Explainer | What Chinese animal am I? Characteristics of the Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig, Rat, Ox, Tiger and Rabbit and when their years fall
- The Chinese lunisolar calendar follows a 12-year cycle, each year represented by a different animal sign. The signs reflect the traits of those born under them
- Next up is the Year of the Dragon, and those born under this sign are said to have charisma, confidence, intelligence and luck. Not a dragon? Learn your traits
What Lunar New Year animal am I? Your Lunar New Year animal depends on your birth year.
In 2024, February marks the start of the new year for the many Asian cultures following the lunisolar calendar. Chinese cultures, for one, are no stranger to Lunar New Year customs, which typically involve vibrant celebrations.
Each sign is recognised for its unique and auspicious symbolism, and reflects the traits and fortunes associated with individuals born in the corresponding years.
The roots of the Chinese animal signs are still debated, but according to one widely accepted legend the Jade Emperor sought 12 animals to guard time’s cycles. A race to the Heavenly Gate ensued, crowning the Rat, followed by the Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig in that order.
Ready to find your place among the 12 Lunar New Year animals? Time for a roll-call.
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How will your Chinese zodiac fare in the Year of the Dragon?
Dragon: 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
The highly esteemed dragon represents good luck, strength, and health. Those born in the year of the dragon are said to be intelligent, charismatic and confident, and are naturally lucky and gifted.
Snake: 1905, 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013
The snake is often deemed the most mysterious animal, and also the wisest. Snakes are wise philosophers and eloquent speakers, and embody the traits of deep thinkers.
Horse: 1906, 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
Those born under this sign embody the qualities of power, beauty, and freedom. Magnets for attention, they’re very good at keeping the crowd entertained.
Goat: 1907, 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
In China, goats represent peace and prosperity. They’re soft, creative, and artistic souls – softly spoken, but fully capable of holding their ground.
Monkey: 1908, 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016
Folks born in the year of the monkey are associated with intelligence and wit. Monkeys can excel at any career, but can be childish in their youth.
Rooster: 1909, 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017
Roosters are highly aware of their appearance and actions. Their hard-working and reliable streak makes for great leadership material. But the rooster can be aggressive, too, and has a knack for telling the truth, even when it hurts.
Dog: 1910, 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018
Those born in the year of the dog are loyal, protective, and supportive friends. Yet they are prone to worrying, and to keeping their feelings to themselves.
Pig: 1911, 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019
If you’re born in the year of the pig, you’re said to be innocent and an enjoyer of life’s simple joys. Laid-back and caring, pigs can sometimes be naive, but their hidden talents are quite a surprise.
Rat: 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Having outsmarted the ox in the race legend, the rat represents hard workers and deep thinkers. Those born in the year of the rat are believed to be organised perfectionists and aim high in careers like business or politics. They treat friends like family.
Ox: 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
The strong and steady ox is a natural-born leader and highly independent. Ox people are not very chatty, but are very reliable and supportive. While they’ve been said to be stubborn, patience and honesty shine through as the ox’s greatest virtues.
Tiger: 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
Recognised for their power and the respect they command, tigers are fiery, adventurous, and never back down when things get tough. Generous and witty, they’re natural-born leaders who speak their minds.
Rabbit: 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
The luckiest animal of them all, rabbits are revered for their elegance and beauty. These calm souls detest conflict and have a knack for the arts. Sensitive to criticism and change, rabbits are intelligent and diligent, and are said to be perfect scholar material.
Remember, though, as the Asia Society reminds us, that the Lunar New Year is heralded by the second new moon after the winter solstice, and so can begin anywhere between late January and mid-February.
So double-check your dates before declaring under which animal sign you were born!
