The Chinese zodiac, known as Sheng Xiao, is based on a twelve-year cycle, with each year linked to an animal. These animals are the rat, the ox, the tiger, the rabbit, the dragon, the snake, the horse, the goat, the monkey, the rooster, the dog and the pig.

Chinese horoscope is calculated according to the Chinese lunar calendar. The Chinese signs represented by animals were created to count the years before the universal Christian calendar system existed. These astrological signs are associated with the twelve earthly branches, which, in combination with the ten heavenly stems, constitute the oldest Chinese timekeeping system.

As with Western horoscopes, it is said that the Chinese zodiac signs represented by animals have an influence on the character of individuals and the qualities of each person. Chinese astrology, although different from Western astrology, is certainly concerned with the stars and the movements of constellations. It is they that would guide destinies, arrange chance and determine the fortune of each individual.

According to one legend, more than five hundred years ago, the great Buddha invited all the animals of creation to join him for the new year. Only twelve species responded to his invitation. To thank them, the divine sage decided to offer each of them a year. From then on, each person born would receive the qualities of the animal corresponding to their birth year. The animals that make up the Chinese horoscope are: the rat, the ox, the tiger, the rabbit, the dragon, the snake, the horse, the goat, the monkey, the rooster, the dog and the pig. The order is very precise and symbolizes the arrival of each one. The rat was said to have arrived first, followed by the ox and so on. Some traditions replace the ox with the buffalo, the rabbit with the hare, the goat with the sheep or ram, the tiger with the cat, and the pig with the wild boar.

Chinese horoscope is different for each Chinese astrological sign but depends heavily on the years. Under the sign of the Wood Horse, the Chinese horoscope for 2014 predicted that 2014 would be a year marked by evolution, action, reflection, inventiveness and openness to new horizons. A year full of surprises, then, and new projects.

Chinese Signs by Year

• YEARS OF THE RAT (鼠 SHǓ)

1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008

Those born under the Chinese sign of the rat are intelligent, materialistic and work towards success. They are optimistic and adapt to all situations. They are also very popular with others. Finally, they are also reflective, sensible and curious by nature.

• YEARS OF THE OX (牛 NIÚ)

1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009

Oxen are honest, patient and cautious individuals. With strong devotion to work, oxen are rather in leadership positions. They are rarely affected by their surroundings and know very well how to distinguish between right and wrong.

• YEARS OF THE TIGER (虎 HǓ)

1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010

People born under the sign of the tiger are tolerant, loyal, courageous and respected. They love challenges and are very active. Tigers are frank individuals who believe it is easy to gain the trust of others.

• YEARS OF THE RABBIT (兔 TÙ)

1915, 1926, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011

Rabbits are gentle, sensitive, compassionate, kind, modest individuals with excellent memory. Rabbits enjoy communicating with others in a humorous manner. They dislike disputes and can quickly turn an enemy into a friend.

• YEARS OF THE DRAGON (龍 LÓNG)

1916, 1926, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012

People under the sign of the dragon are lively, intellectual and energetic. They are generally perceived as leaders and always try to achieve perfection. They detest hypocrisy, gossip and slander. They are not afraid of difficulties, but do not like being used or controlled by others.

• YEARS OF THE SNAKE (蛇 SHÉ)

1917, 1926, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013

The Chinese sign of the snake is often in good spirits and has a talent for communication, but speaks little. Snakes have enormous sympathy for others and would like to take measures to help people in difficulty. They are determined in their actions. They always possess great sources of inspiration and understand themselves well.

• YEARS OF THE HORSE (馬 MǍ)

1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014

They are intelligent, kind to others, and enjoy taking risks in their careers. Sometimes a bit too talkative, horses are cheerful, perceptive, talented, but stubborn. They love entertainment and large crowds. They are popular among their friends, active at work and refuse to accept failure.

• YEARS OF THE GOAT (羊 YÁNG)

1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015

Goats are gentle, polite, intelligent and benevolent. They have a particular sensitivity to art and beauty, faith in religion and a special preference for a quiet life. They are wise, gentle and compassionate. They can handle complicated matters with great caution.

• YEARS OF THE MONKEY (猴 HÓU)

1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016

Those born in the Chinese year of the monkey are flexible, quick-witted and versatile. They love to move and exercise. They are sociable and willing to do anything to help others. They have a strong desire for knowledge and excellent memory. They are very creative in their work.

• YEARS OF THE ROOSTER (鷄 JĪ)

1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2004, 2017

Roosters are deep thinkers considered honest, clear, communicative, ambitious and warm. They have strong self-esteem and are reluctant to trust. They have a lively and quick-tempered spirit.

• YEARS OF THE DOG (狗 GǑU)

1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2005, 2018

Those born during the year of the dog have a simple character. In their career and in love, they are faithful, courageous, skilled, intelligent and warm. They know how to keep secrets and inspire the trust of others. These people make good leaders.

• YEARS OF THE PIG (猪 ZHŪ)

1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2006, 2019

People born under the sign of the pig are honest and frank. They have a calm appearance and a solid heart. They are tolerant and optimistic. They are not afraid of difficulties and problems. They treat their friends with sincerity and dislike lies.

Since February 1st, the Horse has ruled the Chinese year 2014. It will yield its place on February 18, 2015 to the Goat.