Chinese Zodiacs
Background:
The Chinese zodiac is the classification scheme that assigns an animal to each year in a repeating twelve-year cycle. The 12-year cycle of Chinese zodiac is an approximation to the 11.86-year cycle of Jupiter, the largest planet of the solar system. There is a similar concept in western astrology and means "circle of animals". It is a scheme and systematic plan of future action that relates each year to an animal and its reputed attributes according to a 12-year cycle. It remains popular in several East Asian countries including China, Vietnam, Korea, Japan, Philippines, Thailand, Taiwan and Mongolia.
The Great Race:
An ancient folk story tells that Cat and Rat were the worst swimmers in the animal kingdom. Although they were poor swimmers, they were both quite intelligent. To get to the meeting called by the Jade Emperor, they had to cross a river to reach the meeting place. The Jade Emperor had also decreed that the years on the calendar would be named for each animal in the order they arrived to the meeting. Cat and Rat decided that the best and fastest way to cross the river was to hop on the back of Ox. Ox, being naive and good-natured, agreed to carry them both across. Midway across the river, Rat pushed Cat into the water. Then as Ox neared the other side of the river, Rat jumped ahead and reached the shore first. So he claimed first place in the competition and the zodiac.
Following closely behind was strong Ox who was named the 2nd animal in the zodiac. After Ox, came Tiger, panting, while explaining to the Jade Emperor how difficult it was to cross the river with the heavy currents pushing it downstream all the time. But with its powerful strength, Tiger made to shore and was named the 3rd animal in the cycle.
Suddenly, from a distance came a thumping sound, and the Rabbit arrived. It explained how it crossed the river: by jumping from one stone to another in a nimble fashion. Halfway through, it almost lost the race, but the Rabbit was lucky enough to grab hold of a floating log that later washed him to shore. For that, it became the 4th animal in the Zodiac cycle. In 5th place was the Flying Dragon. Of course, the Jade Emperor was deeply curious as to why a swift flying creature such as the Dragon should fail to reach first place. The mighty Dragon explained that he had to stop and make rain to help all the people and creatures of the earth, and therefore he was held back. Then, on his way to the finish, he saw a little helpless Rabbit clinging onto a log so he did a good deed and gave a puff of breath to the poor creature so that it could land on the shore. The Jade Emperor was very pleased with the actions of the Dragon, and he was added into the zodiac cycle. As soon as he had done so, a galloping sound was heard, and the Horse appeared. Hidden on the Horse's hoof was the Snake, whose sudden appearance gave the Horse a fright, thus making it fall back and giving the Snake the 6th spot, while the Horse placed 7th.
Not long after that, a little distance away, the Goat, Monkey, and Rooster came to the shore. These three creatures helped each other to get to where they are. The Rooster spotted a raft, and took the other two animals with it. Together, the Goat and the Monkey cleared the weeds, tugged and pulled and finally got the raft to the shore. Because of their combined efforts, the Emperor was very pleased and promptly named the Goat as the 8th creature, the Monkey as the 9th, and the Rooster the 10th.
The 11th animal was the Dog. Although he was supposed to be the best swimmer, he could not resist the temptation to play a little longer in the river. Though his explanation for being late was because he needed a good bath after a long spell. For that, he almost didn't make it to the finish line. Just as the Jade Emperor was about to call it a day, an oink and squeal was heard from a little Pig. The Pig got hungry during the race, promptly stopped for a feast and then fell asleep. After the nap, the Pig continued the race and was named the 12th animal of the zodiac cycle. The cat drowned in 13th place and did not make it in the zodiac. It is said that is the reason why cats always chase Rats; to get back at them for what they have done.
Another folk story tells that on registration day, the Rat met up with the Ox. He thought to himself "Ox is the fastest, strongest animal!" So the little Rat played a trick on the Ox. He asked the Ox if he would like to listen to him sing. The Rat opened his mouth but said nothing. "How was that?" he asked the Ox and of course he replied "Sorry little Rat, I didn't hear you." The Rat told the Ox to let him jump onto his back so that he could sing it more clearly, and the Ox agreed. Soon without knowing, the Ox was walking to the signing post, forgetting the Rat on his back. When they reached there, the Rat jumped off and claimed first place. The Ox following and the rest.
