View source for Chinese zodiac

{{Short description|Lunar calendar classification in a 12-year cycle}}
{{For|the 2012 film starring [[Jackie Chan]]|CZ12}}
{{Hatnote|Unless otherwise specified, Chinese text in this article is written in the format ''[[Simplified Chinese]] / [[Traditional Chinese]], [[Pinyin]]''. If the Simplified and Traditional Chinese characters are identical, they are written only once.}}
{{Infobox Chinese
|pic=Chinese Zodiac carvings on ceiling of Kushida Shrine, Fukuoka.jpg
|picsize=
|c={{linktext|生肖}}
|p=shēngxiào
|bpmf=ㄕㄥ ㄒㄧㄠˋ
|gr=shengshiaw
|w={{tonesup|sheng1-hsiao4}}
|mi={{IPAc-cmn|sh|eng|1|.|x|iao|4}}
|j=saang1 ciu3
|y=sāangchiu
|ci={{IPAc-yue|s|aang|1|.|c|iu|3}}
|wuu=sen平-siau去
|poj=singsiàu
|buc=săng-ngá
|h=sensiau
|showflag=p
|p2=shǔxiàng
|bpmf2=ㄕㄨˇ ㄒㄧㄤˋ
|gr2=shuushianq
|w2={{tonesup|shu3-hsiang4}}
|mi2={{IPAc-cmn|sh|u|3|.|x|iang|4}}
|j2=suk6 soeng3
|y2=suhkseung
|ci2={{IPAc-yue|s|uk|6|.|s|oeng|3}}
|wuu2=zoh入-sian平
|poj2=sio̍ksiùnn
|altname=
|t2={{linktext|屬相}}
|s2={{linktext|属相}}
|order=st
}}

The '''Chinese zodiac''' is a traditional classification scheme based on the [[Chinese calendar]] that assigns an animal and its reputed attributes to each year in a repeating twelve-year cycle.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Chinese Zodiac |url=https://lammuseum.wfu.edu/education/teachers/chinese-new-year/the-chinese-zodiac/ |access-date=2023-12-27 |website=Timothy S. Y. Lam Museum of Anthropology |language=en}}</ref> The zodiac is very important in traditional Chinese culture and exists as a reflection of [[Chinese philosophy]] and [[Chinese culture|culture]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chinese Zodiac {{!}} Home |url=https://depts.washington.edu/triolive/quest/2007/TTQ07030/index.html |access-date=2023-12-27 |website=UW Departments Web Server}}</ref> Chinese folkways held that one's personality is related to the attributes of their zodiac animal.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Gao |first=Jinlin |last2=Joh |first2=Yoon-kyoung |date=2019-04-30 |title=Chinese Zodiac Culture and the Rhetorical Construction of ''A Shu B'', ''C'' |url=https://s-space.snu.ac.kr/bitstream/10371/153111/1/03%2019-004%20Jinlin%20Gao%20and%20Yoon-kyoung%20Joh.pdf |journal=Lanaguage Research |language=en |volume=55 |issue=1 |pages=2 |doi=10.30961/lr.2019.55.1.55 |doi-access=free |publisher=Seoul National University |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106115356/https://s-space.snu.ac.kr/bitstream/10371/153111/1/03%2019-004%20Jinlin%20Gao%20and%20Yoon-kyoung%20Joh.pdf |archive-date= Jan 6, 2024 }}</ref> Originating from [[China]], the zodiac and its variations remain popular in many [[East Asia]]n and [[Southeast Asia]]n [[Sovereign state|countries]], such as [[Japan]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thoughtco.com/japanese-zodiac-overview-2028019|title=The Twelve Japanese Zodiac Signs|last=Abe|first=Namiko|website=ThoughtCo|language=en|access-date=2019-07-16|archive-date=2017-10-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014105037/https://www.thoughtco.com/japanese-zodiac-overview-2028019|url-status=live}}</ref> [[South Korea]],<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.astroica.com/chinese-astrology/chinese-zodiac/|title=Chinese Zodiac and Chinese Year Animals|website=astroica.com|access-date=2019-07-16|archive-date=2011-03-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110324135646/https://www.astroica.com/chinese-astrology/chinese-zodiac/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Vietnam]],<ref name=":0" /> [[Singapore]], [[Nepal]], [[Bhutan]], [[Cambodia]], and [[Thailand]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thaizer.com/culture-shock/animals-of-the-thai-zodiac-and-the-twelve-year-cycle/|title=Animals of the Thai Zodiac and the Twelve Year Cycle|date=2011-09-08|website=Thaizer|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-07-16|archive-date=2012-08-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120814163343/https://www.thaizer.com/culture-shock/animals-of-the-thai-zodiac-and-the-twelve-year-cycle/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Identifying this scheme as a "''[[zodiac]]''" reflects superficial similarities to the [[western astrology|Western zodiac]]: both divide time cycles into twelve parts, label the majority of those parts with animals, and are used to ascribe a person's personality or events in their life to the person's particular relationship to the cycle. The 12 Chinese zodiac animals in a cycle are not only used to represent years in China, but also believed to influence people's personalities, career, compatibility, marriage, and fortune.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chinese Zodiac: 2024 Year of Dragon, 12 Animal Signs, Calculator |url=https://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/social_customs/zodiac/ |access-date=2023-12-26 |website=www.travel china guide.com}}</ref>

For the starting date of a zodiac year, there are two schools of thought in [[Chinese astrology]]: [[Chinese New Year]] or the [[Lichun|start of winter]].

== History ==
{{multiple issues|
{{confusing section|date=February 2024}}
{{copy edit|section|date=February 2024}}
}}
There are theories that suggested the twelve animals were chosen for their symbolic traits, where they were adired in traditional Chinese culture, and the selection process have veried regionally before becoming standarized in the Han Dynasty (Cao, 2008). This standarization connected these animals into a cyclical timekeeping system, where it is seen as a way to reflect personality traits and the entire society (Zhou, 2017).

According to legend, the [[Jade Emperor]] held a contest to decide which animals would be lucky enough to be included in the calendar. The winner of the race – the rat – received the first year of the 12-year cycle, and so on.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Markarian |first=Taylor |date=2023-08-12 |title=The 12 Chinese Astrology Signs and What They Mean for You |url=https://www.rd.com/article/what-is-my-chinese-zodiac-sign/ |access-date=2023-12-26 |website=Reader's Digest |language=en-US}}</ref>

However, according to historical records and research,{{by whom|date=February 2024}} the Chinese zodiac appeared after the establishment of the "Ganji Chronicle Law",{{when|date=February 2024}} and each of the twelve animals corresponded one of the twelve branches. People born in any given year have animals belonging to that branch of the earth, and accordingly, twelve animals are used for chronology and the genus of each person.

In the [[Eastern Han dynasty]], [[Xu Shen]] said that the character ''si'' (巳) was the image of a snake, and the same was true for ''hai'' (亥) and ''shi'' (豕; 'pig'). Since the twelve [[Earthly Branches]] of the zodiac were easily confused, folks replaced them with animals and borrowed the ordinal symbols to match them with the Earthly Branches to form a chronological symbol system.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-10-22 |title=The origin of the twelve zodiac signs is like this. |url=https://author.baidu.com/home?from=bjh_article&app_id=1646093932972296 |access-date=2023-12-26 |website=author.baidu.com |language=zh}}{{title missing|partial=yes|date=February 2024}}<!-- Specific URL seems to be https://baijiahao.baidu.com/s?id=1681229008769108933 --></ref>

"Totem and celestial combination theory", suggests the zodiac is ancient animal totem worship combined with astronomical images in astronomy. Among them, the explanation of the totem and celestial combinations is more scientific.{{Citation needed|date=July 2024}}

