What are the zodiac signs? /James Sandifer/CGTN Europe
What are the zodiac signs? /James Sandifer/CGTN Europe
Lunar New Year or Spring Festival – more commonly known in English as Chinese New Year – is the biggest festival in China, and marks the transition of the Chinese zodiac sign from one animal to the next.
This year's Spring Festival falls on Sunday, January 22, 2023, beginning the year of Rabbit and ending the year of Tiger.
In China, each year is represented by one of the 12 zodiac animals. The animal sign is believed to dominate the year and influence the character and destiny of people born in the year – not unlike the Western zodiac's dozen characters, except that the allocation of Aries, Taurus and so on is based on a monthly rather than annual calendar.
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What are the 12 Chinese zodiac signs and what do they mean?
In order they are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
According to the Chinese zodiac story, the order was decided by a race between the animals, organised thousands of years ago by the Jade Emperor of China.
Rat (Chinese: Shǔ)
Birth years: 2020, 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, 1948, 1936
Rat is the first zodiac sign in the Chinese zodiac cycle. According to Chinese astrology, people born in the year of rat are intelligent and popular with a strong command on communication skills.
In addition, they are hard and diligent workers, resourceful, skilled, sensitive and good at saving money.
Famous people born during years of the rat: Diego Maradona, Avril Lavigne and Tom Holland.
Famous rat cartoon characters: Pikachu, Jerry, Remy (Ratatouille), Peter Pettigrew (Wormtail – Harry Potter).
The Xinzhuang lantern festival in Shanghai as part of Lunar New Year celebrations on January 18, 2023. /CFP
The Xinzhuang lantern festival in Shanghai as part of Lunar New Year celebrations on January 18, 2023. /CFP
Ox (Chinese: Niú)
Birth years: 2021, 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, 1949, 1937
Ox occupies the second position in the Chinese Zodiac. People born under the ox are diligent, patient and hardworking.
They don't shy away from taking the responsibility and never seek to be the center of attention. In addition, they are also resilient, honest, strong and dependable.
Famous people born during years of the ox: Barack Obama, Diana Spencer, Gal Gadot and Michael Phelps.
Famous ox cartoon characters: Tauros (Pokemon), Babe the Blue Ox, Ferdinand.
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Tiger (Chinese: Hu)
Birth years: 2022, 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, 1950, 1938
The third zodiac sign, tiger, is a symbol of strength and braveness in Chinese culture. People born in the year of the tiger are natural leaders with a strong sense of justice.
Famous people born in years of the tiger: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Cruise, Queen Elizabeth II, Jiang Zemin and Usain Bolt.
Famous tiger cartoon characters: Tigger (Winnie the Pooh), Shere Khan (The Jungle Book), Tigress (King Fu Panda).
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Rabbit (Chinese: Tu)
Birth years: 2023, 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951, 1939
Rabbit is fourth in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac signs. This year is the year of Rabbit, predicted to be the year of hope – starting from January 22, 2023 and ending on February 9, 2024.
In Chinese culture, rabbit is the symbol of longevity, peace and prosperity. Rabbits are optimistic, kind-hearted, sensible and highly approachable.
Famous people born in years of the rabbit: Novak Djokovic, Lionel Messi, Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie.
Famous rabbit cartoon characters: Bugs Bunny, Lola the Bunny and the Duracell Bunny.
"Cute Rabbit" dough figurines on display in Zaozhuang City, Shandong Province, China on January 18, 2023. /CFP
"Cute Rabbit" dough figurines on display in Zaozhuang City, Shandong Province, China on January 18, 2023. /CFP
Dragon (Chinese: Long)
Birth years: 2024, 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, 1952, 1940
Dragon occupies the fifth position in the Chinese Zodiac. Dragon is an imaginary animal in Chinese culture and enjoys a very high reputation. It represents auspiciousness and imperial power.
According to Chinese astrology, people born in the year of dragon are known for being self-sufficient, energetic and ambitious and also for their loyalty to family and friends.
Famous people born in years of the dragon: Vladimir Putin, Shakira, Rihanna.
Famous dragon cartoon characters: Shenron (Dragon Ball Universe), Dragonite and Charizard (Pokemon), Toothless (How to Train Your Dragon).
Snake (Chinese: She)
Birth years: 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953, 1941
Snake ranks sixth in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac signs and is a symbol of mystery and grace. People born in snake years are calm, talented, modest, perceptive, intelligent and are always skeptical about everything.
Famous people born in years of the snake: Xi Jinping, Emmanuel Macron, Taylor Swift, Kanye West.
Famous snake cartoon characters: Kaa (The Jungle Book), Nagini (Harry Potter), Ralph and Eddie (Timon and Pumbaa).
