A traditional custom associated with the Chinese calendar states that a person’s personality is determined by the year they were born. Each year in the Chinese calendar is represented by an animal known as the Chinese zodiac sign. According to this tradition, you are supposed to have the same traits as the animal that represents the year you were born. For example, the lunar year 2023, which begins on January 22, is the year of the Rabbit. Last year, 2022, was the year of the Tiger, and 2021 was the year of the Ox.
If you were born in the year 1982, then you have the characteristics of a dog, if you were born in 1974, then you have the characteristics of a tiger, etc. The Chinese zodiac is woven into the cultural fabric of many Asian cultures and is used to “Determine your fortune for the year, marriage compatibility, career path, best times to have a baby, and much more.” (CNY)
In the spirit of celebrating cultural diversity and love for world cultures, I went ahead and put together this list of 12 Chinese Zodiac Animals that you can share with your students and help them learn more about Chinese New Year and its traditions. The two main sources I relied on are National Geographic Children (NGK) and chinesenewyear.net (CNY).
chinese zodiac animals
1. Animal of the zodiac: Rat
The rat in Chinese culture is associated with wealth, wealth, and surplus. Legend has it that if you were born in the Year of the Rat (eg, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020), you will likely have these characteristics: “You see obstacles as opportunities and have tons of creativity that keeps you from getting bored. Your quick thinking helps you get through sudden changes in your routine.” (NG)
2. Animal of the zodiac: Ox
The ox has a special place in Chinese culture because of the hard work it can do in the fields. It is often associated with honesty, hard work, respect, diligence, and adaptability. The years of the Ox are: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
3. Animal of the zodiac: Tiger
Legend has it that people born in the year of the Tiger (for example, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022) are associated with these attributes: courage, ambition, enthusiasm, generosity, confidence in himself, commitment to help others, altruism, sociability and audacity.
4. Animal of the zodiac: Rabbit
Rabbits are known for their agility and playfulness. If you were born in the Year of the Rabbit (eg, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023), you are likely to be someone who “prefers to figure things out on your own, but always think of the best way to say things before you speak. You don’t like picking fights, but you’d rather think of the best way to solve a problem before people get angry.” (NG).
5. Animal of the zodiac: Dragon
Dragons are highly valued in Chinese culture. Emperors were seen as ‘reincarnations of dragons’. If you were born in the year of the Dragon (eg, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024), you are likely associated with the following attributes: upholding family, bravery, ambition , and generosity.
6. Animal of the zodiac: Snake
If you were born in the year of the Snake (eg, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025), you likely have these traits: thoughtfulness and a strong sense of decision-making , means what you say, a smart communicator, “you always have the facts to back up what you think, and you rarely back down.” (NG)
7. Animal of the zodiac: Horse
Horses in Chinese culture represent agility and freedom and are highly revered. If you were born in the year of the Horse (for example, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026), you will exhibit these attributes: being energetic, full of life, goal-oriented, sociable, easy-going and free spirit.
8. Animal of the zodiac: Goat
In Chinese culture, the goat represents “filial piety, purity, and kindness.” If you were born in the year of the Goat (eg, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027), you will probably have these attributes: easy to get along with people, has a deep sense of curious, and you like to learn new things.
9. Animal of the zodiac: Monkey
Monkeys are associated with long life and longevity. If you were born in the year of the Monkey (eg, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028), legend has it that you are a family-oriented person, enjoy family gatherings, Enjoy family traditions and you will thrive in group work.
10. Animal of the zodiac: Rooster
According to ancient myths, roosters “are able to protect against evil spirits. In ancient times, sworn brothers must swear to the heavens, then pour rooster blood into wine and drink it all.” (CNY). If you were born in the year Rooster (eg, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029), legend has it that you are a well-organized person, likes to work according to planned schedules. , and you do your best to be successful at what you do.
11. Animal of the zodiac: Dog
Dogs are universally known for their loyalty and fidelity. If you were born in the year of the Dog (eg, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030), you are likely to be a loyal, snuggling, attentive to detail person , and loves the company.
12: Animal of the zodiac: Pig
If you were born in the year of the Pig (for example, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031), you are a person who “remembers past events well and learns quickly from your mistakes. Enjoy be with a small group of friends or family and are great at finding solutions when challenges arise.” (NG)