In Buddhism, legend has it that Buddha summoned all of the animals of the earth to come before him before his departure from this earth, but only 12 animals actually came to bid him farewell. To reward the animals who came to him, he named a year after each of them. The years were given to them in the order they had arrived.
The 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac must have been developed in the early stages of Chinese civilization over hundreds of years before it became the current edition; and it's very hard to investigate the real origin. Most historians agree that Cat is not in the list since the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac were formed before cats were introduced to China from India with Buddhism.
Another story tells that God called the animals to a banquet that night. The Rat, who loved to play tricks on his neighbor, told the cat that the banquet was on the day after tomorrow. The cat believed his neighbor the Rat and slept whilst dreaming of the banquet. The next day, the Rat arrived first followed by the Ox, the Tiger and the rest of the animals. The order of the animals was decided by the order that they arrived. The cat was devastated and vowed that he would always hate the Rat. This is why cats chase Rats in folklore
The Chinese zodiac is the classification scheme that assigns an animal to each year in a repeating twelve-year cycle. The 12-year cycle of Chinese zodiac is an approximation to the 11.86-year cycle of Jupiter, the largest planet of the solar system. There is a similar concept in western astrology and means "circle of animals". It is a scheme and systematic plan of future action that relates each year to an animal and its reputed attributes according to a 12-year cycle. It remains popular in several East Asian countries including China, Vietnam, Korea, Japan, Philippines, Thailand, Taiwan and Mongolia.
The Great Race:
An ancient folk story tells that Cat and Rat were the worst swimmers in the animal kingdom. Although they were poor swimmers, they were both quite intelligent. To get to the meeting called by the Jade Emperor, they had to cross a river to reach the meeting place. The Jade Emperor had also decreed that the years on the calendar would be named for each animal in the order they arrived to the meeting. Cat and Rat decided that the best and fastest way to cross the river was to hop on the back of Ox. Ox, being naive and good-natured, agreed to carry them both across. Midway across the river, Rat pushed Cat into the water. Then as Ox neared the other side of the river, Rat jumped ahead and reached the shore first. So he claimed first place in the competition and the zodiac.
Following closely behind was strong Ox who was named the 2nd animal in the zodiac. After Ox, came Tiger, panting, while explaining to the Jade Emperor how difficult it was to cross the river with the heavy currents pushing it downstream all the time. But with its powerful strength, Tiger made to shore and was named the 3rd animal in the cycle.
Suddenly, from a distance came a thumping sound, and the Rabbit arrived. It explained how it crossed the river: by jumping from one stone to another in a nimble fashion. Halfway through, it almost lost the race, but the Rabbit was lucky enough to grab hold of a floating log that later washed him to shore. For that, it became the 4th animal in the Zodiac cycle. In 5th place was the Flying Dragon. Of course, the Jade Emperor was deeply curious as to why a swift flying creature such as the Dragon should fail to reach first place. The mighty Dragon explained that he had to stop and make rain to help all the people and creatures of the earth, and therefore he was held back. Then, on his way to the finish, he saw a little helpless Rabbit clinging onto a log so he did a good deed and gave a puff of breath to the poor creature so that it could land on the shore. The Jade Emperor was very pleased with the actions of the Dragon, and he was added into the zodiac cycle. As soon as he had done so, a galloping sound was heard, and the Horse appeared. Hidden on the Horse's hoof was the Snake, whose sudden appearance gave the Horse a fright, thus making it fall back and giving the Snake the 6th spot, while the Horse placed 7th.
Not long after that, a little distance away, the Goat, Monkey, and Rooster came to the shore. These three creatures helped each other to get to where they are. The Rooster spotted a raft, and took the other two animals with it. Together, the Goat and the Monkey cleared the weeds, tugged and pulled and finally got the raft to the shore. Because of their combined efforts, the Emperor was very pleased and promptly named the Goat as the 8th creature, the Monkey as the 9th, and the Rooster the 10th.
