DavidWolfe.comWhen we talk about zodiac signs, we often focus on the 12 Western constellation signs that pertain to the months of the year. Y’know – Aquarius, Cancer, Taurus, etc.
Today, though, we’re going to explore the 12 Chinese animal zodiac signs.
The Chinese zodiac operates on a 12 year cycle, with each year being governed by a particular animal of significance to Buddhist mythology.
This system has been a part of Asian culture for thousands of years, providing individuals with everything from names for their children to information on compatibility with potential mates.
Which animal was your birth year governed by?
Take a look at the dates below, as reported by ChinaHighlights.com.
- Rat: 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960
- Ox: 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961
- Tiger: 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962
- Rabbit: 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963
- Dragon: 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964
- Snake: 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965
- Horse: 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966
- Goat: 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967
- Monkey: 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968
- Rooster: 2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969
- Dog: 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970
- Pig: 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971
If you were born before 1960, keep working backwards. For example, if your birth year was 1959, you fall under the ‘pig’ category. 1958? You’re governed by the dog – and so forth.
Got your Chinese zodiac figured out? Great! Now onto the most important part.
What This Means
Check out the flip cards below to learn about the characteristics of each Chinese zodiac.
Do you think your reading was accurate? Be sure to leave us a note in the comments and pass this post along to your friends to see what they get!
Looking to learn more about the significance of the Chinese zodiac? Check out this quick TED Talk!
More Zodiac Awesomeness
But wait, there’s more! Check out this post to learn about how each of the zodiac signs express anger.
Sources:
ChinaHighlights.com
Cocoloni.com
About.com