Horse (Chinese: Ma)
Birth years: 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, 1942
Horse occupies the seventh position in the Chinese zodiac and represents heroes and talents in the Chinese culture.
Horses are active, energetic and love to be in the crowd. In addition, they have keen eye and display strong logical thinking.
Famous people born in years of the horse: Greta Thunberg, Jackie Chan, Emma Watson, Rowan Atkinson, Boris Yeltsin.
Famous horse cartoon characters: Abu (Aladdin), Maximus (Tangled), Pegasus (Hercules), Bulls Eye (Toy Story).
Jackie Chan in Beijing in 2017. /CFP
Jackie Chan in Beijing in 2017. /CFP
Sheep (Chinese: Yang)
Birth years: 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967, 1955, 1943
Sheep, eighth in the zodiac, is considered auspicious in Chinese culture. In ancient China, sheep were often used to offer sacrifices and pray for good fortune and the animal also once served as currency.
People born in the year of sheep are mild, gentle, kind-hearted and always prefer to be in the group.
Famous people born in years of the sheep: Matt LeBlanc, Jason Statham, Nicole Kidman.
Famous sheep cartoon characters: Shaun the Sheep, Bellwether (Zootopia), Mareep (Pokemon).
Monkey (Chinese: Hou)
Birth years: 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968, 1956, 1944
Monkey is ninth in the zodiac and has been considered a mascot to pray for the luck of official career in Chinese culture.
Due to the similarities to humans, people born in the year of the monkey are considered to be quick-witted, smart, humorous, brave and talented.
Famous people born in years of the monkey: Tom Hanks, Zayn Malik, Theresa May, Will Smith, Martina Hingis.
Famous monkey cartoon characters: Abu (Aladdin), Son Goku (Dragon Ball Universe), Rafiki (The Lion King), Hanuman (The Ramayana), Sun Wukong (Monkey King).
Rooster (Chinese: Ji)
Birth years: 2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969, 1957, 1945
Rooster, tenth in the zodiac, represents the sign of punctuality in Chinese culture. (Back in ancient times when there were no clocks, roosters played a vital role in waking people up.)
Rooster people are outgoing, humorous, independent, smart, but often impatient too. In addition, they are open, honest, and loyal individuals and like to be the center of attention.
Famous people born in years of the rooster: Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Prince Philip, Betty White, Harry Styles.
Famous rooster cartoon characters: Foghorn Leghorn (Looney Tunes), Lady Kluck (Robin Hood), Ernie the Giant Chicken (Family Guy).
Roger the Rooster during Shanghai Tennis Masters in 2019. /CFP
Roger the Rooster during Shanghai Tennis Masters in 2019. /CFP
Dog (Chinese: Go)
Birth years: 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, 1958, 1946
Dog occupies the eleventh position in the Chinese Zodiac. The animal is regarded auspicious in Chinese culture and if a dog comes to a house, it is considered to represent the coming of a fortune.
People born in the year of the dog are known for their loyalty and honesty. They are also cautious, clever and lively by nature.
Famous people born in years of the dog: Donald Trump, Michael Jackson, Mother Teresa, Prince William.
Famous dog cartoon characters: Courage The Cowardly Dog, Scooby-Doo, Snoopy, Droopy.
Pig (Chinese: Zhu)
Birth years: 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971, 1959, 1947
The twelfth and final sign represents wealth and luck from the ancient times in Chinese culture. Many money pots – or piggybanks, as they would be known in the West – are made pig-shaped as people believe it will bring good luck in terms of money.
People born in the year of the pig are diligent, compassionate, and generous with a strong sense of responsibility.
Famous people born in years of the pig: Hillary Clinton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Camilla Parker Bowles, Elon Musk, Snoop Dogg, Justin Trudeau.
Famous pig cartoon characters: Peppa Pig, Pumbaa, Piglet (Winnie the Pooh).
FAQs
Which Chinese zodiac is luckiest in 2023? ›
In the Chinese horoscope, 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit or, more specifically, the Year of the Water Rabbit. The rabbit is believed to be the luckiest of the 12 animals to be born under and considered a gentle animal that thinks before acting.
What is the Chinese zodiac sign for 2023? ›That makes 2023 the Year of the Water Rabbit.
What is the theme for Chinese New Year 2023? ›This year is no exception, with the Villeret Traditional Chinese Calendar 'Year of the Water Rabbit'. This complex watch combines both elements of the Gregorian calendar and the Chinese calendar.
Why is the Rabbit the luckiest sign? ›In the Chinese culture, the rabbit is known to be the luckiest out of all the twelve animals. It symbolizes mercy, elegance, and beauty. People who are born in the year of the rabbit are calm and peaceful. They avoid fighting and arguing at all times, but are artistic and have good taste in life.
Which zodiac is lucky in money? ›Answer: Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, and Pisces will be financially lucky in 2023.