The 11th animal was the Dog. Although he was supposed to be the best swimmer, he could not resist the temptation to play a little longer in the river. Though his explanation for being late was because he needed a good bath after a long spell. For that, he almost didn't make it to the finish line. Just as the Jade Emperor was about to call it a day, an oink and squeal was heard from a little Pig. The Pig got hungry during the race, promptly stopped for a feast and then fell asleep. After the nap, the Pig continued the race and was named the 12th animal of the zodiac cycle. The cat drowned in 13th place and did not make it in the zodiac. It is said that is the reason why cats always chase Rats; to get back at them for what they have done.
Another folk story tells that on registration day, the Rat met up with the Ox. He thought to himself "Ox is the fastest, strongest animal!" So the little Rat played a trick on the Ox. He asked the Ox if he would like to listen to him sing. The Rat opened his mouth but said nothing. "How was that?" he asked the Ox and of course he replied "Sorry little Rat, I didn't hear you." The Rat told the Ox to let him jump onto his back so that he could sing it more clearly, and the Ox agreed. Soon without knowing, the Ox was walking to the signing post, forgetting the Rat on his back. When they reached there, the Rat jumped off and claimed first place. The Ox following and the rest.
In Buddhism, legend has it that Buddha summoned all of the animals of the earth to come before him before his departure from this earth, but only 12 animals actually came to bid him farewell. To reward the animals who came to him, he named a year after each of them. The years were given to them in the order they had arrived.
The 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac must have been developed in the early stages of Chinese civilization over hundreds of years before it became the current edition; and it's very hard to investigate the real origin. Most historians agree that Cat is not in the list since the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac were formed before cats were introduced to China from India with Buddhism.
Another story tells that God called the animals to a banquet that night. The Rat, who loved to play tricks on his neighbor, told the cat that the banquet was on the day after tomorrow. The cat believed his neighbor the Rat and slept whilst dreaming of the banquet. The next day, the Rat arrived first followed by the Ox, the Tiger and the rest of the animals. The order of the animals was decided by the order that they arrived. The cat was devastated and vowed that he would always hate the Rat. This is why cats chase Rats in folklore
Year of the Rat
- Attribute: Wisdom
- Saying: Wisdom without industriousness leads to triviality.
- Rat years: 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
- Lucky Colors: blue, gold, green
- Personality: Rats are quick-witted, resourceful and versatile.
- With strong intuition and quick response, they always easily adapt themselves to a new environment. With rich imaginations and sharp observation, Rats can take advantage of various opportunities well. Rats have strong curiosity, so they tend to try their hands at anything, and they can deal with it skillfully.
- Ladies belonging to the Rat zodiac sign are pretty, smart, and lovely. They have quick minds and dexterous hands, and are able to learn anything. A lack of courage, as well as good command skills, Rats are not capable as leaders. Opportunistic and picky as Rats are, they do not have broad minds, but a narrow view. Rats are kind, but sometimes impolite to others. People of the Rat zodiac sign usually sleep late, for mice are nocturnal animals.
- Best with: Ox, Dragon, Rabbit
- Worst with: Horse, Rooster
- 5 Types of Rat:
- Wood Rat: (1924,1984) Independent, self-confident, virtuous and talented, with a strong sense of teamwork
- Fire Rat: (1936, 1996) Energetic, brave, quiet, cordial and friendly to their friends, but very strict with themselves
- Earth Rat: (1948, 2008) Amiable, honest, flexible, modest, serious, with a strong sense of self-esteem
- Gold Rat: (1960, 2020)Smart, talented, hot-tempered, jealous, with a strong sense of self-awareness
- Water Rat: (1912, 1972) Talkative, shrewd, conservative, and wise
Year of the Ox
- Attribute: Industriousness
- Saying: Industriousness without wisdom leads to futility.
