The Chinese zodiac includes 12 animal signs, in order they are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. The Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, marks the transition from one animal to the next—2024 is the year of the Dragon, which began on February 10th, 2024, and ends on February 24th, 2024. The Chinese zodiac, known as Sheng Xiao or Shu Xiang, features 12 animal signs in this order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. 2025 is the Year of the Snake according to Chinese zodiac, starting from the 2025 Chinese New Year on Jan. 29th and lasting to 2026 Lunar New Year's Eve on Feb. 16. 2026 is the Year of the Horse. Chinese people associate each animal sign with certain characteristics. It's believed that people born in a given year have the personality of that year's animal . For example, if you're born after January 27 in 1998, your Chinese zodiac sign is the Tiger as 1998 was a year of the Tiger (beginning at Chinese New Year). The years in the Chinese zodiac are determined by the lunar calendar and the corresponding personality traits and compatibilities of the animals and elements can be drawn from a variety of sources Chinese zodiac, or shengxiao (/shnng-sshyao/ 'born resembling'), is represented by 12 zodiac animals. In order, they are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Chinese zodiac years begin/end at Chinese New Year (in January/February). Each year in the repeating zodiac cycle of 12 years is In Chinese culture, the 2021 Lunar New Year on February 12 ushers in the Year of the Ox, after a particularly challenging Year of the Rat in 2020. Twelve animals represent the Chinese zodiac signs (or sheng xiao, translating to "born + resemblance"); in order, they’re the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat (or Sheep), Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. In the Chinese calendar, each year is depicted by one of twelve animals in a repeating cycle known as the Chinese zodiac. Each animal is believed to influence the personality traits, characteristics, and destiny of individuals born in that year. Chinese Calendar Years and Animals. Below is a handy graph to show you which of the Chinese year Rooted in Chinese folklore and astrology, the Zodiac reflects personality traits and compatibility. In Chinese culture, the Zodiac influences everything from New Year traditions to matchmaking and fortune-telling. Each animal sign represents unique characteristics and is tied to elements like luck, prosperity, and health. This categorization integrates animal characteristics with Chinese cosmology. Symbolism of Animals. Rat. Chinese New Year Dates and Zodiac Signs (2000-2050) Year Let’s start our journey with the zodiac animal of 2024 – the Dragon, known as 龍 (lóng) in traditional Chinese and 龙 (lóng) in simplified Chinese. Even though the Dragon ended the famous zodiac race in fifth place, it’s super special in Chinese culture. The primary 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac features one animal per year. Because these animals also feature strongly in Chinese astrology and the birth year of an individual person, it determines personality traits, success, and warning signs. Rat is the 1st animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac, coming after the Pig and before the Ox. Recent years of the Rat include 2020, 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, and 1948, with the next Rat year in 2032 (Year of the Water Rat). It corresponds with the first branch of the earthly branch symbol zi. Rat is the 1st animal in the Chinese According to the Chinese calendar, the year you were born might determine your personality. That’s because each year is represented by an animal, called a Chinese zodiac sign, and legend has it that people born under that sign have similar traits to the animal. (The year 2024—starting February 10—is the Year of the Dragon.) Ox is the second animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac, coming after the Rat and before the Tiger. Recent years of the Ox include 2021, 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, and 1949, with the next Ox year in 2033 (Year of the Water Ox). The Year of the Ox corresponds with the earthly branch symbol chǒu. Ox is the 2nd animal in the Chinese The Chinese Zodiac consists of 12 animals that signify each year, tracing their origins to a race set by the Jade Emperor. Each animal embodies distinct traits and is linked to five elements VI. Celebrations and Traditions During Chinese New Year. During the Chinese New Year, each zodiac animal is celebrated with its own set of customs and rituals. Families may prepare special dishes that reflect the traits of the zodiac animal for that year. Common practices include: Decorating homes with symbols of the zodiac animal. Chinese Astrology focuses mainly on 5 elements that make up time i.e. Fire, Water, Earth, Metal, and Wood. The theory of Yin and Yang also has a pivotal role in determining the profound influence of the animal on one's life. Chinese New Year is a perfect time to introduce children to the fascinating traditions and stories of the Chinese Zodiac. The 12 animals each carry unique characteristics, making them an exciting topic for young Chinese learners. Here are some fun activities to help your kids learn more about these 12 amazing animals! Snake is the 6th animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac signs, coming after the Dragon and before the Horse. Recent years of the Snake include 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953, and 1941, with the next Snake year in 2025 (Year of the Wood Snake). Snake is associated with the earthly branch symbol si. Just like sun signs in Western astrology, certain characteristics are linked with each Chinese New Year animal. Though most popular charts emphasize only the positive, remember that with every positive there also comes a negative.
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