Most of us have been asked, “So what’s your sign?” If they’re cute you quip back oh I’m a Taurus, or a Sag – aka Sagittarius. However, if they’re not to your liking…well, generally you roll your eyes and go back to your drink. But if you want to throw them for a loop respond with I’m a rat, or monkey, or tiger! The Chinese have their own Zodiac system called 生肖 shengxiao.
Similar to its Western counterpart there are 12 signs – Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig – but unlike the West, the signs correspond to years not months, nor are they associated with constellations.
The popular story goes that the Jade Emperor invited all of the animals to participate in a race celebrating his birthday. The first 12 animals to cross the finish line would each be assigned the honor of a rotating year in the new calendar. The last part of the race required them to cross the river and the clever rat convinced the ox to carry him across, but at the last minute jumped off the ox’s nose to land on the river bank first. This awarded him the first position in the calendar cycle. The ox came in second while the tiger – 2022 is a tiger year – placed third. As with most stories passed through the generations, the details have altered slightly over time but the general idea remains the same.
As we head into 2022’s Year of the Tiger I decided to investigate the supposed characteristics of each sign. Read on to find out what you and your little one are according to ancient Chinese tradition.
Rat Babies
Birth years: 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Rats are said to be ambitious, charming, and good at earning and saving money. They can be very loyal friends and clever employees but are also said to be tricksters and strategists who won’t directly lie to you, though they might not tell you the whole story if it serves their own interests.
Ox Babies
Birth years: 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
Ox natives are said to be incredibly patient, steadfast, and hard working. But they can also be stubborn and a little materialistic. Loyal friends and thoughtful partners they are said to be choosy about who they give their time and energy to.
Tiger Babies
Birth years: 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
Supposedly the most confident of the signs, tigers are smart, quick-witted, and highly magnetic personalities. But they can also come across as arrogant and selfish according to traditional wisdom.
Rabbit Babies
Birth years: 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
Those born in the Year of the Rabbit are seen as the most artistic and romantic of the Zodiac signs. They have very refined sensibilities and a high level of taste but can be introverted which, when taken together, makes them seem judgmental or snobby.
Dragon Babies
Birth years: 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
Dragons are seen as highly intelligent perfectionists that are generous and engaging but lack patience and have short tempers. They are often seen as egotistical but… that’s because they are cool, they are a freakin’ dragon!
Snake Babies
Birth years: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
Snakes don’t have the demonic reputation they are saddled with in the West. Instead, snakes are said to be the most beautiful and alluring of the signs. Their clever wit wins them many admirers but they can be very jealous and conniving towards rivals.
Horse Babies
Birth years: 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
Horses are said to be strong, enthusiastic, and independent. They can be incredibly good at winning people over to their point of view but are also considered capricious and unreliable.
Goat/Sheep Babies
Birth years: 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
Almost the exact opposite of their Western Capricorn counterparts, goat natives are easy-going and relaxed with an incredible penchant for creativity but have a reputation for being a little lazy and disorganized.
Monkey Babies
Birth years: 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
The natural entertainers of the Chinese Zodiac! Fun and lively with lots of energy, they are not glass half-full optimists, they are the glass is overflowing optimists. The life of the party has its downsides too. They are said to be unpredictable and lazy when unmotivated. This sign needs a spoon full of sugar to make the less desirable chores of life palatable.
Rooster Babies
Birth years: 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
Rooster natives love a good adventure and can’t wait to try something new. They also have a charitable streak and love lifting others up. But they also have a reputation for being boastful about their altruism and even a little argumentative at times if you prick their pride.
Dog Babies
Birth years: 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
Said to be the most trustworthy and loyal of all the signs. Dogs are also known as being intuitive and able to sniff out opportunities. Long-term planners, they are able to see projects through. But they can be anxious and often exhibit imposter syndrome.
Pig Babies
Birth years: 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
Kind and generous, those born in the Year of the Pig have a reputation for loving comfort and luxury, as well as wanting to share it. This coupled with an outgoing personality means they are always surrounded by friends and good times but they can be impatient and petulant when things don’t go their way. They are also known for a bit of a lazy streak. In the zodiac story, the pig is often depicted as being last because he stopped for a snack and a rest.
Wishing you and your little one a Happy Chinese New year! 恭喜发财 Gong Xi Facai!
KEEP READING: Capture Beautiful Chinese New Year Photos at The Peninsula Hotel for Free
Images: Canva