- Year of Birth: 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
- Lucky Colors: white, yellow, green
- Personality: Oxes are known for diligence, dependability, strength and determination. Having an honest nature, Oxes have a strong patriotism for their country, have ideals and ambitions for life, and attach importance to family and work. These things reflect the traditional characteristics of conservatives. Women belonging to the Ox zodiac sign are traditional, faithful wives, who attach great importance to their children's education.
- Having a desire to advance and great patience, Oxes can achieve their goals by consistent efforts. They are not influenced by others or the environment, but persist to do things in accordance with their ideas and capabilities. Before taking action, they will have a definite plan with detailed steps and add their strong faith and physical strength. So people of the Ox zodiac sign enjoy great success as a result. The most disadvantageous trait in Oxes is poor communication skills. They are not good at communicating with others, and even think it not worthwhile exchanging ideas with others. They are stubborn and stick to their own ways.
- Best with: Rat, Monkey, or Rooster.
- Worst with: Tiger, Dragon, Horse, or Goat.
- 5 Types of Ox:
- Wood Ox: (1925, 1985) Restless, decisive, straightforward, and always ready to defend the weak and helpless
- Fire Ox: (1937, 1997) Short-sighted, selfish, narrow-minded, impersonal, but practical
- Earth Ox: (1949, 2009) Honest and prudent, with a strong sense of responsibility
- Gold Ox: (1961, 2021) Hardworking, active and always busy, and popular among friends
- Water Ox: (1913, 1973) Hardworking, ambitious, tenacious, able to endure hardship, with a strong sense of justice and keen observational abilities
Year of the Tiger
- Attribute: Valor
- Saying: Valor without caution leads to recklessness.
- Year of Birth: 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
- Lucky Colors: blue, grey, orange, white
- Personality: People born in the year of the Tiger are brave, competitive, unpredictable, and self-confident. They are very charming and well-liked by others. But sometimes they are likely to be impetuous, irritable, and overindulged. With stubborn personalities and tough judgment, tigers work actively and boldly express themselves, and do things with a high-handed manner. They are authoritative and never go back on what they have said. With great confidence and indomitable fortitude, they can be competent leaders. They will not make preparations for anything, but they can handle anything that comes along. While they are not motivated by money or power, Tigers love be challenged and will accept any challenge if it means important value to them, and they do not like to obey others.
- Best with: Dragon, Horse, or Pig
- Worst with: Ox, Snake, or Monkey
- 5 Types of Tiger:
- Wood Tiger: (1914, 1974) Compassionate, expansive, and open
- Fire Tiger: (1926, 1986) Optimistic and independent, with poor self-control
- Earth Tiger: (1938, 1998) Adventurous and realistic, with strong faith
- Gold Tiger: (1950, 2010) Females are very enthusiastic; males are indecisive, stubborn, and feminized
- Water Tiger: (1902, 1962) Has a strong sense of self-esteem and learning ability
Year of the Rabbit
- Attribute: Caution
- Saying: Caution without valor leads to cowardice.
- Years of birth: 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
- Lucky colors: red, pink, purple, blue
- Personality: Rabbits tend to be gentle, quiet, elegant, and alert; quick, skillful, kind, and patient; and particularly responsible. However, they might be superficial, stubborn, melancholy, and overly-discreet. Generally speaking, people who belong to the Rabbit zodiac sign have likable characters.
- Gentlemen who belong to the rabbit zodiac sign always treat people politely, with a gentle smile that makes people feel that they are credible and sincere. When meeting trouble, Rabbits can handle it in an orderly way; when encountering tough difficulties they are never discouraged, but are persistent to seek solutions. So they eventually achieve enviable success.
- Ladies belonging to the rabbit zodiac sign, apart from a pretty and demure appearance, have a pure heart.
- Rabbits are faithful to those around them, but reluctant to reveal their minds to others, and have a tendency to escape reality. They are too cautious and conservative, which means they miss good opportunities.
- best with: Rat, Goat, Monkey, or Dog
- worst with: Rooster or Snake.