==Signs==
[[File:Daoist-symbols Qingyanggong Chengdu.jpg|thumb|right|A stone carving of the Chinese zodiac.]]
[[File:Animal horaire à tête de dragon, M.C. 9856(3).jpg|thumb|Ceramic [[figurine]]s of calendar animals, from left to right: Tiger-headed, Dragon-headed, Snake-headed, Monkey-headed and Rooster-headed. [[Tang dynasty]] era. [[Musée Cernuschi]]]]
The [[zodiac]] [[Chinese culture|traditionally]] begins with the sign of the [[Rat (zodiac)|Rat]].{{Citation needed|date=July 2024}} The following are the twelve [[zodiac]] signs in order, each with its associated characteristics ([[Heavenly Stems]], [[Earthly Branches|Earthly Branch]], [[Yin and yang|yin/yang force]], [[Astrological aspect#Trine|Trine]], and [[Wuxing (Chinese philosophy)|nature element]]).<ref>Theodora Lau, ''The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes'', pp. 2–8, 30–35, 60–64, 88–94, 118–124, 148–153, 178–184, 208–213, 238–244, 270–278, 306–312, 338–344, Souvenir Press, New York, 2005</ref> The belief that everyone and every animal has a role to play in society conforms to Confucian beliefs in a hierarchical society. Just as Confucian beliefs persist in Asia today alongside more modern social views, so does zodiac use.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Learn the History of the Chinese Zodiac |url=https://www.thoughtco.com/origins-of-the-chinese-zodiac-687597 |access-date=2023-12-26 |website=ThoughtCo |language=en|author-first1=Lisa|author-last1=Chiu|date=2019-07-21}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! scope="col" | Number
! scope="col" | English
! scope="col" | Animal
! scope="col" | [[Earthly branch]]
! scope="col" | Yin/yang
! scope="col" | [[Astrological aspect#Trine|Trine]]
! scope="col" | Fixed element
|-
| 1 || '''[[Rat (zodiac)|Rat]]''' || {{linktext|鼠}} ''shǔ''
|{{linktext|子}} ''zǐ''|| [[Yin and yang|Yang]] || 1st || [[Water (Wu Xing)|Water]]
|-
| 2 || '''[[Ox (zodiac)|Ox]]''' || {{linktext|牛}} ''niú''
|{{linktext|丑}} ''chǒu''|| [[Yin and yang|Yin]] || 2nd || [[Earth (Wu Xing)|Earth]]
|-
| 3 || '''[[Tiger (zodiac)|Tiger]]''' || {{linktext|虎}} ''hǔ''
|{{linktext|寅}} ''yín''|| [[Yin and yang|Yang]] || 3rd || [[Wood (Wu Xing)|Wood]]
|-
| 4 || '''[[Rabbit (zodiac)|Rabbit]]''' || {{linktext|兔}} ''tù''
|{{linktext|卯}} ''mǎo''|| [[Yin and yang|Yin]] || 4th || [[Wood (Wu Xing)|Wood]]
|-
| 5 || '''[[Dragon (zodiac)|Dragon]]''' || {{linktext|龍}}/{{linktext|龙}} ''lóng''
|{{linktext|辰}} ''chén''|| [[Yin and yang|Yang]] || 1st || [[Earth (Wu Xing)|Earth]]
|-
| 6 || '''[[Snake (zodiac)|Snake]]''' || {{linktext|蛇}} ''shé'' 
|{{linktext|巳}} ''sì''|| [[Yin and yang|Yin]] || 2nd || [[Fire (Wu Xing)|Fire]]
|-
| 7 || '''[[Horse (zodiac)|Horse]]''' || {{linktext|馬}}/{{linktext|马}} ''mǎ''
|{{linktext|午}} ''wǔ''|| [[Yin and yang|Yang]] || 3rd || [[Fire (Wu Xing)|Fire]]
|-
| 8 || '''[[Goat (zodiac)|Goat]]''' || {{linktext|羊}} ''yáng''
|{{linktext|未}} ''wèi''|| [[Yin and yang|Yin]] || 4th || [[Earth (Wu Xing)|Earth]]
|-
| 9 || '''[[Monkey (zodiac)|Monkey]]''' || {{linktext|猴}} ''hóu'' 
|{{linktext|申}} ''shēn''|| [[Yin and yang|Yang]] || 1st || [[Metal (Wu Xing)|Metal]]
|-
| 10 || '''[[Rooster (zodiac)|Rooster]]''' || {{linktext|雞}}/{{linktext|鸡}} ''jī'' 
|{{linktext|酉}} ''yǒu''|| [[Yin and yang|Yin]] || 2nd || [[Metal (Wu Xing)|Metal]]
|-
| 11 || '''[[Dog (zodiac)|Dog]]''' || {{linktext|狗}} ''gǒu''
|{{linktext|戌}} ''xū''|| [[Yin and yang|Yang]] || 3rd || [[Earth (Wu Xing)|Earth]]
|-
| 12 || '''[[Pig (zodiac)|Pig]]''' || {{linktext|豬}}/{{linktext|猪}} ''zhū''
|{{linktext|亥}} ''hài''|| [[Yin and yang|Yin]] || 4th || [[Water (Wu Xing)|Water]]
|}

In [[Chinese astrology]] the animal signs assigned by '''year''' represent self-presentation or perception by others.{{Citation needed|date=July 2024}} It is a common misconception that the animals assigned by year are the only signs, and many [[Western culture|Western]] descriptions of [[Chinese astrology]] only reference this system. There are also animal signs assigned by '''month''' (called "inner animals"), by '''day''' (called "true animals"), and '''hours''' (called "secret animals"). The [[Earth (Wu Xing)|Earth]] is all twelve signs, with five seasons.{{Citation needed|date=July 2024}}

[[Michel Ferlus]] (2013) notes that the Old Chinese names of the earthly branches are of [[Austroasiatic languages|Austroasiatic]] origin.<ref name="Ferlus2013">Ferlus, Michel (2013). ''[https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/halshs-00922842/document The sexagesimal cycle, from China to Southeast Asia]''. 23rd Annual Conference of the Southeast Asian Linguistics Society, May 2013, Bangkok, Thailand. <halshs-00922842v2></ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=April 2023}} Some of Ferlus's comparisons are given below, with Old Chinese reconstructions cited from Baxter & Sagart (2014).<ref>{{cite book|last=Baxter|first=William H.|last2=Sagart|first2=Laurent|title=Old Chinese: A New Reconstruction|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=2014|isbn=978-0-19-994537-5}}</ref>

* {{linktext|丑}}: [[Old Chinese]] *[n̥]ruʔ (compare Proto-[[Vietic languages|Viet-Muong]] *c.luː '[[water buffalo]]')
* {{linktext|午}}: [[Old Chinese]] *[m].qʰˤaʔ (compare Proto-[[Vietic languages|Viet-Muong]] *m.ŋəːˀ)
* {{linktext|亥}}: [[Old Chinese]] *[g]ˤəʔ (compare Northern Proto-[[Vietic languages|Viet-Muong]] *kuːrˀ)

There is also a lexical correspondence with [[Austronesian languages|Austronesian]]:<ref name="Ferlus2013"/>
* {{linktext|未}}: [[Old Chinese]] *m[ə]t-s (compare [[Atayal language|Atayal]] miːts)

The terms for the earthly branches are attested from [[Shang dynasty]] inscriptions and were likely also used before Shang times. Ferlus (2013) suggests that the terms were ancient pre-Shang borrowings from Austroasiatic languages spoken in the Yangtze River region.<ref name="Ferlus2013"/>

==Chinese calendar==
{{Main|Chinese calendar}}

===Years===
{{Main|Sexagenary cycle}}
Within the [[Four Pillars of Destiny|Four Pillars]], the year is the pillar representing information about the person's family background and society or relationship with their grandparents.{{Citation needed|date=July 2024}} The person's age can also be easily deduced from their sign, the current sign of the year, and the person's generational disposition (teens, mid-20s, and so on). For example, a person born a [[Tiger (zodiac)|Tiger]] is 12, 24, 36, (etc.) years old in the year of the Tiger (2022); in the year of the [[Rabbit (zodiac)|Rabbit]] (2023), that person is one year older.

The following table shows the 60-year cycle matched up to the [[Gregorian calendar]] for 1924–2043. The [[sexagenary cycle]] begins at [[lichun]] about February 4 according to some [[Astrological sign|astrological]] sources.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://big5.china.com.cn/culture/txt/2009-02/16/content_17286701.htm |title="Almanac" "lunar" zodiac beginning of spring as the boundary dislocation? |website=China Network |date=16 February 2009 |access-date=5 January 2011 |archive-date=14 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614220836/http://big5.china.com.cn/culture/txt/2009-02/16/content_17286701.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/YourSign.htm | title=What is Your Chinese Zodiac Sign and Chinese Horoscope Zodiac Birth Chart? | access-date=2020-01-01 | archive-date=2019-09-05 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190905081933/http://chinesefortunecalendar.com/YourSign.htm | url-status=live }}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! rowspan=2 | &nbsp; || Year || Year|| rowspan="2" | Associated<br />animal 
! rowspan="2" |Yin/yang|| rowspan="2" | Associated<br />element || rowspan=2 | [[Heavenly Stems|Heavenly<br />stem]] || rowspan=2 | [[Earthly Branches|Earthly<br />branch]] 
|- style="text-align:center;"
! 1924–1983 || 1984–2043

