What's your Chinese zodiac sign? If you don't already know, it's time to figure it out. The Chinese zodiac is divided into 12 parts - just the same as the Western zodiac - but it covers a cycle of years, not months. The Chinese zodiac isn't a "traditional" zodiac per se, as the animals don't represent constellations the way the Western version does, but each specific sign does look to define a person's traits and personality and highlight strengths and weaknesses.
So, do you know what your Chinese zodiac sign says about you? And do you know what kind of year you're supposed to have? Knowing your sign according to the Chinese zodiac won't define your future, but it might give you a little insight as to the path you might follow based on your personality traits. Even if you don't believe in astrology, there's plenty of interesting observations and stories behind specific Chinese zodiac years and the animals that represent them.
Even though rats are looked down upon by most of the world, the people born in the year of the Rat are considered to be intelligent, acute, and alert to their surroundings. Rats are usually good businesspeople because of their adaptability and popularity with others. Some famous Rats are George Washington, William Shakespeare, Wayne Gretzky, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Cameron Diaz.
Years of the Rat: 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Like an ox itself, people born under the sign of the Ox are usually industrious, cautious, and patient. They are steady, but, also like an ox, they have a tendency to be stubborn and indifferent to those around them. Some famous people born under the sign of the Ox include Barack Obama, Napoleon Bonaparte, Keira Knightley, Charlie Chaplin, and Rosa Parks.
Years of the Ox: 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
People born in the year of the Tiger are friendly, command authority, and have plenty of good fortune. While Tigers can be impetuous and cranky, they also make great leaders and exude confidence. They are not known for making compromises, so marrying a tiger can be a challenge. Some famous Tigers include Karl Marx, Marco Polo, Emily Dickinson, Leo DiCaprio, and Ludwig van Beethoven.
Years of the Tiger: 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
Those people born under the sign of the Rabbit are kind-hearted, quick, and gentle. They like to compromise and negotiate to find solutions instead of starting a row. They are seen as romantic homebodies, and often hospitable. Some famous Rabbits include Albert Einstein, Michael Jordan, Whitney Houston, Orson Welles, and Angelina Jolie.
Years of the Rabbit: 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
People born in the year of the Dragon are held in high regard in Chinese culture; emperors even gave themselves the title of Dragon. People born in those auspicious years are considered to have honor, dignity, and authority, but Dragons are also often conceited and quick-tempered, so it's not all good news. Some famous Dragons include Bruce Lee, Susan B. Anthony, Joan of Arc, and John Lennon.
Years of the Dragon: 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
People born in the year of the Snake are considered wise, agile, and sympathetic, but also have a bevy of negative traits associated with them, unfortunately. Snakes often carry a malevolent presence, and their cunning can be seen as both positive and negative simultaneously. A hefty amount of suspicion lives inside the Snake, which often makes them paranoid. Some famous Snakes include Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Ghandi, Audrey Hepburn, Pablo Picasso, and Taylor Swift.
Years of the Snake: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
