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. January 29th, 2025 (Chinese New Year) will signal the start of the year of the Snake. What’s Your Zodiac Sign? 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 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. Most famously, each Chinese New Year brings in a new Chinese animal zodiac as the focus for that year. Moreover, the imagery of the Chinese zodiac is prevalent in various aspects of art, design, and popular culture, serving as a unique motif in paintings, fashion, literature, and entertainment. Beyond its traditional history, the Chinese zodiac The Chinese Zodiac is based on the lunar calendar, which differs from the Gregorian calendar. Each Zodiac year begins on Chinese New Year, which falls between late January and mid-February. This is why someone born in January 1984 might belong to the Year of the Pig (1983) instead of the Year of the Rat (1984). The 12-Year Cycle 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 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.) For the starting date of a zodiac year, there are two schools of thought in Chinese astrology: Chinese New Year or the Start of Spring. Chinese New Year, day 1 of the Chinese lunar year, falls somewhere in the period January 21 st to February 20 th. The Start of Spring is the 1 st of the 24 Solar Terms, beginning on February 3 rd or 4 th. Most Chinese zodiac, annual classification system in Chinese culture following the Chinese lunar calendar yingyang li (literally, “heaven-earth”) in which each year in a 12-year cycle is assigned an animal and each animal is associated with a personality that typifies the year and those born during that year. The cycle changes to a new animal On January 22, 2023, the Chinese New Year was celebrated and a new annum was launched. The year 2023 is known as the rabbit year, or when combined with the associated element, the Year of the Water Rabbit. The Chinese Zodiac Cycle and You. Now you have a good grasp of why the Chinese 12-year cycle is important, both historically and culturally. Celebrate Chinese New Year 2025 from January 29 to February 12, marking the Year of the Wood Snake. Enjoy family gatherings, traditional dishes, and vibrant parades during this 15-day festival. 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. Goat is the 8th animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac signs, coming after the Horse and before the Monkey. Recent years of the Goat include 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967, 1955, and 1943, with the next Goat year in 2027 (Year of the Fire Goat). It is associated with the earthly branch sign wèi. 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 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). Horse is the 7th animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac signs, coming after the Snake and before the Goat. Recent years of the Horse include 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, and 1942, with the next Horse year in 2026 (Year of the Fire Horse). It is associated with the earthly branch sign of wu. The Lunar New Year ushers in the Year of the Wood Snake. This article explores the snake's dual symbolism—representing potential dangers and good fortune, rebirth and wisdom. The Wood element adds nurturing and growth to the Snake's energy, promising a year of personal development, strong relationships, and environmental consciousness. Learn about the unique traits of the Wood Snake year and 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 calendar has a 12 year cycle, with each year represented by a different animal. 2025 marks the Year of the Snake, the sixth animal in the cycle. According to Chinese astrology, each animal in the zodiac has its own unique characteristics, and the snake is seen as a symbol of transformation, intelligence, and grace. Tiger is the 3rd animal in the 12-year cycle of the animals of the Chinese zodiac, coming after the Ox and before the Rabbit.Recent years of the Tiger include 2022, 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, and 1950, with the next Tiger year in 2034 (Year of the Wood Tiger).
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