|- style="text-align:left;"
|1||Feb 05 '''1924'''–Jan 23 1925||Feb 02 '''1984'''–Feb 19 1985|| [[Rat (zodiac)|Rat]]
|Yang|| Wood ||甲||子
|- style="text-align:left;"
|2||Jan 24 '''1925'''–Feb 12 1926||Feb 20 '''1985'''–Feb 08 1986|| [[Ox (zodiac)|Ox]]
|Yin|| Wood ||乙||丑
|- style="text-align:left;"
|3||Feb 13 '''1926'''–Feb 01 1927||Feb 09 '''1986'''–Jan 28 1987|| [[Tiger (zodiac)|Tiger]]
|Yang|| Fire ||丙||寅
|- style="text-align:left;"
|4||Feb 02 '''1927'''–Jan 22 1928||Jan 29 '''1987'''–Feb 16 1988|| [[Rabbit (zodiac)|Rabbit]]
|Yin|| Fire ||丁||卯
|- style="text-align:left;"
|5||Jan 23 '''1928'''–Feb 09 1929||Feb 17 '''1988'''–Feb 05 1989|| [[Dragon (zodiac)|Dragon]]
|Yang|| Earth ||戊||辰
|- style="text-align:left;"
|6||Feb 10 '''1929'''–Jan 29 1930||Feb 06 '''1989'''–Jan 26 1990|| [[Snake (zodiac)|Snake]]
|Yin|| Earth ||己||巳
|- style="text-align:left;"
|7||Jan 30 '''1930'''–Feb 16 1931||Jan 27 '''1990'''–Feb 14 1991|| [[Horse (zodiac)|Horse]]
|Yang|| Metal ||庚||午
|- style="text-align:left;"
|8||Feb 17 '''1931'''–Feb 05 1932||Feb 15 '''1991'''–Feb 03 1992|| [[Goat (zodiac)|Goat]]
|Yin|| Metal ||辛||未
|- style="text-align:left;"
|9||Feb 06 '''1932'''–Jan 25 1933||Feb 04 '''1992'''–Jan 22 1993|| [[Monkey (zodiac)|Monkey]]
|Yang|| Water ||壬||申
|- style="text-align:left;"
|10||Jan 26 '''1933'''–Feb 13 1934||Jan 23 '''1993'''–Feb 09 1994|| [[Rooster (zodiac)|Rooster]]
|Yin|| Water ||癸||酉
|- style="text-align:left;"
|11||Feb 14 '''1934'''–Feb 03 1935||Feb 10 '''1994'''–Jan 30 1995|| [[Dog (zodiac)|Dog]]
|Yang|| Wood ||甲||戌
|- style="text-align:left;"
|12||Feb 04 '''1935'''–Jan 23 1936||Jan 31 '''1995'''–Feb 18 1996|| [[Pig (zodiac)|Pig]]
|Yin|| Wood ||乙||亥
|- style="text-align:left;"
|13||Jan 24 '''1936'''–Feb 10 1937||Feb 19 '''1996'''–Feb 06 1997|| [[Rat (zodiac)|Rat]]
|Yang|| Fire ||丙||子
|- style="text-align:left;"
|14||Feb 11 '''1937'''–Jan 30 1938||Feb 07 '''1997'''–Jan 27 1998|| [[Ox (zodiac)|Ox]]
|Yin|| Fire ||丁||丑
|- style="text-align:left;"
|15||Jan 31 '''1938'''–Feb 18 1939||Jan 28 '''1998'''–Feb 15 1999|| [[Tiger (zodiac)|Tiger]]
|Yang|| Earth ||戊||寅
|- style="text-align:left;"
|16||Feb 19 '''1939'''–Feb 07 1940||Feb 16 '''1999'''–Feb 04 2000|| [[Rabbit (zodiac)|Rabbit]]
|Yin|| Earth ||己||卯
|- style="text-align:left;"
|17||Feb 08 '''1940'''–Jan 26 1941||Feb 05 '''2000'''–Jan 23 2001|| [[Dragon (zodiac)|Dragon]]
|Yang|| Metal ||庚||辰
|- style="text-align:left;"
|18||Jan 27 '''1941'''–Feb 14 1942||Jan 24 '''2001'''–Feb 11 2002|| [[Snake (zodiac)|Snake]]
|Yin|| Metal ||辛||巳
|- style="text-align:left;"
|19||Feb 15 '''1942'''–Feb 04 1943||Feb 12 '''2002'''–Jan 31 2003|| [[Horse (zodiac)|Horse]]
|Yang|| Water ||壬||午
|- style="text-align:left;"
|20||Feb 05 '''1943'''–Jan 24 1944||Feb 01 '''2003'''–Jan 21 2004|| [[Goat (zodiac)|Goat]]
|Yin|| Water ||癸||未
|- style="text-align:left;"
|21||Jan 25 '''1944'''–Feb 12 1945||Jan 22 '''2004'''–Feb 08 2005|| [[Monkey (zodiac)|Monkey]]
|Yang|| Wood ||甲||申
|- style="text-align:left;"
|22||Feb 13 '''1945'''–Feb 01 1946||Feb 09 '''2005'''–Jan 28 2006|| [[Rooster (zodiac)|Rooster]]
|Yin|| Wood ||乙||酉
|- style="text-align:left;"
|23||Feb 02 '''1946'''–Jan 21 1947||Jan 29 '''2006'''–Feb 17 2007|| [[Dog (zodiac)|Dog]]
|Yang|| Fire ||丙||戌
|- style="text-align:left;"
|24||Jan 22 '''1947'''–Feb 09 1948||Feb 18 '''2007'''–Feb 06 2008|| [[Pig (zodiac)|Pig]]
|Yin|| Fire ||丁||亥
|- style="text-align:left;"
|25||Feb 10 '''1948'''–Jan 28 1949||Feb 07 '''2008'''–Jan 25 2009|| [[Rat (zodiac)|Rat]]
|Yang|| Earth ||戊||子
|- style="text-align:left;"
|26||Jan 29 '''1949'''–Feb 16 1950||Jan 26 '''2009'''–Feb 13 2010|| [[Ox (zodiac)|Ox]]
|Yin|| Earth ||己||丑
|- style="text-align:left;"
|27||Feb 17 '''1950'''–Feb 05 1951||Feb 14 '''2010'''–Feb 02 2011|| [[Tiger (zodiac)|Tiger]]
|Yang|| Metal ||庚||寅
|- style="text-align:left;"
|28||Feb 06 '''1951'''–Jan 26 1952||Feb 03 '''2011'''–Jan 22 2012|| [[Rabbit (zodiac)|Rabbit]]
|Yin|| Metal ||辛||卯
|- style="text-align:left;"
|29||Jan 27 '''1952'''–Feb 13 1953||Jan 23 '''2012'''–Feb 09 2013|| [[Dragon (zodiac)|Dragon]]
|Yang|| Water ||壬||辰
|- style="text-align:left;"
|30||Feb 14 '''1953'''–Feb 02 1954||Feb 10 '''2013'''–Jan 30 2014|| [[Snake (zodiac)|Snake]]
|Yin|| Water ||癸||巳
|- style="text-align:left;"
|31||Feb 03 '''1954'''–Jan 23 1955||Jan 31 '''2014'''–Feb 18 2015|| [[Horse (zodiac)|Horse]]
|Yang|| Wood ||甲||午
|- style="text-align:left;"
|32||Jan 24 '''1955'''–Feb 11 1956||Feb 19 '''2015'''–Feb 07 2016|| [[Goat (zodiac)|Goat]]
|Yin|| Wood ||乙||未
|- style="text-align:left;"
|33||Feb 12 '''1956'''–Jan 30 1957||Feb 08 '''2016'''–Jan 27 2017|| [[Monkey (zodiac)|Monkey]]
|Yang|| Fire ||丙||申
|- style="text-align:left;"
|34||Jan 31 '''1957'''–Feb 17 1958||Jan 28 '''2017'''–Feb 15 2018|| [[Rooster (zodiac)|Rooster]]
|Yin|| Fire ||丁||酉
|- style="text-align:left;"
|35||Feb 18 '''1958'''–Feb 07 1959||Feb 16 '''2018'''–Feb 04 2019|| [[Dog (zodiac)|Dog]]
|Yang|| Earth ||戊||戌
|- style="text-align:left;"
|36||Feb 08 '''1959'''–Jan 27 1960||Feb 05 '''2019'''–Jan 24 2020|| [[Pig (zodiac)|Pig]]
|Yin|| Earth ||己||亥
|- style="text-align:left;"
|37||Jan 28 '''1960'''–Feb 14 1961||Jan 25 '''2020'''–Feb 11 2021|| [[Rat (zodiac)|Rat]]
|Yang|| Metal ||庚||子
|- style="text-align:left;"
|38||Feb 15 '''1961'''–Feb 04 1962||Feb 12 '''2021'''–Jan 31 2022|| [[Ox (zodiac)|Ox]]
|Yin|| Metal ||辛||丑
|- style="text-align:left;"
|39||Feb 05 '''1962'''–Jan 24 1963||Feb 01 '''2022'''–Jan 21 2023|| [[Tiger (zodiac)|Tiger]]
|Yang|| Water ||壬||寅
|- style="text-align:left;"
|40||Jan 25 '''1963'''–Feb 12 1964||Jan 22 '''2023'''–Feb 09 2024|| [[Rabbit (zodiac)|Rabbit]]
|Yin|| Water ||癸||卯
|- style="text-align:left;"
|41||Feb 13 '''1964'''–Feb 01 1965||Feb 10 '''2024'''–Jan 28 2025|| [[Dragon (zodiac)|Dragon]]
|Yang|| Wood ||甲||辰
|- style="text-align:left;"
|42||Feb 02 '''1965'''–Jan 20 1966||Jan 29 '''2025'''–Feb 16 2026|| [[Snake (zodiac)|Snake]]
|Yin|| Wood ||乙||巳
|- style="text-align:left;"
|43||Jan 21 '''1966'''–Feb 08 1967||Feb 17 '''2026'''–Feb 05 2027|| [[Horse (zodiac)|Horse]]
|Yang|| Fire ||丙||午
|- style="text-align:left;"
|44||Feb 09 '''1967'''–Jan 29 1968||Feb 06 '''2027'''–Jan 25 2028|| [[Goat (zodiac)|Goat]]
|Yin|| Fire ||丁||未
|- style="text-align:left;"
|45||Jan 30 '''1968'''–Feb 16 1969||Jan 26 '''2028'''–Feb 12 2029|| [[Monkey (zodiac)|Monkey]]
|Yang|| Earth ||戊||申
|- style="text-align:left;"
|46||Feb 17 '''1969'''–Feb 05 1970||Feb 13 '''2029'''–Feb 02 2030|| [[Rooster (zodiac)|Rooster]]
|Yin|| Earth ||己||酉
|- style="text-align:left;"
|47||Feb 06 '''1970'''–Jan 26 1971||Feb 03 '''2030'''–Jan 22 2031|| [[Dog (zodiac)|Dog]]
|Yang|| Metal ||庚||戌
|- style="text-align:left;"
|48||Jan 27 '''1971'''–Feb 14 1972||Jan 23 '''2031'''–Feb 10 2032|| [[Pig (zodiac)|Pig]]
|Yin|| Metal ||辛||亥
|- style="text-align:left;"
|49||Feb 15 '''1972'''–Feb 02 1973||Feb 11 '''2032'''–Jan 30 2033|| [[Rat (zodiac)|Rat]]
|Yang|| Water ||壬||子
|- style="text-align:left;"
|50||Feb 03 '''1973'''–Jan 22 1974||Jan 31 '''2033'''–Feb 18 2034|| [[Ox (zodiac)|Ox]]
|Yin|| Water ||癸||丑
|- style="text-align:left;"
|51||Jan 23 '''1974'''–Feb 10 1975||Feb 19 '''2034'''–Feb 07 2035|| [[Tiger (zodiac)|Tiger]]
|Yang|| Wood ||甲||寅
|- style="text-align:left;"
|52||Feb 11 '''1975'''–Jan 30 1976||Feb 08 '''2035'''–Jan 27 2036|| [[Rabbit (zodiac)|Rabbit]]
|Yin|| Wood ||乙||卯
|- style="text-align:left;"
|53||Jan 31 '''1976'''–Feb 17 1977||Jan 28 '''2036'''–Feb 14 2037|| [[Dragon (zodiac)|Dragon]]
|Yang|| Fire ||丙||辰
|- style="text-align:left;"
|54||Feb 18 '''1977'''–Feb 06 1978||Feb 15 '''2037'''–Feb 03 2038|| [[Snake (zodiac)|Snake]]
|Yin|| Fire ||丁||巳
|- style="text-align:left;"
|55||Feb 07 '''1978'''–Jan 27 1979|| Feb 04 '''2038'''–Jan 23 2039|| [[Horse (zodiac)|Horse]]
|Yang|| Earth ||戊||午
|- style="text-align:left;"
|56||Jan 28 '''1979'''–Feb 15 1980||Jan 24 '''2039'''–Feb 11 2040|| [[Goat (zodiac)|Goat]]
|Yin|| Earth ||己||未
|- style="text-align:left;"
|57||Feb 16 '''1980'''–Feb 04 1981||Feb 12 '''2040'''–Jan 31 2041|| [[Monkey (zodiac)|Monkey]]
|Yang|| Metal ||庚||申
|- style="text-align:left;"
|58||Feb 05 '''1981'''–Jan 24 1982||Feb 01 '''2041'''–Jan 21 2042|| [[Rooster (zodiac)|Rooster]]
|Yin|| Metal ||辛||酉
|- style="text-align:left;"
|59||Jan 25 '''1982'''–Feb 12 1983||Jan 22 '''2042'''–Feb 09 2043|| [[Dog (zodiac)|Dog]]
|Yang|| Water ||壬||戌
|- style="text-align:left;"
|60||Feb 13 '''1983'''–Feb 01 1984||Feb 10 '''2043'''–Jan 29 2044|| [[Pig (zodiac)|Pig]]
|Yin|| Water ||癸||亥
|}

