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. Each Chinese lunar year has a Chinese zodiac sign animal. The Chinese zodiac year's stsarting date is a little different from the Gregorian year. It starts from Chinese New Year. The Chinese zodiac years chart below is provided to help you find out the exact starting and ending dates of the Chinese zodiac years. (This is especially useful for 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. The Chinese term “Ben Ming Nian” means this year is the same animal sign as your birth year and it is a reset of the 12-year cycle for your zodiac sign. Your animal year is notorious for being 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 The Chinese Zodiac, also known as Shengxiao, is a classification scheme based on a twelve-year cycle, where each year is represented by an animal. This system has deep roots in Chinese culture, influencing various aspects of life, from personal identity to fortune-telling and festivals. The Chinese Zodiac is more than just a way to track years The 12 animal signs are divided into six groups with each have two zodiac signs, one is Yang and the other Yin. They are complementary with each other in character and couldn’t be separated. These good attributes and qualities are the wishes and requirements of the ancient Chinese to the Chinese people. Based on a 12-year cycle using animals and influenced by the lunar calendar. Divides the year into 12 months based on the solar calendar. Timeframe: Focuses on the year of birth with influences from month, day, and hour. Emphasizes the month and specific birthdate, creating a natal chart. Symbolism Each year is represented by a different animal, and these animals hold special significance in Chinese astrology and culture. In this guide, we will delve into the lunar new year animals and their meanings, providing a deeper understanding of this fascinating zodiac cycle as we approach the year 2023. Part 1. The story is widespread (and widely varying) among Chinese. Though it is made up, it might be interesting for you to tell your children and friends. The Heavenly Gate Race Story - Reasons for Zodiac Rankings. Long, long ago, there was no Chinese zodiac. The Jade Emperor wanted to select 12 animals to be his guards. He sent an immortal being 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. Every year, a heavenly stem (one of five elements, which fall into the yin or yang category) is paired with an earthly branch (one of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals). This year the heavenly stem is The Chinese zodiac is based on a 12-year cycle, with each year assigned to one of the 12 animals. Your zodiac animal is determined by the year you were born according to the Chinese lunar calendar. In addition to the 12 animals, the zodiac incorporates five elements— Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water —which further influence the traits 2025 is the Year of the Snake starting from Jan.29, 2025 (Chinese New Year 2025) and lasting to February 16, 2026. Snake is a Yin animal and the 6th animal in the Chinese Zodiac marking the start of a new cycle. 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. 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 Dog is the 11th animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac signs, coming after the Rooster and before the Pig. Recent years of the Dog include 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, 1958, and 1946, with the next Dog year in 2030 (Year of the Metal Dog). It is associated with the earthly branch sign xu. Dog is the 11th animal in the Chinese zodiac. The Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) usually falls during 21 January and February 20, if your birthday is during this period in Gregorian date, you may belong to the zodiac sign of the last year. In the following table, the years’ starting and ending dates are clearly shown which help you determine your animal sign correctly. The Significance of Colors in Chinese New Year Symbols. Colors play a crucial role in Chinese New Year symbolism, with each hue carrying its own meaning and significance. Red: The Color of Good Fortune. Red is the most prominent color during Chinese New Year celebrations. It symbolizes good luck, happiness, and prosperity. However, the Chinese New Year firecrackers and fireworks that are symbols of Chinese New Year have a different meaning than those for other holidays. It is believed that the loud noises and the flashes of light from both firecrackers and fireworks could scare away evil spirits and usher in good fortune.
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