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. 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). Starting on January 29, 2025 (Chinese New Year) and ending on February 16, 2026 (Chinese New Year’s Eve) the Year of the Wood Snake is a fascinating period in the Chinese zodiac cycle. According 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 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 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 years begin/end at Chinese New Year (in January/February). Each year in the repeating zodiac cycle of 12 years is represented by a zodiac animal, each with its own reputed attributes. 2025 is the year of the Snake, starting from January 29th, 2025 and ends on February 16th, 2025. With Chinese New Year (or Lunar New Year) quickly approaching, some may wonder why this coming year is the Year of the Snake, why each year is represented by an animal and the story behind it all. The first 12 animals to scramble across would be celebrated, each earning a special spot on the new calendar in the order they finished. And so, the enchanting tale of the Chinese Zodiac sprang to life! Each year of the Chinese Zodiac is represented by a different animal: the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. The five elements are assigned to the 12 animals (years), giving different characteristics to each animal (year). 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. The Chinese Zodiac, known as “Shengxiao” (生肖), is a classification system based on a 12-year cycle, each year represented by an animal. Rooted in Chinese folklore and astrology, the Zodiac reflects personality traits and compatibility. 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 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. 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 Chinese zodiac. Recent Rat years include 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, and 2032. Rat is the 1st animal in the Chinese zodiac. Recent Rat years include 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, and 2032. Rats are cheerful, sociable, and tenacious people, who thrive as part of a group. 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! Lunar New Year introduces the Year of the Snake, offering a fresh perspective on the Chinese zodiac animals' traits. Each animal in the 12-year zodiac cycle brings unique personalities. 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). 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.
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