==Animal Trines==
{{Unreferenced section|date=January 2022}}
{{Further|Astrological aspect#Trine}}

===First===
The first Trine consists of the '''[[Rat (zodiac)|Rat]], [[Dragon (zodiac)|Dragon]], and [[Monkey (zodiac)|Monkey]]'''. These three signs are considered intense and powerful individuals capable of great good, who make great leaders but are rather unpredictable. The three are intelligent, generous, charismatic, charming, authoritative, confident, eloquent, and artistic, but can also be manipulative, jealous, selfish, aggressive, vindictive, and deceitful.

===Second===
The second Trine consists of the '''[[Ox (zodiac)|Ox]], [[Snake (zodiac)|Snake]], and [[Rooster (zodiac)|Rooster]]'''. These three signs are said to possess endurance and application, with slow accumulation of energy, meticulous at planning but tending to hold fixed opinions. The three are said to be intelligent, hard-working, modest, industrious, loyal, philosophical, patient, goodhearted, and morally upright, but can also be self-righteous, egotistical, vain, judgmental, narrow-minded, and petty.

===Third===
The third Trine consists of the '''[[Tiger (zodiac)|Tiger]], [[Horse (zodiac)|Horse]], and [[Dog (zodiac)|Dog]]'''. These three signs are said to seek true love, to pursue humanitarian causes, to be idealistic and independent but tending to be impulsive. The three are said to be productive, enthusiastic, independent, engaging, dynamic, honorable, loyal, and protective, but can also be rash, rebellious, quarrelsome, anxious, disagreeable, and stubborn.

===Fourth===
The fourth Trine consists of the '''[[Rabbit (zodiac)|Rabbit]], [[Goat (zodiac)|Goat]], and [[Pig (zodiac)|Pig]]'''. These three signs are said to have a calm nature and somewhat reasonable approach; they seek aesthetic beauty and are artistic, well-mannered and compassionate, yet detached and resigned to their condition. The three are said to be caring, self-sacrificing, obliging, sensible, creative, empathetic, tactful, and prudent, but can also be naive, pedantic, insecure, selfish, indecisive, and pessimistic.

