 animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. According to Chinese folklore, people who are born under this zodiac sign are honest, creative, generous, quick-tempered,  ambitious, and wasteful. 

Year of The Rat

The year of the Rat Is a year symbolic of opportunity and good prospects. In general, business is forecast as being good. Everything that begins in the year of the Rat should, at least in theory, be successful.

The attractiveness and allure to the opposite sex of those born in the Year of the Rat are well known. They put a lot of effort into achieving their objectives and accumulating things and are probably perfectionists.

The gossip-loving and quickly enraged, these are the people born in the Year of the Rat. Their goals are high, and they frequently achieve great success. People born in the years of the Dragon, Monkey, and Ox are most compatible with people born under the Rat sign.

Which Famous Person Was Born In The Year of the Rat?

The Rat and the Chinese Zodiac Elements

People under the sign of the Rat are born in the years (roughly): 1936 (fire), 1948 (earth), 1960 (metal), 1972 (water), 1984 (wood), 1996 (fire), 2008 (earth), 2020 (metal).

Ox (niu) Zodiac Animal Sign

As one of the 12-year animals that appear in the Chinese zodiac, the Ox is a sign of dependability and endurance.

Year of The Ox

This is a year in which success will be unattainable without hard work. The Ox year is a time of concentrating one’s efforts on the problems at hand and working hard toward your goals. 

People who were born in the Year of the Ox are patient, rarely talk, and give others reason to be confident. However, they frequently exhibit eccentricity and bigotry, and they have a short fuse. Although they don’t speak much, when they do, they are highly articulate and have violent tempers.

Physically and mentally alert, ox people tend to be laid back, but they may be remarkably obstinate and despise failing or facing opposition. They get along best with Rooster, Snake, and Rat people.

Which Famous Person Was Born In The Year of the Ox?

The Ox and the Chinese Zodiac Elements

People under the sign of the Ox are born in the years (roughly): 1937 (fire), 1949 (earth), 1961 (metal), 1973 (water), 1985 (wood), 1997 (fire), 2009 (earth), 2021 (metal).

Tiger (hu) Zodiac Animal Sign

People born in the year of the Tiger are often perceived as aggressive. They love to be the center of attention and are full of drive.

Year of The Tiger

Everything is brought to its limit in this big and bold year. It is a year of great changes and can bring out the best in each and every one of us.

Tiger people are sensitive, deep thinkers, and highly sympathetic. They can be extremely short-tempered, however. Although they are respected by others, tiger individuals may clash with elders or those in positions of authority.

Tiger people frequently have to make choices, which can lead to a bad decision being made in a hurry or a good decision being made too late. Even though they are brave and strong, they are wary of other people. Dogs, Horses, and Dragons get along best with Tigers.

Which Famous Person Was Born In The Year of the Tiger?

The Tiger and the Chinese Zodiac Elements

People under the sign of the Tiger are born in the years (roughly): 1938 (earth), 1950 (metal), 1962 (water), 1974 (wood), 1986 (fire), 1998 (earth), 2010 (metal), 2022 (water).

Rabbit (tu) Zodiac Animal Sign

The rabbit is another of the 12 animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. The Chinese folklore attributes each animal with certain personality traits. The Rabbit is known to be quiet, retrospective, reserved, and thoughtful.

Year of The Rabbit

It is a year of peace and rest where little will be set in stone. A year that is carefree and happy, full of living and loving.

People born in the Year of the Rabbit are characterized by talent, intelligence, and ambition. They are ethical, reserved, and well-mannered. People who are rabbits are respected, trustworthy, and frequently wealthy. Although they rarely lose their temper and are diplomatic and typically pleasant, they enjoy gossip.

Additionally, people born under this sign are clever at business and conscientious, never backing out of a contract. They have the remarkable ability to make the proper decisions, making them potentially excellent gamblers. However, because they are prudent and cautious, they rarely gamble. They get along best with those born in the Pig, Dog, and Goat years.

Which Famous Person Was Born In The Year of the Rabbit?

The Rabbit and Chinese Elements

People under the sign of the Rabbit are born in the years (roughly): 1915 (wood), 1927 (fire), 1939 (earth), 1951 (metal), 1963 (water), 1975 (wood), 1987 (fire), 1999 (earth), 2011 (metal).

Dragon (long) Zodiac Animal Sign

As one of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, the Dragon is the only mythical creature. Dragon people are considered the most eccentric in the Chinese zodiac. Dragons are idealists and perfectionists, and they are born thinking they are perfect.

Year of The Dragon

A year full of happiness and good fortune. It is one of the most positive and strongest of all the 12 signs. Good for marriage or starting a new venture. 

