Do you know what your Chinese zodiac sign says about your personality? The Chinese zodiac has been a significant part of Chinese culture for over 2,000 years. While Western astrology focuses on the 12 zodiac signs, Chinese astrology goes a step further by incorporating the five elements and the concept of yin and yang. In this article, we will explore the 12 Chinese astrology signs, how they came to be, and what they mean for your personality.
Unveiling the Chinese Zodiac
The Chinese zodiac, also known as Shengxiao, is a 12-year repeating cycle. Each year is represented by a different animal: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. These animals were chosen through a race organized by the Jade Emperor, the Chinese emperor. The Rat won the race, securing the first year of the cycle.
What Does Your Chinese Astrology Sign Say About You?
According to Juleen Wang, a student services advisor at Montclair State University's School of Business, Chinese astrology is more fixed than Western astrology. While Western astrology is influenced by planetary movements, Chinese astrology is predetermined by birth year. Your animal sign remains constant throughout your life.
Let's dive into some of the animal signs and explore their characteristics:
Rabbit
People born in the Year of the Rabbit are described as smart, kind, and docile. They tend to get along famously with Dogs, Goats, Monkeys, and Pigs. However, Rabbits may clash with Snakes, as Juleen Wang's personal experience with her Ox father and Rabbit mother suggests.
Dragon
Dragons are incredibly important in Chinese culture, and the Dragon is a highly popular Chinese astrology sign. Known for being warm-hearted and enthusiastic, they are frequently associated with increased birth rates in their years. Jack Ma Yun, the owner of Alibaba and one of China's richest men, is a Dragon. Dragons find compatibility with Roosters, Rats, and Monkeys.
Snake
Snakes are often considered like mini Dragons, and their curiosity and wisdom make them popular as well. Snakes get along well with Oxen and Roosters, which explains Juleen Wang's marriage to an Ox. They possess a complex nature and can lean towards jealousy and greed.
Horse
Horses have played a significant role in human history, and people born in Horse years are believed to be leaders, generous, talented, and energetic. Their Chinese astrology sign is compatible with Tigers, Goats, and Rabbits.
Goat
Often seen as followers rather than leaders, people born in Goat years are gentle, decent, and a little timid. Goats tend to have a hard life, which contributes to a decreasing birth rate during Goat years. Horses, Rabbits, and Pigs make suitable matches for Goats.
Monkey
Monkeys are loved by many due to their close genetic connection to humans. Known for their social skills and sense of humor, Monkeys are playful and mischievous. Ideal matches for Monkeys include Oxen, Rabbits, and Pigs.
Rooster
Roosters are reliable and consistent, known for their bravery and entertaining nature. They do exceptionally well in Ox years. Roosters find compatibility with Snakes and Rats.
Dog
Like man's best friend, Dogs are loyal, playful, and selfless. They are also considered practical, reflecting the role of dogs in human society. Dogs form a strong bond with Rabbits, who are equally kind and loving.
Pig
Happy, loving, direct, and persuasive, Pigs are the happiest among the zodiac signs. In 2019, the year of the Earth Pig, steadiness, wealth, and opportunity were predicted. Tigers, Rabbits, and Goats make Pigs happy.
Rat
Rats are smart, charming, and imaginative. They secured first place in the legendary emperor's race by their wit and quick thinking. Rats find ideal matches with Oxen, Dragons, and Monkeys.
Ox
Known for their determination, generosity, and patience, Oxen are considered hardworking. Being born in their own year is considered unlucky in Chinese astrology, as it is said to antagonize the Chinese god of fortune. Oxen are compatible with Snakes, Rats, and Roosters.
Tiger
People born in the Year of the Tiger are adventurous and considered very lucky. Tigers can be dramatic and cocky at times. They form strong bonds with Dragons, Horses, and Pigs.
The Chinese zodiac offers incredible insights into the characteristics and compatibility of individuals. Learning about your Chinese astrology sign can deepen your understanding of yourself and your relationships with others.
Remember, these are just brief glimpses into the fascinating world of the Chinese zodiac. If you want to discover more about yourself and your animal sign, dive deeper into this captivating ancient wisdom.
Additional reporting by Emma Taubenfeld.
About the expert: Juleen (Zhuqing) Wang is the student services academic advisor for Montclair State University’s School of Business.
Sources:
- Travel China Guide: “Chinese Zodiac Story”
- Your Chinese Astrology: “Chinese Zodiac Five Elements”
- Travel China Guide: “Chinese Zodiac Compatibility”
- Travel China Guide: “Ben Ming Nian (Zodiac Year of Birth)”
- Forbes: “Is Success in the Stars?”
- BBC: “Enter the dragons: A baby boom for Chinese across Asia”
- South China Morning Post: “World’s three richest Chinese billionaires born in ‘lucky’ year of the dragon”
- NPR: “China Blames Goats for 2015 Drop in Birth Rate”