==Compatibility==
[[File:COMPATIBILITY CONFLICT HARM.png|thumb|Chinese Zodiac Compatibility-Conflict-Harm Grid in accordance to one's nature, characteristics, and elements]]
As the Chinese zodiac is derived according to the ancient [[Wuxing (Chinese philosophy)|Five Elements Theory]], every [[Chinese language|Chinese]] sign is associated with five elements with relations, among those elements, of interpolation, interaction, over-action, and counter-action—believed to be the [[common law]] of motions and changes of creatures in the [[universe]]. Different people born under each animal sign supposedly have different personalities, and practitioners of [[Chinese astrology]] consult such [[Chinese culture|traditional]] details and compatibilities to offer putative guidance in life or for love and marriage.<ref>{{cite web|title=Chinese Compatibility Matching|url=http://www.georgetangchineseastrology.com/compatibility-matching-using-the-chinese-zodiac/|date=Jan 2016|access-date=2016-01-05|archive-date=2019-12-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225230948/https://www.georgetangchineseastrology.com/compatibility-matching-using-the-chinese-zodiac/|url-status=dead}}</ref> A common way to explore zodiac compatibility is with a chart showing how each zodiac sign interacts other signs. For example, constellations that are considered compatible with each other may have similar values and interests, while incompatible constellations may have conflicting personalities and ways of communicating.<ref>{{Cite web |title=十二生肖兼容性的迷人世界-过雪居 |url=https://www.guoxueju.com/zhishi/49073.html |access-date=2023-12-26 |website=www.guoxueju.com}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ Chinese zodiac compatibility grid<ref>{{cite web|title=Chinese Zodiac Animal Signs Compatibility|url=http://www.yourchineseastrology.com/zodiac/compatibility/|publisher=yourchineseastrology.com/}}</ref>
|-
! Sign
! Best match (compatible)
! Average match (friendly)
! Super bad (conflict)
! Harmful (best avoid)
|-
![[Rat (zodiac)|Rat]]
|[[Dragon (zodiac)|Dragon]], [[Monkey (zodiac)|Monkey]], [[Ox (zodiac)|Ox]]
|[[Pig (zodiac)|Pig]], [[Tiger (zodiac)|Tiger]], [[Dog (zodiac)|Dog]], [[Snake (zodiac)|Snake]], [[Rabbit (zodiac)|Rabbit]], [[Rooster (zodiac)|Rooster]], [[Rat (zodiac)|Rat]]||[[Horse (zodiac)|Horse]]
|[[Goat (zodiac)|Goat]]
|-
![[Ox (zodiac)|Ox]]
|[[Snake (zodiac)|Snake]], [[Rooster (zodiac)|Rooster]], [[Rat (zodiac)|Rat]]
|[[Monkey (zodiac)|Monkey]], [[Dog (zodiac)|Dog]], [[Rabbit (zodiac)|Rabbit]], [[Tiger (zodiac)|Tiger]], [[Dragon (zodiac)|Dragon]], [[Pig (zodiac)|Pig]], [[Ox (zodiac)|Ox]]||[[Goat (zodiac)|Goat]]
|[[Horse (zodiac)|Horse]]
|-
![[Tiger (zodiac)|Tiger]]
|[[Horse (zodiac)|Horse]], [[Dog (zodiac)|Dog]], [[Pig (zodiac)|Pig]]
|[[Rabbit (zodiac)|Rabbit]], [[Dragon (zodiac)|Dragon]], [[Rooster (zodiac)|Rooster]], [[Rat (zodiac)|Rat]], [[Goat (zodiac)|Goat]], [[Ox (zodiac)|Ox]], [[Tiger (zodiac)|Tiger]]||[[Monkey (zodiac)|Monkey]]
|[[Snake (zodiac)|Snake]]
|-
![[Rabbit (zodiac)|Rabbit]]
|[[Pig (zodiac)|Pig]], [[Goat (zodiac)|Goat]], [[Dog (zodiac)|Dog]]
|[[Tiger (zodiac)|Tiger]], [[Monkey (zodiac)|Monkey]], [[Rabbit (zodiac)|Rabbit]], [[Ox (zodiac)|Ox]], [[Horse (zodiac)|Horse]], [[Rat (zodiac)|Rat]], [[Snake (zodiac)|Snake]]||[[Rooster (zodiac)|Rooster]]
|[[Dragon (zodiac)|Dragon]]
|-
![[Dragon (zodiac)|Dragon]]
|[[Rat (zodiac)|Rat]], [[Monkey (zodiac)|Monkey]], [[Rooster (zodiac)|Rooster]]
|[[Tiger (zodiac)|Tiger]], [[Snake (zodiac)|Snake]], [[Horse (zodiac)|Horse]], [[Goat (zodiac)|Goat]], [[Pig (zodiac)|Pig]], [[Ox (zodiac)|Ox]], [[Dragon (zodiac)|Dragon]]||[[Dog (zodiac)|Dog]]
|[[Rabbit (zodiac)|Rabbit]]
|-
![[Snake (zodiac)|Snake]]
|[[Ox (zodiac)|Ox]], [[Rooster (zodiac)|Rooster]], [[Monkey (zodiac)|Monkey]]
|[[Horse (zodiac)|Horse]], [[Dragon (zodiac)|Dragon]], [[Goat (zodiac)|Goat]], [[Dog (zodiac)|Dog]], [[Rabbit (zodiac)|Rabbit]], [[Rat (zodiac)|Rat]], [[Snake (zodiac)|Snake]]
|[[Pig (zodiac)|Pig]]
|[[Tiger (zodiac)|Tiger]]
|-
![[Horse (zodiac)|Horse]]
|[[Dog (zodiac)|Dog]], [[Tiger (zodiac)|Tiger]], [[Goat (zodiac)|Goat]]
|[[Snake (zodiac)|Snake]], [[Rabbit (zodiac)|Rabbit]], [[Dragon (zodiac)|Dragon]], [[Rooster (zodiac)|Rooster]], [[Pig (zodiac)|Pig]], [[Monkey (zodiac)|Monkey]], [[Horse (zodiac)|Horse]]||[[Rat (zodiac)|Rat]]
|[[Ox (zodiac)|Ox]]
|-
![[Goat (zodiac)|Goat]]
|[[Rabbit (zodiac)|Rabbit]], [[Pig (zodiac)|Pig]], [[Horse (zodiac)|Horse]]
|[[Snake (zodiac)|Snake]], [[Goat (zodiac)|Goat]], [[Dragon (zodiac)|Dragon]], [[Monkey (zodiac)|Monkey]], [[Rooster (zodiac)|Rooster]], [[Dog (zodiac)|Dog]], [[Tiger (zodiac)|Tiger]]
||[[Ox (zodiac)|Ox]]
|[[Rat (zodiac)|Rat]]
|-
![[Monkey (zodiac)|Monkey]]
|[[Dragon (zodiac)|Dragon]], [[Rat (zodiac)|Rat]], [[Snake (zodiac)|Snake]]
|[[Monkey (zodiac)|Monkey]], [[Dog (zodiac)|Dog]], [[Ox (zodiac)|Ox]], [[Goat (zodiac)|Goat]], [[Rabbit (zodiac)|Rabbit]], [[Rooster (zodiac)|Rooster]], [[Horse (zodiac)|Horse]]||[[Tiger (zodiac)|Tiger]]
|[[Pig (zodiac)|Pig]]
|-
![[Rooster (zodiac)|Rooster]]
|[[Ox (zodiac)|Ox]], [[Snake (zodiac)|Snake]], [[Dragon (zodiac)|Dragon]]
|[[Horse (zodiac)|Horse]], [[Rooster (zodiac)|Rooster]], [[Goat (zodiac)|Goat]], [[Pig (zodiac)|Pig]], [[Tiger (zodiac)|Tiger]], [[Monkey (zodiac)|Monkey]], [[Rat (zodiac)|Rat]]||[[Rabbit (zodiac)|Rabbit]]
|[[Dog (zodiac)|Dog]]
|-
![[Dog (zodiac)|Dog]]
|[[Tiger (zodiac)|Tiger]], [[Horse (zodiac)|Horse]], [[Rabbit (zodiac)|Rabbit]]
|[[Monkey (zodiac)|Monkey]], [[Pig (zodiac)|Pig]], [[Rat (zodiac)|Rat]], [[Ox (zodiac)|Ox]], [[Snake (zodiac)|Snake]], [[Goat (zodiac)|Goat]], [[Dog (zodiac)|Dog]]||[[Dragon (zodiac)|Dragon]]
|[[Rooster (zodiac)|Rooster]]
|-
![[Pig (zodiac)|Pig]]
|[[Rabbit (zodiac)|Rabbit]], [[Goat (zodiac)|Goat]], [[Tiger (zodiac)|Tiger]]
|[[Rat (zodiac)|Rat]], [[Rooster (zodiac)|Rooster]], [[Dog (zodiac)|Dog]], [[Dragon (zodiac)|Dragon]], [[Horse (zodiac)|Horse]], [[Ox (zodiac)|Ox]], [[Pig (zodiac)|Pig]]||[[Snake (zodiac)|Snake]]
|[[Monkey (zodiac)|Monkey]]
|}

==Origin stories==
{{unreferenced section|date=May 2018}}
Many [[Narrative|stories]] and [[fable]]s explain the beginning of the [[zodiac]]. Since the [[Han dynasty]], the twelve [[Earthly Branches]] have been used to record the time of day. However, for entertainment and convenience,{{Citation needed|date=December 2020}} they were replaced by the twelve animals, and a [[mnemonic]] refers to the behavior of the animals:

[[Earthly Branches]] may refer to a double-hour period.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches |url=https://www.hko.gov.hk/en/gts/time/stemsandbranches.htm |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=www.hko.gov.hk |language=en}}</ref> In the latter case it is the center of the period; for instance, 马 ([[Horse (zodiac)|Horse]]) means noon as well as a period from 11:00 to 13:00.

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! scope="col" | Animal
! scope="col" | Pronunciation
! scope="col" | Period
! scope="col" | This is the time when...
|-
| [[Rat (zodiac)|Rat]]         || Zishi || 23:00 to 00:59 || Rats are most active in seeking food. Rats also have a different number of digits on front and hind legs, thus earning Rat the [[symbol]] of "turn over" or "new start"
|-
| [[Ox (zodiac)|Ox]]           || Choushi || 01:00 to 02:59 || Oxen begin to chew the cud slowly and comfortably
|-
| [[Tiger (zodiac)|Tiger]]     || Yinshi || 03:00 to 04:59 || Tigers hunt their prey more and show their ferocity
|-
| [[Rabbit (zodiac)|Rabbit]]   || Maoshi || 05:00 to 06:59 || The [[Moon rabbit|Jade Rabbit]] is busy pounding herbal medicine on the Moon according to the tale
|-
| [[Dragon (zodiac)|Dragon]]   || Chenshi || 07:00 to 08:59 || Dragons are hovering in the sky to give rain
|-
| [[Snake (zodiac)|Snake]]     || Sishi  || 09:00 to 10:59 || Snakes are leaving their caves
|-
| [[Horse (zodiac)|Horse]]     || Wushi || 11:00 to 12:59 || The sun is high overhead and while other animals are lying down for a rest, horses are still standing
|-
| [[Goat (zodiac)|Goat]]       || Weishi || 13:00 to 14:59 || Goats eat grass and urinate frequently
|-
| [[Monkey (zodiac)|Monkey]]   || Shenshi || 15:00 to 16:59 || Monkeys are lively
|-
| [[Rooster (zodiac)|Rooster]] || Youshi || 17:00 to 18:59 || Roosters begin to get back to their coops
|-
| [[Dog (zodiac)|Dog]]         || Xushi || 19:00 to 20:59 || Dogs carry out their duty of guarding the houses
|-
| [[Pig (zodiac)|Pig]]         || Haishi || 21:00 to 22:59 || Pigs are sleeping sweetly
|}

===Great Race===
{{missing information|the origin and history of the folktale|date=June 2019}}
[[File:Rat and Ox.jpg|thumb|This image depicts a scene from "The Great Race" folk story, in which the [[Ox (zodiac)|Ox]] carries the [[Rat (zodiac)|Rat]] across the river.]]
An ancient [[Folklore|folktale]]<ref>{{Cite web|title = Legend of the Chinese Zodiac|url = http://thingsasian.com/story/legend-chinese-zodiac|website = www.thingsasian.com|date = 3 March 2003|access-date = 2022-02-01|language = en-US|archive-date = 2022-03-20|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220320010645/http://thingsasian.com/story/legend-chinese-zodiac|url-status = live}}</ref> called "The Great Race" tells of the [[Jade Emperor]]'s decree that the years on the calendar would be named for each animal in the order they reached him. To get there, the animals would have to cross a river.

