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Chinese Zodiac 2025: Find Out Your Animal Sign Based on Your Birth Year

The Chinese New Year—the Year of the Snake—starts on January 29

01/28/2025, 20:56

The Chinese zodiac is quite different from the Western one we’re familiar with. Instead of following Earth’s orbit around the Sun, it’s based on a 12-year cycle where each year is represented by an animal with specific traits. According to tradition, these traits influence the personalities of people born in the year of that animal.

In Chinese astrology, both an individual’s character and the traits of an entire generation are shaped by the Chinese lunar calendar. Each person’s personality is linked to one of the 12 zodiac animals: the Rat, Ox, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, or Pig.

Curious About Your Chinese Zodiac Sign?

It’s tied to your birth year, but keep in mind that the Chinese New Year doesn’t start on January 1 like the Western calendar. Instead, it falls between January 21 and February 20, depending on the year. For example, in 2025, the Chinese New Year—the Year of the Snake—starts on January 29. So, babies born between January 1 and January 28, 2025, will still belong to the Year of the Dragon, the sign for 2024 in the Chinese zodiac.

In 2025, those born during the Chinese lunar year will fall under the sign of the Wood Snake. In Chinese astrology, a person’s birth year determines their zodiac animal, but there’s an added layer of complexity: the influence of the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water). These elements provide additional depth to a person’s personality, shaping their character in unique ways. Later, we’ll explain how to find out which element corresponds to your birth year.

1. The Rat

People born in the lunar years 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, and 2020 belong to the Rat, the first sign of the Chinese zodiac. Those under this sign are known for their energy, curiosity, and intellectual brilliance. Rats are naturally sociable, fun, and charming individuals with a knack for leadership.

2. The Ox

The Ox holds the second spot in the Chinese zodiac. This sign includes those born in the lunar years 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, and 2021. People under this sign are typically intelligent, reliable, humble, and incredibly determined. Known for their kindness, they value family and hard work above all else.

3. The Tiger

The Tiger is the third sign in the Chinese zodiac. It represents those born in the lunar years 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, and 2022. Tigers are brave, active, and kind-hearted individuals with a strong sense of benevolence. Their bold and energetic personalities often make them natural leaders.

4. The Rabbit

The Rabbit holds the fourth spot in the Chinese zodiac. People born in the years 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, and 2023 fall under this sign. According to Chinese astrology, Rabbits are incredibly sincere in everything they do. They are kind, honest, and expect the same in return from others. Rabbits are calm, confident, detail-oriented, and possess a quiet strength.

5. The Dragon

Following the Rabbit is the Dragon, representing those born in the years 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, and 2024. Dragons are known for their sense of responsibility, strength, and independence. They are brave, determined, intelligent, enthusiastic, confident, and tenacious. Despite their fierce and driven nature, Dragons deeply crave a life filled with love.

6. The Snake

The Snake is another intriguing sign in the Chinese zodiac. Those born in 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, and 2013 belong to this sign. Snakes are intuitive and possess a deep, complex mind. When they love, they do so with sincerity and devotion. They have a great sense of humor, are naturally calm, and are often skilled planners who approach life thoughtfully.

7. The Horse

The Horse is the seventh sign of the Chinese zodiac, representing those born in 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, and 2014. Like the animal itself, people born under this sign need space and freedom to be themselves. They are independent spirits who relentlessly chase their dreams. Horses are often studious, athletic, and passionate seekers of happiness. However, they can also be quick-tempered, though they tend to forgive and forget just as easily. At times, they may struggle to recognize their own flaws.

8. The Goat

The Goat is the eighth sign of the Chinese zodiac, covering those born in 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, and 2015. People under this sign are deeply empathetic and often put others’ needs before their own, sometimes to their own detriment. They are known for their perseverance, generosity, resilience, and motivation. Their tolerant and understanding nature makes them excellent friends who attract strong social circles.

9. The Monkey

The Monkey holds the ninth spot in the Chinese zodiac and includes those born in 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, and 2016. Monkeys are highly intelligent, cheerful, logical, and naturally playful. Their sharp minds make them quick thinkers, but sometimes their intelligence can come across as arrogance. At their worst, they can be disrespectful, self-centered, or jealous, but their wit and charm often make them stand out.

10. The Rooster

Following the Monkey comes the Rooster, the tenth sign of the Chinese zodiac, representing those born in 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, and 2017. Roosters often appear tough and strong on the outside, but deep down, they need love and affection just like everyone else. They are serious, reserved, and perfectionists, with a strong sense of family. At the same time, they are active, sociable, and fun to be around. However, they love to win, can be argumentative, get frustrated when they feel unheard, and take great pride in themselves.

11. The Dog

The Dog is the eleventh sign of the Chinese zodiac, including those born in 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, and 2018. Dogs are known for their affectionate and loyal nature, much like the animal itself. They are sincere, kind-hearted, and trustworthy, always looking out for the people they love. While they may seem calm on the surface, they often carry worries deep inside.

12. The Pig

The Pig is the twelfth and final sign of the Chinese zodiac, representing those born in 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, and 2019. Pigs are honest, courageous, energetic, and enthusiastic. They enjoy life’s pleasures without being wasteful and maintain a realistic outlook on life. Despite their practical mindset, they often have good luck when it comes to personal relationships and achieving their goals.

The Five Elements in the Chinese Zodiac

In addition to the zodiac animals, the Chinese horoscope includes another key factor: the Five Elements—Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, and Earth. According to Chinese tradition, these elements, combined with your birth year, help shape your personality. This means you could be a Wood Ox, a Fire Monkey, or a Water Goat, depending on when you were born.

To find out which element corresponds to your birth year, simply look at the last digit of your birth year and match it to the following guide:

Metal → Birth years ending in 0 or 1
Water → Birth years ending in 2 or 3
Wood → Birth years ending in 4 or 5
Fire → Birth years ending in 6 or 7
Earth → Birth years ending in 8 or 9

Each element adds unique characteristics to your zodiac sign, influencing how you think, act, and interact with the world around you.

Article in Spanish for LOS40 Spain.