Here’s What Your Chinese Zodiac Sign Says About You, Based on the Lunar Calendar

The 2025 Lunar New Year celebrations start in less than a week, welcoming the Year of the Snake from Jan. 29 to Feb. 12.

The special event has us thinking about the year to come, and realizing we don't know nearly as much about the Chinese zodiac as we'd like. We decided to do a little digging to discover more.

There are 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac, each associated with its own animal symbol and unique meaning tied to the lunar year in which you were born. The lunar year generally lasts from the start of February to the following February, though the dates do shift every year along with the lunar calendar. That can make things a little more complicated for those born between late January and mid-February, though a quick search online can help you determine which year you belong to. Below, you can find each of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, their years and what they might reveal about you.

Year of the Rat (1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020)

The Year of the Rat is the first year in the Chinese zodiac cycle, and though rats may have a somewhat negative connotation to many of us, that's not the case for these rats. This year represents new beginnings and rich opportunities, and those born during the year of the rat are said to be clever, charming and versatile, with the ability to turn any tricky or dangerous situation into a prosperous one. The rat is also associated with the element of water, suggesting a kind, logical and caring nature

(via Shutterstock)

 

Year of the Ox (1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021)

The Year of the Ox feels almost self-explanatory, with those falling under the sign said to have strength, powerful work ethic and the drive to persist in the face of adversity. They're responsible and very reliable, but can also be incredibly stubborn, insisting on doing things their own way. They're associated with the element of earth, making them grounded and honest.

 

Year of the Tiger (1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022)

The Year of the Tiger is said to invite a period of intensity, adventure and passion, and those born during this time are equally brave and exploratory. They're known for taking risks, fearlessly facing whatever comes their way, and while they'll never back down from a challenge, they also have a reputation for being impulsive and unpredictable. Tigers are associated with the element of wood, signifying their ever-changing nature. Whether they bend with the flow of the wind, snap without warning or stand strong and sturdy like a grand tree trunk depends entirely on the situation.

 

Year of the Rabbit (1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023)

Typically, the Year of the Rabbit is associated with periods of peace and tranquility, and that also matches those born during these years quite well. They're famous for being kind and even-headed, with an optimistic view of the world. They're social butterflies known for nurturing their family lives and easily making friends, though they can also be emotional daydreamers who have a hard time committing themselves to academics or their career. Like the tiger, their element is wood, meaning they can be moody but highly adaptable.

(via Shutterstock)

 

Also read about: What to Know About the Next Great Planetary Alignment, or 'Planetary Parade'

 

Year of the Dragon (1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024)

As the only mythical creature of the Chinese zodiac, the Year of the Dragon invites a unique sense of good luck and prosperity. Those born during these years are also believed to be equally lucky. They have an almost regal sense of leadership, with generous natures that promote abundance. They're also wise and ambitious, with a natural drive to cultivate power. Like the ox, they're also associated with the earth element, hinting at their good natures and big personalities.

 

Year of the Snake (1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025)

As of this writing, we're gearing up to enter the Year of the Snake, which symbolizes a time of shedding the burden of your old skin, letting go of the past and paving the way for new opportunities and growth. Those born during the Year of the Snake are recognized for their keen intuition. They're also highly focused, with the ability to realize their goals through dogged persistence. They're romantic, yet logical. On the other hand, they can be hard to read, with a tendency not to trust others easily and an overabundance of caution. They're also the first sign of the Chinese zodiac with the fire element, highlighting their adventurous natures, as well as their short fuses.

 

Year of the Horse (1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026)

Like a wild horse, the Year of the Horse symbolizes a time of freedom, exploration and self-discovery. Horses tend to have an independent streak, preferring to work on their own in order to achieve the progress they seek, and are also known for their unbridled energy and the desire to work hard and create lasting results. Like the snake, their element is also fire, representing their love for the novel and exciting and their fear of being tied down.

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Year of the Goat (1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027)

The Year of the Goat (or something Sheep or Ram) is a period of personal growth, often marked my a period of introspection as well as collaboration. Appropriately, the goats are a unique sign, known for being more dreamy, shy and empathetic than most of the Chinese zodiac. They're thinkers who love focusing on ideas and academics, as well as the arts, but can also be people-pleasers who get stepped on when they can't assert themselves. Their associated with the earth element means they care very much about doing the right thing, even when it's hard.

 

Also read about: Lucky Instagram Captions for Every Photo Celebrating the Lunar New Year

 

Year of the Monkey (1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028)

Much like real-life monkeys, people born during the Year of the Monkey are said to be extremely clever and adaptable. They're natural innovators and problem-solvers who can analyze a situation from all angles, allowing them to come up with creative solutions. They're chameleons who can adapt and fit into pretty much any situation you throw at them. However, their innate talents can also make them a bit narcissistic, and they can be highly unpredictable. The Year of the Monkey also symbolizes a time for developing new ideas and adapting to different situations. Monkeys are the first sign of the Chinese zodiac associated with the metal element, making them persistent and goal-oriented, as well as highly self-centered.

 

Year of the Rooster (1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029)

The Year of the Rooster is all about working hard to lay the groundwork for your future, and much like a rooster protects its flock, those born during this time are natural leaders who will do whatever it takes to serve those they love. They love to be the center of attention, earning their praise by working harder than anyone else as well as dressing to impress, though sometimes their eccentricity and pride can get in the way. Like monkeys, metal is also their associated element, reflecting their strong egos as well as their work ethic.

(via Shutterstock)

 

Year of the Dog (1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030)

Imagine the best pup you know, and that describes those born during the Year of the Dog. They're playful and loving, with a thrilling sense of adventure, while being fiercely loyal and protective to their loved ones. They just want to help and are willing to give everything they have to do so. At the same time, they can get a bit restless and act impatiently when they don't have a good outlet for their energy. During the Year of the Dog, you may also feel driven to protect the home life you've established for yourself.  As the final earth element sign of the Chinese zodiac, further cementing their loyalty as well as reliability.

 

Year of the Pig (1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031)

And finally, the Year of the Pig is the final year of the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle, representing a period of relaxation and indulgence. Pigs are known for their kind-hearted natures and peace-keeping ways, preferring to find a nice common ground over conflict every time. They're not always the best at expressing themselves, as they prefer not to make waves, using their intelligence and optimism to avoid uncomfortable situations. They tend to be prosperous and love good food and the chance to enjoy as many lazy days as possible. Like they rat, they're also associated with the element of water, reflecting their gentleness and smarts, as well as their avoidance.

 

Can't wait to celebrate this year's Lunar New Year? Click HERE to check out 15 great snake-inspired quotes to use as Instagram captions.