{{blockquote|
The [[Cat (zodiac)|Cat]] and the [[Rat (zodiac)|Rat]] were not good at swimming, but they were both quite intelligent. They decided that the best and fastest way to cross the river was to hop on the back of the [[Ox (zodiac)|Ox]]. The Ox, being kindhearted and naive, agreed to carry them both across. As the Ox was about to reach the other side of the river, the Rat pushed the Cat into the water, and then jumped off the Ox and rushed to the Jade Emperor. It was named as the first animal of the zodiac calendar. The Ox had to settle for second place.

The third animal to come was the [[Tiger (zodiac)|Tiger]]. Even though it was strong and powerful, it admitted to the Jade Emperor that the currents were pushing it downstream.

Suddenly, a ''thump'' sound came from the distance, signaling the arrival of the [[Rabbit (zodiac)|Rabbit]]. It explained how it crossed the river: by jumping from one stone to another in a nimble fashion. Halfway through, it thought it might lose the race, but it was lucky enough to grab hold of a floating log that later washed it to shore. For that, it became the fourth animal in the zodiac cycle.

In fifth place was the flying [[Dragon (zodiac)|Dragon]]. The Jade Emperor wondered why a swift, airborne creature such as the Dragon did not come in first place. The Dragon explained that it had to stop by a village and bring rain for all the people, and therefore it was held back. Then, on its way to the finish, it saw the helpless Rabbit clinging onto a log, so it did a good deed and gave a puff of breath in the poor creature's direction so that it could land on the shore. The Jade Emperor was astonished by the Dragon's good nature, and it was named as the fifth animal of the zodiac.

As soon as the Dragon arrived, there came a galloping sound, and the [[Horse (zodiac)|Horse]] appeared. Hidden on the Horse's hoof was the [[Snake (zodiac)|Snake]], whose sudden appearance gave the Horse a fright, thus making it fall back and giving the Snake the sixth spot while the Horse placed seventh.

After a while, the [[Goat (zodiac)|Goat]], [[Monkey (zodiac)|Monkey]], and [[Rooster (zodiac)|Rooster]] came to the river blocking the heavenly gate. The Rooster found a raft, and the Monkey and the Goat tugged and pulled, trying to get all the weeds out of the way. With combined efforts, they managed to arrive to the other side. The Jade Emperor was pleased with their teamwork and decided to name the Goat as the eighth animal, followed by the Monkey and then the Rooster.

The eleventh animal placed in the zodiac cycle was the [[Dog (zodiac)|Dog]]. Although it should have been the best swimmer and runner, it spent its time playing in the river water. Its explanation for being late was that it needed a good bath after a long journey, but it almost did not make it to the finish line.

Right when the Jade Emperor was going to end the race, an ''oink'' sound was heard: it was the [[Pig (zodiac)|Pig]]. The Pig felt hungry in the middle of the race, so it stopped, ate something, and then fell asleep. After it awoke, it finished the race in twelfth place, making it the last animal to arrive.

The Cat eventually drowned and failed to become part of the zodiac. It is said that this is the reason why cats hate water. It is also the reason for the rivalry between the Cat and Rat, as it was the Rat's callous act to push the Cat into the river.}}

====Variations====
Another version of the folktale tells that the Rat deceived the Ox into letting it jump on its back by promising the Ox that it could hear the Rat sing,<ref name="CyndiChen">{{cite web |author=Cyndi Chen |url=http://wlconline.drake.edu/chinese/2013/02/26/the-12-animals-of-the-chinese-zodiac-%E5%8D%81%E4%BA%8C%E7%94%9F%E8%82%96/ |title=The 12 Animals of the Chinese Zodiac 十二生肖 |date=2013-02-26 |access-date=October 11, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130306021956/http://wlconline.drake.edu/chinese/2013/02/26/the-12-animals-of-the-chinese-zodiac-%E5%8D%81%E4%BA%8C%E7%94%9F%E8%82%96/ |archive-date=March 6, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> before jumping off at the finish line and finishing first. Another variant says that the Rat cheated the Cat out its place at the finish line, by hiding on the back of the Dog, who was too focused to notice that he had a stow-away. The Cat tried to attack the rat in retaliation, but hurt the Dog by accident. This is said to account for the antagonistic dynamic between cats and rats, beyond normal predator and prey behavior, and also why dogs and cats fight.

In [[Chinese mythology]], a story tells that the cat was tricked by the Rat so it could not go to the banquet. This is why the Cat is ultimately not part of the Chinese zodiac.{{citation needed|date=June 2019}}

In [[Chinese Buddhism|Buddhist]] legend [[Gautama Buddha]] summoned all animals of the [[Earth (Wu Xing)|Earth]] to come before him before his departure from this [[Earth (Wu Xing)|Earth]], but only twelve animals came to bid him farewell. To reward the these animals, he named a year after each of them in the order they had arrived.

The twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac were developed in the early stages of [[History of China|Chinese civilization]], so therefore it is difficult to investigate its real origins. Most historians agree that the Cat is not included, as cats had not yet been introduced to China from India with the arrival of [[Buddhism]]. However until recently, the Vietnamese moved away from their [[Traditional Vietnamese medicine|traditional texts]]<ref>Jan Van Alphen, Anthony Aris ''Oriental Medicine: An Illustrated Guide to the Asian Arts of Healing'' 1995 - Page 211 "Its influence on the cultural and medical traditions of Vietnam can be clearly seen in, for example, the classical distinction between Thuoc nam, 'Southern medicine', and Thuoc bac, 'Northern or Chinese Medicine'. Both were practised and ..."</ref> and literature and, unlike all other countries who follow the Sino lunar calendar, include the Cat instead of the Rabbit as a zodiac animal. The most common explanation is that cats are worshipped by farmers in East Asia, believing that cats' luck and prosperity protects their crops.<ref>{{Cite book |title=The book of symbols: archetypal reflections in word and image |date=2010 |publisher=Taschen |isbn=978-3-8365-1448-4 |editor-last=Ronnberg |editor-first=Ami |location=Köln |pages=300 |editor-last2=Martín |editor-first2=Kathleen Rock}}</ref> Another popular cultural reason is that the ancient word for [[Rabbit (zodiac)|rabbit]] (Mao) sounds like cat (Meo).<ref>{{Cite web|title = Year of the Cat OR Year of the Rabbit?|url = http://www.nwasianweekly.com/2011/02/year-of-the-cat-or-year-of-the-rabbit/|website = www.nwasianweekly.com|date = 3 February 2011|access-date = 2016-02-23|language = en-US|archive-date = 2016-03-04|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304050436/http://www.nwasianweekly.com/2011/02/year-of-the-cat-or-year-of-the-rabbit/|url-status = live}}</ref>

==Adaptations==
{{Unreferenced section|date=January 2022}}
The Chinese zodiac signs are also used by [[Chinese culture|cultures]] other than [[Chinese language|Chinese]]. For example, they usually appear on [[Korean New Year]] and [[Japanese New Year]]'s cards and stamps. The [[United States Postal Service]] and several other countries' postal services issue a "Year of the ____" postage stamp each year to honor this [[Chinese language|Chinese]] [[History of China|heritage]].

The zodiac is widely used in commercial culture, for example, in the Chinese New Year market, and popular zodiac-related products, such as crafts, toys, books, accessories, and paintings and [[Chinese lunar coins]]. The coins depict [[zodiac]] animals, inspired the [[Canadian Silver Maple Leaf#Privy Mark Silver Maple Leaf|Canadian Silver Maple Leaf]] [[coin]]s, as well as varieties from [[Australia]], [[South Korea]], and [[Mongolia]].

The Chinese zodiac is also used in some Asian countries that were under the [[Chinese culture|cultural]] influence of [[China]]. However, some of the animals in the [[zodiac]] may differ by [[country]].

