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 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. 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. What are the animals of the zodiac? Each year honors an animal based on the Chinese zodiac. The circle of 12 animals — the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig — measure the cycles of time. With Chinese New Year approaching, some may wonder why 2025 year is the Year of the Snake. Learn which Lunar New Year animal represents your birth year. 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.) Editor's note: The Chinese zodiac, or "shengxiao," consists of 12 animal signs that mark the years. Each animal represents one year in a repeating 12-year cycle, which is calculated based on the The Chinese New Year animals change annually on a twelve year cycle but there are also five different types of each animal represented by the five elementary elements from Chinese culture - earth, wood, fire, water and metal. 2024 was the year of the Wood Dragon and 2025 is the year of the Wood Snake. Each year in the Chinese zodiac is associated with 1 of 12 animals, of which the dragon is the only sign that is a legendary animal. In the Chinese zodiac, the snake is the sixth animal in the 12-year cycle. According to legend, the Jade Emperor invited animals to a race to determine their order in the zodiac. Just like New Year according to the Gregorian calendar (January 1), Lunar New Year celebrations start on the night before the first day of the new year. ( Note: China follows the Gregorian calendar for daily business but still follows the Chinese calendar for important festivals, auspicious dates for events such as weddings, and the Moon phases.) what does the dog represent in chinese new year why do chinese people celebrate chinese new year If you were born in one of the above calendar years, your Chinese zodiac sign is probably the Dog, and in China you would be known as a Dog. 2025 is the Year of the Snake according to the Chinese zodiac calendar, a 12-year cycle represented by animals. Each year is associated with a specific animal, influencing the characteristics of Chinese Calendar Animals by Year – What Does it Say About You? Below you can find a list of the type of personality each Chinese zodiac animal represents. Rat: Intelligent, resourceful, adaptable, and quick-witted. Rats are also known for their charm and social skills. Ox: Strong, dependable, hardworking, and patient. Oxen are reliable and The last Year of the Snake happened in 2013. Why is it the year of the snake? 2025 is the Year of the Snake according to the Chinese zodiac calendar, a 12-year cycle represented by animals. 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. The last Year of the Snake happened in 2013. Why is it the year of the snake? 2025 is the Year of the Snake according to the Chinese zodiac calendar, a 12-year cycle represented by animals. 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 Happy Lunar New Year! The Year of the Snake is five days away, so now is the time to brush up on your Chinese zodiac, and no, I'm not referring to the horribly fabulous Jackie Chan movie. 1. Rat 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. 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.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |