In the Chinese zodiac, the year you were born determines your overall birth sign horoscope, which, like your sun sign, can be used as a general reference or starting point.
Similar to Western astrology, the Chinese zodiac is widely misunderstood. Just as your Western sign would be incomplete if taken without your Rising and Moon signs, so too is your Chinese zodiac incomplete without facial characteristics, palmistry, and the exact month, day, and hour you were born.
Keeping in mind that the ‘year’ in the Chinese zodiac goes by the Lunar New Year (which starts sometime between January 21st and February 20th depending on the year), here is a basic guideline to which animal you are based on your birth year:
Rat
Years: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Characteristics: Quick-witted, resourceful, versatile, kind
Ox
Years: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
Characteristics: Diligent, dependable, strong, determined
Tiger
Years: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
Characteristics: Brave, confident, competitive
Rabbit
Years: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
Characteristics: Quiet, elegant, kind, responsible
Dragon
Years: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
Characteristics: Confident, intelligent, enthusiastic
Snake
Years: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
Characteristics: Enigmatic, intelligent, cunning
Horse
Years: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
Characteristics: Animated, energetic, warm-hearted
Goat
Years: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
Characteristics: Calm, gentle, sympathetic
Monkey
Years: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
Characteristics: Sharp, smart, curious
Rooster
Years: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
Goat
Years: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
Characteristics: Calm, gentle, sympathetic
Monkey
Years: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
Characteristics: Observant, hardworking, courageous
Dog
Years: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
Characteristics: Loving, honest, prudent
Pig
Years: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
Characteristics: Compassionate, generous, diligent
The Missing Cat
You’ll notice there is no cat zodiac — the forgotten cat is a well-known story. As the tale goes, the Jade Emperor held a race to determine which animals would be honoured by having their own zodiac year.
The cat, who was good friends with the rat, asked the rat to wake him when the race began. The rat forgot about the poor cat, and that’s why cats today are always chasing after those sneaky lil’ rats.
The Year of the Rat
This year, 2020, is the year of the rat. It begins January 25th and ends on February 11th, 2021.
People born in rat years are well-suited to be directors, administrators, lawyers, musicians, or artists thanks to their dual traits of quick-wittedness and kindness.
Rats can expect many challenges in 2020 — your birth year is believed to be unlucky — but this also gives you an opportunity to prove yourself.
Fend off bad luck in your zodiac year by wearing red, especially red underwear — but make sure they’re bought by a spouse, family member, or friend. Rat’s lucky numbers are 2 and 3, and their lucky colors are blue, gold, and green.
In 2020, we can all live our best lives by wearing blue, gold, green, and especially red. Embrace the quick-wittedness, resourcefulness, and kindness of the rat, and you’ll increase your chances of an auspicious year ahead.