===Asian {{anchor|korean|vietnamese}}===
{{Further|Bulgar calendar|Vietnamese zodiac}}

The '''Korean zodiac''' includes the ''Sheep'' (''yang'') instead of the ''Goat'' (which would be ''yeomso''), although the [[Chinese language|Chinese]] source of the loanword ''yang'' may refer to any [[Caprinae|goat-antelope]].{{citation needed|date=January 2022}}

The '''Japanese zodiac''' includes the ''[[Sheep]]'' (''hitsuji'') instead of the ''[[Goat (zodiac)|Goat]]'' (which would be ''yagi''), and the ''[[Wild boar]]'' (''inoshishi'', ''i'') instead of the ''[[Pig (zodiac)|Pig]]'' (''buta'').<ref>{{cite web|url=http://japanesezodiac.org/|title=Japanese Zodiac Signs and Symbols|date=5 January 2012|access-date=1 January 2015|publisher=japanesezodiac.org/|archive-date=17 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217161809/http://japanesezodiac.org/|url-status=live}}</ref> Since 1873, the [[Japanese people|Japanese]] have celebrated the beginning of the new year on 1 January as per the [[Gregorian calendar]].{{citation needed|date=January 2022}}

The '''Vietnamese zodiac''' varies from the Chinese zodiac with the second animal being the [[Water buffalo (zodiac)|Water Buffalo]] instead of the [[Ox (zodiac)|Ox]], and the fourth animal being the [[Cat (zodiac)|Cat]] instead of the [[Rabbit (zodiac)|Rabbit]].{{citation needed|date=January 2022}}
 
The '''Cambodian zodiac''' is exactly identical to that of the Chinese although the dragon is interchangeable with the Neak ([[nāga]]) [[Cambodia]]n sea snake.<ref>{{cite web |title=Chinese Zodiac:Legend and Characteristics |url=https://windowintochina.wordpress.com/tag/cambodia-zodiac/ |website=windowintochina.wordpress.com |access-date=19 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190719062638/https://windowintochina.wordpress.com/tag/cambodia-zodiac/ |archive-date=19 July 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Sheep and Goat are interchangeable as well. The [[Cambodian New Year]] is celebrated in April, rather than in January or February as it is in China and most countries.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Khmer Calendar {{!}} Cambodian Religion, Festivals and Zodiac Astrology |url=https://humanoriginproject.com/the-khmer-calendar-cambodian-religion-festivals-and-zodiac-astrology/ |website=humanoriginproject.com |access-date=19 July 2019 |date=2019-04-25 |archive-date=2019-07-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190719062639/https://humanoriginproject.com/the-khmer-calendar-cambodian-religion-festivals-and-zodiac-astrology/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Khmer Chhankitek Calendar |url=http://www.cam-cc.org/calendar/chhankitek.php |website=cam-cc.org |access-date=19 July 2019 |archive-date=30 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091030171157/http://www.cam-cc.org/calendar/chhankitek.php |url-status=live }}</ref>

The '''[[Cham calendar|Cham zodiac]]''' uses the same order as the Chinese zodiac, but replaces the [[Monkey (zodiac)|Monkey]] with the turtle (known locally as ''kra'').

Similarly the '''Malay zodiac''' replaces the [[Rabbit (zodiac)|Rabbit]] with the [[Chevrotain|mousedeer]] (''pelanduk'') and the [[Pig (zodiac)|Pig]] with the tortoise (''kura'' or ''kura-kura'').<ref>{{cite book |author=Farouk Yahya |title=Malay Magic and Divination in Illuminated Manuscripts |publisher=Brill |year=2015 |ISBN=978-90-04-30172-6 |pages=296–306 |chapter=Glossary |chapter-url=https://brill.com/view/book/9789004301726/B9789004301726-s011.xml}}</ref> The [[Dragon (zodiac)|Dragon]] (''Loong'') is normally equated with the [[nāga]] but it is sometimes called Big Snake (''ular besar'') while the [[Snake (zodiac)|Snake sign]] is called Second Snake (''ular sani''). This is also recorded in a 19th-century manuscript compiled by [[John Leyden]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Leyden |first=John |author-link=John Leyden |url=http://www.bl.uk/manuscripts/Viewer.aspx?ref=or_15936_fs001r |title=Notes and vocabularies in Malay, Thai, Burmese and other minor languages |publisher=[[The British Library]] |page=104 |chapter=Cycle of years used by the Malays |access-date=16 June 2022 |chapter-url=http://www.bl.uk/manuscripts/Viewer.aspx?ref=or_15936_f103v |via=Digitised Manuscripts }}{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

The '''Thai zodiac''' includes a ''[[nāga]]'' in place of the [[Dragon (zodiac)|Dragon]]<ref>{{cite web |date=5 January 2012 |title="งูใหญ่-พญานาค-มังกร" รู้จัก 3 สัญลักษณ์ปี "มะโรง" |url=http://www.prachachat.net/news_detail.php?newsid=1325702834 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150101021634/http://www.prachachat.net/news_detail.php?newsid=1325702834 |archive-date=1 January 2015 |access-date=1 January 2015 |publisher=ประชาชาติธุรกิจ}}</ref> and begins, not at the [[Chinese New Year]], but either on the first day of the fifth month in the [[Thai lunar calendar]], or during the [[Songkran (Thailand)|Songkran]] [[Songkran|New Year festival]] (now celebrated every 13–15 April), depending on the purpose of the use.<ref>{{cite web |title=การเปลี่ยนวันใหม่ การนับวัน ทางโหราศาสตร์ไทย การเปลี่ยนปีนักษัตร โหราศาสตร์ ดูดวง ทำนายทายทัก |url=http://www.myhora.com/บทความ/การนับวันทางโหราศาสตร์-004.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110103152835/http://www.myhora.com/บทความ/การนับวันทางโหราศาสตร์-004.aspx |archive-date=2011-01-03}}</ref>
Historically, [[Lan Na]] (Kingdom around Northern Thailand) also replaces pig with elephant. While modern Thai have returned to pig, its name is still [[:th:กุน|กุน (gu̜n)]], retaining the actual word for elephant in the zodiac.<ref>{{cite web |title=ตุงตั๋วเปิ้ง |url=https://art-culture.cmu.ac.th/Lanna/articleDetail/2165}}</ref>

The '''[[Gurung people|Gurung]] zodiac''' in [[Nepal]] includes a Cow instead of an Ox, a Cat instead of Rabbit, an Eagle instead of a Dragon (''Loong''), a Bird instead of a Rooster, and a Deer instead of a Pig.{{citation needed|date=January 2022}}

The '''[[Bulgar calendar]]''' used from the 2nd century<ref>{{cite web |title=dtrif/abv: Name list of Bulgarian hans |url=http://theo.inrne.bas.bg/~dtrif/abv/imenik_e.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204205748/http://theo.inrne.bas.bg/~dtrif/abv/imenik_e.htm |archive-date=2012-02-04 |access-date=2009-04-15 |publisher=theo.inrne.bas.bg}}</ref> and that has been only partially reconstructed uses a similar sixty-year cycle of twelve animal-named years groups.<ref>Именник на българските ханове&nbsp;– ново тълкуване. М.Москов. С. 1988 г. § 80,70</ref>

The '''[[Mongol calendar|Old Mongol calendar]]''' uses the Mouse, the Ox, the [[Leopard]], the [[Hare]], the [[Crocodile]], the Serpent, the Horse, the Sheep, the Monkey, the [[Hen (bird)|Hen]], the Dog and the Hog.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Grahame |first1=F. R. |url=https://archive.org/details/cu31924023035177 |title=The archer and the steppe; or, The empires of Scythia, a history of Russia |year=1860 |page=[https://archive.org/details/cu31924023035177/page/n269 258] |access-date=13 March 2020}}</ref>

The '''[[Tibetan calendar]]''' replaces the [[Rooster (zodiac)|Rooster]] with the [[bird]].

The '''[[Volga Bulgars]]''', '''[[Kazars]]''' and other Turkic peoples replaced some animals by local fauna: Leopard (instead of Tiger), [[Fish]] or Crocodile (instead of Dragon/Loong), [[Hedgehog]] (instead of Monkey), [[Asian elephant|Elephant]] (instead of Pig), and [[Camel]] (instead of Rat/Mouse).<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Davletshin1 |first1=Gamirzan M. |date=2015 |title=The Calendar and the Time Account of the Turko-Tatars |journal=Journal of Sustainable Development |volume=8 |issue=5}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Dani |first1=A. H. |url=https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000103305 |title=History of Humanity |last2=Mohen |first2=J.-P. |publisher=UNESCO |volume=II: From the Third Millennium to the Seventh Century B.C. |access-date=13 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614042910/https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000103305 |archive-date=14 June 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In the '''[[Persian astrology|Persian]]''' version of the Eastern zodiac brought by Mongols during the Middle Ages, the Chinese word ''lóng'' and Mongol word ''lū'' (Dragon) was translated as ''nahang'' meaning "water beast", and may refer to any dangerous aquatic animal both mythical and real (crocodiles, hippos, sharks, sea serpents, etc.). In the 20th century the term ''nahang'' is used almost exclusively as meaning [[Whale]], thus switching the Loong for the Whale in the Persian variant.<ref>Rasulid Hexaglot. P. B. Golden, ed., ''The King’s Dictionary: The Rasūlid Hexaglot – Fourteenth Century Vocabularies in Arabic, Persian, Turkic, Greek, Armenian and Mongol'', tr. T. Halasi-Kun, P. B. Golden, L. Ligeti, and E. Schütz, HO VIII/4, Leiden, 2000.</ref><ref>Jan Gyllenbok, ''Encyclopaedia of Historical Metrology, Weights, and Measures'', Volume 1, 2018, p. 244.</ref>