- 5 Types of Rabbit:
- Wood Rabbit: (1915, 1975) Clever, quick-witted, selfish, lively in appearance, but shrewd at heart
- Fire Rabbit: (1927, 1987) Broad-minded, smart, and flexible, with unique views
- Earth Rabbit: (1939, 1999) Frank, straightforward, ambitious, hard-working, but slightly reserved
- Gold Rabbit: (1951, 2011) Kind-hearted, conservative, lively and enthusiastic
- Water Rabbit: (1963, 2023) Gentle, amicable, able to adjust readily to different conditions, but with a weak mindset and principles
Year of the Dragon
- Attribute: Strength
- Saying: Strength without flexibility leads to fracture.
- Years of Birth: 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
- Lucky Colors: gold, silver, grayish white
- Personality: Among Chinese zodiac animals, the Dragon is the sole imaginary animal. The Dragon is the most vital and powerful beast in the Chinese zodiac, although with an infamous reputation for being a hothead and possessing a sharp tongue. In ancient times, people thought that Dragons could control everything in the world with their character traits of dominance and ambition. Gifted with innate courage, tenacity and intelligence, dragons are enthusiastic and confident. They are not afraid of challenges, and willing to take risks. However, the dragon is sometimes regarded as aggressive, and angry dragons are not open to criticism. They don't consider themselves irritating and arrogant. Instead of following tradition, they strive for a smooth future.
- Best with: Rat, Tiger or Snake
- Worst with: Ox, Goat or Dog
- 5 Types of Dragon:
- Wood Dragon: (1904, 1964) Introverted, less enthusiastic, and lacking good relationships
- Fire Dragon: (1916, 1976) Smart, unreliable, and easy-going
- Earth Dragon: (1928, 1988) Smart, ambitious, and hardworking
- Gold Dragon: (1940, 2000) Natural and straightforward, unpredictable with continually changing emotions
- Water Dragon: (1952, 2012) Persevering, far-sighted, and vigorous
Year of the Snake
- Attribute: Flexibility
- Saying: Flexibility without strength leads to compromise.
- Years of Birth:1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
- Lucky Colors: black, red, and yellow
- Personality: In Chinese culture, the Snake is the most enigmatic animal among the twelve zodiac animals. People born in a year of the Snake are supposed to be the most intuitive. Snakes tend to act according to their own judgments, even while remaining the most private and reticent. They are determined to accomplish their goals and hate to fail. Snakes represent the symbol of wisdom. They are intelligent and wise. They are good at communication but say little. Snakes are usually regarded as great thinkers. Snakes are materialistic and love keeping up with the Joneses. They love to posses the best of everything, but they have no patience for shopping. Snake people prefer to work alone, therefore they are easily stressed. If they seem unusually stressed, it is best to allow them their own space and time to return to normal.
- Best with: Dragon, Rooster
- Worst with: Tiger, Rabbit, Goat
- 5 Types of Snake:
- Wood Snake: (1905, 1965) Orderly, intelligent, with a gift for appreciating the arts and a refined taste
- Fire Snake: (1917, 1977) Smart, insightful, communicative, active, and fond of the limelight
- Earth Snake: (1929, 1989) Calm, with strong self-control, but not steadfast and diligent enough in work
- Gold Snake: (1941, 2001) Determined, courageous, confident, and able: a born leader
- Water Snake: (1953, 2013) Clever, creative, lively, and communicative, but sentimental
Year of the Horse
- Attribute: Forging ahead
- Saying: Forging ahead without unity leads to abandonment.
- Years of Birth: 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026.
- Lucky Colors: yellow and green
- Personality: People born in a year of the Horse are extremely animated, active and energetic. Horses love to be in a crowd, and they can usually be seen on such occasions as concerts, theater performances, meetings, sporting events, and parties. With a deft sense of humor, Horses are masters of repartee. They love to take center stage and delight audiences everywhere. Sometimes, the Horse is a little self-centered, but it doesn't mean that s/he can not be interested in others' problems. Horses are really more cunning than intelligent, and that is probably why most Horse people lack real confidence.