What is lucky color for 2023? ›The lucky color for 2023 is based on the element that rules the sign of the year -it's a color that promises to bring luck, prosperity, and health and can be used to bring those feelings into your interior design project. Forest green is the lucky color for 2023, a color that can represent both – earth and water.
What will be the Chinese animal for 2024? ›The Dragon is the fifth of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals. Each year has an animal sign according to the 12-year cycle. The next dragon year is 2024, starting from February 10th, 2024 (Chinese New Year) and ending on January 28th, 2025 (Chinese New Year's Eve).
Who are lucky in 2023? ›Is 2023 a lucky year? The 4 most fortunate Chinese zodiac signs in 2023: According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2023 is more of a lucky year for the men and women born during the Year of the Rabbit, the Year of the Goat, the Year of the Pig (Boar) and the Year of the Rat.
What is the Year of the Tiger 2023? ›| Tiger Years | Date | Element |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | February 1, 2022 – January 21, 2023 | Water Tiger |
| 2010 | February 14, 2010 – February 2, 2011 | Gold Tiger |
| 1998 | January 28, 1998 – February 15, 1999 | Earth Tiger |
| 1986 | February 9, 1986 – January 28, 1987 | Fire Tiger |
This is the year of the water-tiger year that holds a lot of promise for an exciting, productive year. This indicates a new beginning, a fresh start, and it's a year made for bold action. The Tiger is known for its power, daring, and ability to do everything on a grand scale.
What does the Lunar New Year of the tiger symbolize? ›
The tiger embodies courage and bravery, so the new year could symbolize resilience and strength — even in times of struggle, scholar Jonathan H.X. Lee said. For those who celebrate Lunar New Year, which officially begins on the first day of February, the occasion could mark a pivot toward refreshingly good change.
What does the year of the Water tiger Bring? ›2022 is the Year of the Water Tiger. Those born this year are said to have great interpersonal relationships, and be very family oriented. The last Water Tiger year was 1962.
What sign should a rabbit marry? ›In general, people in Chinese zodiac Rabbit sign should go together with people in Sheep, Monkey, Dog and Pig signs according to Chinese zodiac compatibility, but avoid being with people in Snake or Rooster signs.
What is the rabbit personality? ›Rabbits can be silly, timid, shy, curious, and high spirited regardless of sex or breed type. They show affection in characteristic ways; choosing to sit near you, climbing on your back or nibbling at your socks. Some will even lick your hands or face.
What is the lucky color of the rabbit? ›Lucky Things for People Born in a Year of the Rabbit
Lucky colors: red, pink, purple, blue.
After Cancer, the next luckiest star signs are Virgo, Libra and Taurus for wealth creation. Shiv Nadar of HCL Technologies and Benu Gopal Bangur of Shree Cements too are born under the same sign. Billionaires with Cancer as a star sign, saw their wealth increase by 35%, said the report.
What zodiac signs are millionaires? ›Famous faces include Richard Branson (Cancer), Elon Musk (Cancer), Mark Zuckerberg (Taurus), David Koch (Taurus), Larry Ellison (Leo), and Sergey Brin (Leo). Gemini and Aries are the signs of 15 billionaires each, including Jim Walton (Gemini), Steve Ballmer (Aries), and Mukesh Ambani (Aries).
What zodiac signs are cheap? ›- 01/5Most frugal zodiac signs. Some people love spending money and they do not think too much about it. ...
- 02/5Taurus. There is a thin line between being cheap and a saver. ...
- 03/5Virgo. This zodiac sign is thrifty when it comes to money. ...
- 04/5Capricorn. ...
- 05/5Scorpio.
The three main lucky colors considered lucky in people's daily lives as well as on special occasions are red, yellow, and green.
Is Tiger lucky in 2023? ›According to the Tiger Chinese Horoscope 2023, this year will bring abundance, good luck, and power in the lives of the Tiger natives. This year will be better than the previous year for you as things will workout for the better.
How do I know my lucky color? ›
For Birth date Number 2(Those born on 2,11,20 and 29), the lucky colour would be different shades of green, yellow, silver and creamy yellow. For Birth date Number 3(Those born on 3,12,21 and 30), the lucky colour would be orange, lotus pink and all shades go red.
What is the lucky number for 2023? ›Well, we've got some exciting news for you: the lucky number of 2023 is 7! This number has a rich and fascinating history and is thought to bring prosperity, good fortune, and happiness to those who embrace it.
What year is the luckiest for the tiger? ›The most relevant years of the Tiger include 2022, 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, 1950, and 1938.
Is 2023 lucky for Rabbit? ›Dr Candise says those born in the year of the Rabbit that 2023 will be a “difficult” year, saying your luck is at its weakest when it's the same zodiac as the year.