People born in the Year of the Dragon tend to be strong, vivacious, impulsive, irritable, and stubborn. Additionally, they are fearless, empathetic, and honest, and they exude trust and confidence.

Of all the eastern zodiac signs, dragon individuals are the most peculiar. They don’t make flowery speeches or take out loans, but they do have a tendency to be sentimental, which can occasionally work in others’ favor. They get along with Roosters, Monkeys, Rats, Roosters, and Snakes.

Which Famous Person Was Born In The Year of the Dragon?

The Dragon and Chinese Elements

People under the sign of Dragon are born in the years (roughly): 1892 (water), 1904 (wood), 1916 (fire), 1928 (earth), 1940 (metal), 1952 (water), 1964 (wood), 1976 (fire), 1988 (earth), 2000 (metal), 2012 (water), 2024 (wood).

Snake (she) Zodiac Animal Sign

People born in the year of the snake are usually intellectual, superstitious, and have supernatural capabilities. They live dangerous lives full of thrill and intrigue.

Year of The Snake

A year for change filled with preparation, contemplation and much reflection. The year of the snake is the strongest, most negative force of all the signs.

People born in the Year of the Snake are deep, as they say little and possess great wisdom. They never have to worry about money as they are financially fortunate. Often quite vain, selfish, and a bit stingy, Snakes can still have tremendous sympathy for others and try to help those less fortunate.

Since they don’t trust other people’s judgment and prefer to rely on themselves, snake people have a tendency to overdo everything. They have a strong work ethic and detest failure.

Even though they seem to be calm on the surface, people born in the Year of the Snake are intense and passionate. Snake people are often attractive, but sometimes they can have marital problems because they are fickle. They get along the best with the Ox and Rooster.

Which Famous Person Was Born In The Year of the Snake?

The Snake and Chinese Elements

People under the sign of the Snake are born in the years (roughly): 1917 (fire), 1929 (earth), 1941 (metal), 1953 (water), 1965 (wood), 1977 (fire), 1989 (earth), 2001 (metal), 2013 (water).

Horse (ma) Zodiac Animal Sign

The horse is the third of the 12 animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. In Chinese folklore, each animal is associated with certain personality traits, and those born in the year of the horse are: intelligent, independent, and free-spirited.

Year of The Horse

The year of the horse is a time for success and progress. This year has been incredibly upbeat, hectic, and wild. This is the year to embark on a brand-new journey.

Those who were born in the Year of the Horse are well-liked. Although they occasionally talk too much, they are upbeat, savvy with money, and insightful. They are intelligent, gifted, good with their hands, and occasionally have a weakness for people of the other sex.

Horses lack patience, and they are passionate about everything except their daily work. They like entertainment and large crowds, but they are also very independent and rarely listen to advice. They get along the best with Tigers, Dogs, and Goats.

Which Famous Person Was Born In The Year of the Horse?

The Horse and Chinese Elements

People under the sign of the Horse are born in the years (roughly): 1918 (earth), 1930 (metal), 1942 (water), 1954 (wood), 1966 (fire), 1978 (earth), 1990 (metal), 2002 (water), 2014 (wood).

Goat (yang) Zodiac Animal Sign

People born in the year of the goat/sheep tend to take on the role of the good Samaritan. The goat is the most feminine of all the Chinese animal signs. This is the sign of the greatest compassion and virtue.

Year of The Goat

The year of the Goat is a time for caring, bringing out creative talent and emotion. Harmony and moderation are the keys to this year. In this year, peace struggles to emerge from the darkness of hate.

People born in the Year of the Goat are graceful and exceptionally talented artists. At first appearance, they appear to be in a better situation than people born during the other years of the zodiac. However, goat-year individuals are frequently reserved, cynical, and perplexed by life.

They are typically extremely religious but naturally reserved. Even if they have a tendency to speak awkwardly, they are always passionate about what they do and what they stand for.

Goat individuals never have to worry about getting the best things in life because their skills allow them to make money and enjoy the comforts they want. They are intelligent, kind, and compassionate. They get along well with Pig, Horse, and Rabbit.

Which Famous Person Was Born In The Year of the Goat?

The Goat and Chinese Elements

People under the sign of the Goat are born in the years (roughly): 1919 (earth), 1931 (metal), 1943 (water), 1955 (wood), 1967 (fire), 1979 (earth), 1991 (metal), 2003 (water), 2015 (wood).

Monkey (hou) Zodiac Animal Sign

People born in the year of the monkey can cope with almost any intricacy with a sober mind, but they possess many other interesting attributes that make these people so unique.

Year of The Monkey

A year when anything is possible, and the impossible becomes possible. This is a year full of luck and a time to never take no for an answer. Keep striving toward your life’s goals, and never give up.