- Best with a Goat or Tiger
- Worst with a Rat, Ox, or Rooster
- 5 Types of Horse:
- Wood Horse: (1954, 2014) Irritable and sentimental, with an abundant imagination and insightful analyses of issues
- Fire Horse: (1906, 1966)Smart, charismatic, lively, overflowing with enthusiasm, but stubborn
- Earth Horse: (1918, 1978)Optimistic, kind-hearted, righteous, but irritable; with a strong sense of responsibility, and always ready to help others
- Gold Horse: (1930, 1990)kind, straightforward, calm, rational, always ready to help others, and popular among friends
- Water Horse: (1942, 2002)Sentimental, irritable, reliable, amicable, always ready to help others, and very charming for friends of the opposite sex.
Year of the Sheep
- Attribute: Unity
- Saying: Unity without forging ahead leads to stagnation.
- Year of Birth: 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
- Lucky Colors: brown, red, purple
- Personality: People born in a year of the Goat are generally believed to be gentle mild-mannered, shy, stable, sympathetic, amicable, and brimming with a strong sense of kindheartedness and justice. They have very delicate thoughts, strong creativity, and perseverance, and acquire professional skills well. Although they look gentle on the surface, they are tough on the inside, always insisting on their own opinions in their minds. They have strong inner resilience and excellent defensive instincts. Though they prefer to be in groups, they do not want to be the center of attention. They are reserved and quiet, most likely because they like spending much time in their thoughts. Goats like to spend money on fashionable things that give them a first class appearance. Although goats enjoy spending money on the finer things in life, they are not snobbish.
- Best with: Rabbit, Horse or Pig
- Worst with: Ox, Dragon, Snake or Dog
- 5 Types of Sheep (Goat):
- Wood Sheep: (1955, 2015) Amicable, gentle, and compassionate.
- Fire Sheep: (1907, 1967) Amicable, frank, and honest, always making everything clean and tidy.
- Earth Sheep: (1919, 1979) Righteous, honest, straightforward, and will never harm their friends.
- Gold Sheep: (1931, 1991)Ambitious and kind-hearted with a strong sense of responsibility in work; sometimes too stubborn.
- Water Sheep: (1943, 2003) Always ready to help others, and they can sacrifice their own interests for others
Year of the Monkey
- Attribute: Changeability
- Saying: Changeability without being constant leads to foolishness.
- Lucky colors: white, blue, gold
- Personality: People born in a year of the Monkey are witty, intelligent, and have a magnetic personality. Personality traits, like mischievousness, curiosity, and cleverness, make them very naughty. Monkeys are masters of practical jokes, because they like playing most of the time. Though they don't have any bad intentions, their pranks sometimes hurt the feelings of others. Monkeys are fast learners and crafty opportunists. They have many interests and need partners who are capable of stimulating them. While some like the eccentric nature of Monkeys, some don't trust their sly, restless, and inquisitive nature. Although they are clever and creative, monkeys can't always exhibit their talent properly. Monkeys like to take challenges and they prefer urban life to rural.
- Best with: Ox or Rabbit
- Worst with: Tiger or Pig
- 5 Types of Monkey:
- Wood Monkey: (2004, 1944) Always ready to help others; compassionate, with strong self-esteem, but stubborn
- Fire Monkey: (2016, 1956) Ambitious and adventurous, but irritable
- Earth Monkey: (1968, 1908) Frank, optimistic, and fearless
- Gold Monkey: (1980, 1920) Smart, quick-witted, and confident, but also irritable and stubborn
- Water Monkey: (1992, 1932) Smart, quick-witted, fond of being in the limelight, but haughty
Year of the Rooster
- Attribute: Being constant
- Saying: Being constant without changeability leads to woodenness.
- Year of Birth: 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, and 2029.
