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 sign is named after an animal, and each animal has its own unique characteristics. Do you know why the 12 Chinese zodiac animals are in the sequence above? The following story reveals legendary reasons, and some of the characteristics of the 12 animals. The story is widespread (and widely varying) among Chinese. Though it is made up, it Let's delve into the numbers, particularly the surge in “dragon babies”. In 2024, during the Year of the Dragon, China witnessed a 5.7% year-on-year increase in births, with South Korea seeing a 3% rise. These spikes are noteworthy, considering both nations are grappling with declining birth rates. Conversely, the Chinese zodiac is composed of 12 different signs, each associated with a respective animal totem and lunar new year. These animals represent the winner’s circle of an ancient 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 Chinese New Year and the Zodiacs. Each of these zodiac animals governs a whole year, which starts at Chinese New Year according to the lunar calendar. This usually corresponds to January or February in the western calendar. When the current year has the same zodiac animal as the year you were born, you are said to be in Ben Ming Nian. 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 What is the Chinese New Year 2022 animal? This year’s zodiac sign is the Tiger, following from the Ox last year and the Rat in 2020. What do the other zodiac animals mean? Rat. Each Chinese New Year revolves around a 12-year cycle and is associated with an animal in the Chinese zodiac, which is then paired with any one of the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire and Each Chinese New Year is characterised by one of 12 animals that appear in the Chinese zodiac – last year was the Year of the Dragon. What does your Chinese zodiac sign mean? In Chinese C. The significance of zodiac predictions for the Chinese New Year. Every Chinese New Year marks the beginning of a new zodiac cycle, and predictions for the upcoming year are based on the characteristics of the corresponding animal. These predictions often guide individuals in their endeavors for the year ahead. VII. Cultural Celebrations and The animal for the 2025 Chinese Lunar New Year is the Snake. Skip to content. Primary Navigation. What Is the Meaning Behind the Snake? The Snake represents those born in the years 1953, 1965 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 Calendar "Year" Established: In the Zhou Dynasty. The term Nian ('year') first appeared in the Zhou Dynasty (1046–256 BC). It had become a custom to offer sacrifices to ancestors or gods, and to worship nature in order to bless harvests at the turn of the year. In America, the New Year is celebrated by saying goodbye to the old and welcoming the new. Similarly, the Chinese New Year focuses on starting the year fresh and clean. Commonly called the Spring Since the mid-1990s people in China have been given seven consecutive days off work during the Chinese New Year. This week of relaxation has been designated Spring Festival, a term that is sometimes used to refer to the Chinese New Year in general. The origins of the Chinese New Year are steeped in legend. One legend is that thousands of years 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 Legend behind the Chinese Zodiac The 12 Chinese zodiac is steeped in rich cultural history and tradition, with its origins dating back to ancient times. 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. Meaning behind Chinese New Year 2022's Year of the Tiger and other zodiac animals. There are 12 Chinese zodiac animal signs based on the various species who turned up to the Great Race in a Chinese New Year symbols are imbued with profound meanings, derived from centuries-old traditions and cultural practices. The color red, predominant in decorations and attire, symbolizes joy, prosperity, and protection against evil spirits, invoking yang energy.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.