The unpredictable geniuses of the zodiac are those born in the Year of the Monkey. They are very creative and inventive, adaptable, knowledgeable, and cunning, and they can solve even the most difficult problems with ease. Monkey people are often competent in most disciplines, but they have the unsettling tendency to be excessively agreeable.

They want to complete jobs as soon as possible, but if they are unable to, they become discouraged and may give up. Monkey individuals are sensible, have a strong drive for knowledge, and have great recollections. Although they have a strong will, monkey people lose their temper easily.

They get along the best with the Dragon and Rat.

Which Famous Person Was Born In The Year of the Monkey?

The Monkey and Chinese Elements

People under the sign of the Monkey are born in the years (roughly): 1920 (metal), 1932 (water), 1944 (wood), 1956 (fire), 1968 (earth), 1980 (metal), 1992 (water), 2004 (wood), 2016 (fire).

Rooster (ji) Zodiac Animal Sign

The Rooster is one of the 12 animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. The sign of Rooster is usually a hard-working person, certain about their decisions.

Year of The Rooster

A year for caution and arguments. Nerves will fray unless caution is observed. Many disagreements will occur for the Rooster, but hardships will be few.

People who were born in the Year of the Rooster are intelligent, competent, and gifted. They like to be busy and can sometimes take on work that’s beyond their capabilities, and get really disappointed if they fail. 

People born in the Rooster Year are often a bit eccentric and they often have complicated relationships with people around them. They tend to believe they are always correct, which they usually are! They are typically loners and, although appearing to be fearless on the outside, they are actually shy.

Rooster people’s emotions, like their luck, can swing from very high to very low. They are usually entertaining and can be very daring, yet they can also be egotistical and excessively opinionated. Roosters get along the best with Ox, Snake, and Dragon.

Which Famous Person Was Born In The Year of the Rooster?

The Rooster and Chinese Elements

People under the sign of the Rooster are born in the years (roughly): 1921 (metal), 1933 (water), 1945 (wood), 1957 (fire), 1969 (earth), 1981 (metal), 1993 (water), 2005 (wood), 2017 (fire).

Dog (gou) Zodiac Animal Sign

According to Chinese folklore, each animal is associated with certain personality traits, and naturally, people born in the year of the Dog are loyal, honest, and trustworthy, but can also be stubborn and selfish. 

Year of The Dog

A time for introspection and valuing analysis. Even if there is a lot of cynicism this year, equilibrium and tranquillity will be maintained. Working toward peace is appropriate during the Year of the Dog.

The best aspects of human nature are present in those who were born in the Year of the Dog. They know how to maintain secrets, which gives them a strong sense of loyalty, honesty, and confidence in others.

Dog People are, nevertheless, very egotistical, incredibly stubborn, and peculiar.

Despite having little interest in wealth, they always appear to have money. At parties, they can act distant and emotionally frigid.

These people are known for having savage tongues and finding fault with a lot of things.

 Dog people make good leaders. They get along really well with those born in the Years of the Horse, Tiger, and Rabbit.

Which Famous Person Was Born In The Year of the Dog?

The Dog and Chinese Elements

People under the sign of the Dog are born in the years (roughly): 1922 (water), 1934 (wood), 1946 (fire), 1958 (earth), 1970 (metal), 1982 (water), 1994 (wood), 2006 (fire), 2018 (earth).

Pig (zhu) Zodiac Animal Sign

People born in the year of the pig tend to be very brave. They are very patient and loyal and do not hold grudges. But, sometimes, they are taken for granted, which can cause them sorrow.

Year of The Pig

The year of the pig is a year of abundance and is good for business. In this year, life will be lived to its fullest. The pig is the symbol of courage and integrity.

The Year of the Pig is characterized by chivalry and bravery. People born in this year give everything they have to whatever they do. There is no left, right, or retreat for those who live in the Pig Year. They are extremely courageous and honest.

People born under this sign don’t make many friends, but they make them for life, and anyone having a Pig Year friend is fortunate, for they are extremely loyal. They don’t talk much, but they are craving for more knowledge. 

They also do a lot of studying and generally have good knowledge. Despite having a short fuse, those born under this sign abhor conflict. They treat their loved ones with kindness. Pig people always make an honest, if occasionally impulsive, effort to solve their problems, no matter how serious they appear to be. The people born under this sign are most compatible with Rabbits and Goats.

Which Famous Person Was Born In The Year of the Pig?

The Pig and Chinese Elements

People under the sign of the Pig are born in the years (roughly): 1923 (water), 1935 (wood), 1947 (fire), 1959 (earth), 1971 (metal), 1983 (water), 1995 (wood), 2007 (fire), 2019 (earth).

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Zodiac Images Credit: Image by macrovector on Freepik