- Lucky Colors: gold, brown, yellow
- Personality: People born in a year of the Rooster are very observant. Hardworking, resourceful, courageous and talented, Roosters are very confident about themselves. Roosters are always active, amusing and popular among the crowd. Roosters are talkative, outspoken, frank, open, honest, and loyal individuals. They like to be the center of attention and always appear attractive and beautiful. Roosters are happiest when they are surrounded by others, whether at a party or just a social gathering. They enjoy the spotlight and will exhibit their charm at any occasion. Roosters expect others to listen to them while they speak, and can become agitated if others don't. Vain and boastful, Roosters like to brag about themselves and their accomplishments. Their continually seeking the unwavering attention of others annoys people around them at times. Good Health for "Roosters" People born in a year of the Rooster are typically healthy people. They are active and enjoy sports such as hiking and swimming. Roosters don't get sick very often because they tend to fight illness well. Even when they do become ill, they feel better quickly. Roosters are a little sensitive, and they feel stressed and moody at times.
- Best with an Ox or Snake
- Worst with a Rat, Rabbit, Horse, or Pig
- 5 Types of Rooster:
- Wood Rooster: (1945, 2005) Energetic, over-confident, tender and unstable
- Fire Rooster: (1957, 2017) Trustworthy, with a strong sense of timekeeping and responsibility at work.
- Earth Rooster:: (1909, 1969) Lovely, generous, trustworthy, and popular in their friends.
- Gold Rooster: (1921, 1981) Determined, brave, perseverant, and hard working
- Water Rooster: (1933, 1993) Smart, quick-witted, tender-hearted, and compassionate
Year of the Dog
- Attribute: Fidelity (Loyalty)
- Saying: Fidelity without amiability leads to rejection.
- Years of the Dog: 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
- Lucky colors: red, green, and purple
- Personality: Dogs are loyal and honest, amiable and kind, cautious and prudent. Due to bearing a strong sense of loyalty and sincerity, Dogs will do everything for the person who they think is most important. As Dogs are not good at communication, it is difficult for them to convey their minds to others. Thus Dogs tend to leave others the impression of a stubborn personality. Born with a good nature, Dogs do not tend to be criminals or seek dishonest gain. They just need a quiet life and a good family, and thus forget the ugliness and evil on earth. Dogs are always ready to help others, and do not care about their own interests, but if they find themselves betrayed by cunning people they will feel shocked and hurt. When thrown into doubt, Dogs think the world is evil and complicated. Then they criticize sharply when giving comments on something, and infer all things are according to their pessimistic point of view.
- Best with: Rabbit
- Worst with: Dragon, Goat, Rooster
- 5 Types of Dog:
- Wood Dog: (1934, 1994)Sincere, reliable, considerate, understanding, and patient
- Fire Dog: (1946, 2006)Intelligent, hard-working, and sincere
- Earth Dog: (1958, 2018)Communicative, serious, and responsible in work
- Gold Dog: (1910, 1970) Conservative, desirable, cautious, and always ready to help others
- Water Dog: (1922, 1982)Brave and self-centered, even seemingly selfish; well-versed in dealing with financial issues
Year of the Pig
- Attribute: Amiability
- Saying: Amiability without fidelity leads to immorality.
- Years of the Pig: 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
- Lucky colors: yellow, gray, brown, gold
- Personality: Pigs are diligent, compassionate, and generous. They have great concentration: once they set a goal, they will devote all their energy to achieving it. Though Pigs rarely seek help from others, they will not refuse to give others a hand. Pigs never suspect trickery, so they are easily fooled. General speaking, Pigs are relatively calm when facing trouble. No matter how difficult the problems are Pigs encounter, they can handle things properly and carefully. They have a great sense of responsibility to finish what they are engaged in.
- Best match: Goat, Tiger, Rabbit
- Worst match: Monkey, Snake
- 5 Types of Pig:
- Wood pig: (1935, 1995)Good-natured, lovely, easy-going, generous, brave but irritable
- Fire pig: (1947, 2007) Ambitious, persevering, but impatient
- Earth pig: (1959,2019) Communicative, popular among their friends, with a strong sense of timekeeping
- Gold pig: (1911, 1971) Broad-minded, amicable, and willing to help others
- Water pig: (1923,1983) Gentle, modest, earnest, responsible, but subjective in life