Chinese Zodiac Calendar (1924-2043)
| Zodiac Animal | Chinese Name | Recent Years |
|---|---|---|
| Rat | 鼠 (shǔ) | 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032 |
| Ox | 牛 (niú) | 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033 |
| Tiger | 虎 (hǔ) | 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034 |
| Rabbit | 兔 (tù) | 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2035 |
| Dragon | 龙 (lóng) | 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024, 2036 |
| Snake | 蛇 (shé) | 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025, 2037 |
| Horse | 马 (mǎ) | 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026, 2038 |
| Sheep | 羊 (yáng) | 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027, 2039 |
| Monkey | 猴 (hóu) | 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028, 2040 |
| Rooster | 鸡 (jī) | 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029, 2041 |
| Dog | 狗 (gǒu) | 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030, 2042 |
| Pig | 猪 (zhū) | 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031, 2043 |
Complete Zodiac Calendar
The Chinese zodiac, known as Sheng Xiao (生肖), operates on a 12-year cycle, each year represented by a specific animal. This ancient system, dating back over 2000 years, is deeply woven into Chinese culture and tradition. The zodiac calendar not only marks years but also influences beliefs about personality traits, fortune, and compatibility. Unlike the Western zodiac, which changes monthly, your Chinese zodiac sign is determined by your birth year according to the lunar calendar. Each animal brings its unique characteristics and is associated with specific elements, creating a complex system of cultural and astrological significance that continues to fascinate people worldwide.
Understanding the Calendar
Lunar Calendar System
The Chinese zodiac follows the lunar calendar, with each new year starting on different dates of the Gregorian calendar, typically between late January and mid-February.
12-Year Cycle
Each zodiac animal rules for one year in a 12-year cycle. This system has been used for over two millennia to mark years and understand personal characteristics.
Cultural Significance
Your zodiac year (本命年, bǔn mìng nián) is considered significant in Chinese culture, believed to bring both challenges and opportunities for personal growth.