In the traditional '''[[Kazakhs|Kazakh]]''' version of the twelve-year animal cycle ({{langx|kk|мүшел}}, ''müşel''), the [[Dragon (zodiac)|Dragon]] is replaced by a snail ({{langx|kk|ұлу}}, ''ulw''), and the [[Tiger (zodiac)|Tiger]] appears as a leopard ({{langx|kk|барыс}}, ''barıs'').<ref>А. Мухамбетова (A. Mukhambetova), [http://kazahd.do.am/publ/1-1-0-108 Казахский традиционный календарь "The traditional Kazakh calendar"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220115065418/https://kazahd.do.am/publ/1-1-0-108|date=2022-01-15}} {{in lang|ru}}</ref>

In the '''[[Kyrgyz people|Kyrgyz]]''' version of the Chinese zodiac ({{langx|ky|мүчөл}}, ''müçöl'') the words for the Dragon ({{langx|ky|улуу}}, ''uluu''), Monkey ({{langx|ky|мечин}}, ''meçin'') and Tiger ({{langx|ky|барс}}, ''bars'') are only found in Chinese zodiac names, other animal names include Mouse, Cow, Rabbit, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Chicken, Dog and Wild boar.<ref>{{cite web |date=2003 |title=Chinese Lunar Calendar Stamps from Kyrgyzstan |url=https://colnect.com/en/stamps/stamp/375767-Oriental_Lunar_Calendar-Chinese_Lunar_Calendar-Kyrgyzstan |language=en}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|+
! colspan="13" |Chinese Zodiac by Ethnic Group
|-
!Ethnic Group
!1
!2
!3
!4
!5
!6
!7
!8
!9
!10
!11
!12
|-
|Chinese
|Rat
|Ox
|Tiger
|Rabbit
|Dragon
|Snake
|Horse
|Goat
|Monkey
|Rooster
|Dog
|Pig
|-
|Korean
|Rat
|Ox
|Tiger
|Rabbit
|Dragon
|Snake
|Horse
|'''Sheep'''
|Monkey
|Rooster
|Dog
|Pig
|-
|Japanese
|Rat
|Ox
|Tiger
|Rabbit
|Dragon
|Snake
|Horse
|'''Sheep'''
|Monkey
|Rooster
|Dog
|'''Wild Boar'''
|-
|Vietnamese
|Rat
|'''Water Buffalo'''
|Tiger
|'''Cat'''
|Dragon
|Snake
|Horse
|Goat
|Monkey
|Rooster
|Dog
|Pig
|-
|Cambodian
|Rat
|Ox
|Tiger
|Rabbit
|'''Nāga'''
|Snake
|Horse
|'''Sheep'''
|Monkey
|Rooster
|Dog
|Pig
|-
|Cham
|Rat
|Ox
|Tiger
|Rabbit
|Dragon
|Snake
|Horse
|Goat
|'''Turtle'''
|Rooster
|Dog
|Pig
|-
|Malay
|Rat
|Ox
|Tiger
|'''Mousedeer'''
|'''Nāga'''
|Snake
|Horse
|Goat
|Monkey
|Rooster
|Dog
|'''Tortoise'''
|-
|Thai
|Rat
|Ox
|Tiger
|Rabbit
|'''Nāga'''
|Snake
|Horse
|Goat
|Monkey
|Rooster
|Dog
|Pig
|-
|Lanna (Thai)
|Rat
|Ox
|Tiger
|Rabbit
|'''Nāga'''
|Snake
|Horse
|Goat
|Monkey
|Rooster
|Dog
|'''Elephant'''
|-
|Gurung
|Rat
|'''Cow'''
|Tiger
|'''Cat'''
|'''Eagle'''
|Snake
|Horse
|Goat
|Monkey
|'''Bird'''
|Dog
|'''Deer'''
|-
|Bulgar
|Rat
|Ox
|'''Tiger/Wolf'''
|Rabbit
|Dragon
|Snake
|Horse
|'''Ram'''
|Monkey
|Rooster
|Dog
|'''Boar'''
|-
|Old Mongolian
|Rat
|Ox
|'''Leopard'''
|'''Hare'''
|'''Crocodile'''
|'''Serpent'''
|Horse
|'''Sheep'''
|Monkey
|'''Hen'''
|Dog
|'''Hog'''
|-
|Tibetan
|Rat
|Ox
|Tiger
|Rabbit
|Dragon
|Snake
|Horse
|Goat
|Monkey
|'''Bird'''
|Dog
|Pig
|-
|Kazars
|'''Camel'''
|Ox
|'''Leopard'''
|Rabbit
|'''Fish/Crocodile'''
|Snake
|Horse
|Goat
|'''Hedgehog'''
|Rooster
|Dog
|'''Elephant'''
|-
|Persian
|Rat
|Ox
|Tiger
|Rabbit
|'''Whale'''
|Snake
|Horse
|Goat
|Monkey
|Rooster
|Dog
|Pig
|-
|Kazakhs
|Rat
|Ox
|'''Leopard'''
|Rabbit
|'''Snail'''
|Snake
|Horse
|Goat
|Monkey
|Rooster
|Dog
|Pig
|-
|Kyrgyz
|'''Mouse'''
|'''Cow'''
|Tiger
|Rabbit
|Dragon
|Snake
|Horse
|'''Sheep'''
|Monkey
|'''Chicken'''
|Dog
|'''Wild Boar'''
|-
|Turkmen
|'''Mouse'''
|'''Cow'''
|Tiger
|Rabbit
|Dragon/Fish
|Snake
|Horse
|'''Sheep'''
|Monkey
|'''Chicken'''
|Dog
|Pig
|}
{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="13" |Chinese Zodiac by Ethnic Group (Native Names)
|-
!Ethnic Group
!1
!2
!3
!4
!5
!6
!7
!8
!9
!10
!11
!12
|-
| rowspan="2" |Cham
|''Tikuh''
|''Kubao''
|''Rimaong''
|''Tapay''
|''Inagirai''
|''Ulanaih''
|''Athaih''
|''Pabaiy''
|'''''Kra'''''
|''Manuk''
|''Athau''
|''Papwiy''
|-
|ꨓꨪꨆꨭꩍ
|ꨆꨭꨯꨝꨱ
|ꨣꨪꨠꨯꨱꨮ
|ꨓꨚꩈ
|꩓ꨘꨈꨪꨣꨰ
|ꨂꨤꨘꨰꩍ
|ꨀꨔꨰꩍ
|ꨚꨝꨰꩈ
|'''ꨆꨴ'''
|ꨠꨘꨭꩀ
|ꨀꨔꨭꨮ
|ꨚꩇꨥꨪꩈ
|-
| rowspan="2" |Malay
|''Tikus''
|''Kerbau''
|''Harimau''
|'''''Pelanduk'''''
|'''''Naga'''''
|'''''Ular'''''
|''Kuda''
|''Kambing''
|''Monyet''
|''Ayam Jantan''
|''Anjing''
|'''''Kura-kura'''''
|-
|تيکوس
|کرباو
|ريماو
|'''ڤلندوق'''
|'''اولر بسر'''
|'''اولر ثاني'''
|کودا
|کمبيڠ
|موڽيت
|أيم
|أنجيڠ
|'''کورا'''
|-
|Bulgar
|''Somor''
|''Shegor''
|''Ver''?
|''Dvan[sh]''
|''Ver[eni]''?
|''Dilom''
|''Imen[shegor]''?
|''Teku[chitem]''?
|
|''Toh''
|''Eth''
|''Dohs''
|-
| rowspan="2" |Turkmen
|Syçan 
|Sygyr
|Bars
|Towşan
|Luw~balyk
|Ýylan
|Ýylky
|Goýun
|Bijin
|Towuk
|It
|Doňuz
|-
|سیچان
|سیغر
|بارس
|طاوشان
|لو~بالیق
|ییلان
|یلقی
|قویون
|بیجین
|طاویق
|ایت
|دونگغز
|}

==English translation==
{{Unreferenced section|date=January 2022}}
Due to confusion with synonyms during translation, some of the animals depicted by the [[English language|English]] words did not exist in [[History of China|ancient China]].{{citation needed|date=April 2021}} For example:
*The term {{linktext|鼠}} [[Rat (zodiac)|Rat]] can be translated as [[Mouse]], as there are no distinctive words for the two [[genus|genera]] in [[Chinese language|Chinese]]. However, [[Rat (zodiac)|Rat]] is the most commonly used one among all the synonyms.{{citation needed|date=January 2022}}
*The term {{linktext|牛}} [[Ox (zodiac)|Ox]], a castrated [[Bull]], can be translated interchangeably with other terms related to [[Cattle]] (male [[Bull]], female [[Cow]]) and [[Bubalus|Buffalo]]. However, [[Ox (zodiac)|Ox]] is the most commonly used one among all the synonyms.{{citation needed|date=January 2022}}
*The term {{linktext|卯}} [[Rabbit (zodiac)|Rabbit]] can be translated as [[Hare]], as 卯 (and 兔) do not distinguish between the two genera of [[leporids]]. As hares are native to China and most of Asia and rabbits are not, this would be more accurate. However, in colloquial English [[Rabbit#Differences from hares|''Rabbit'']] can encompass hares as well.
*The term {{linktext|蛇}} [[Snake (zodiac)|Snake]] can be translated as [[Snake|Serpent]], which refers to a large species of snake and has the same behavior, although this term is rarely used.
*The term {{linktext|羊}} [[Goat (zodiac)|Goat]] can be translated as [[Sheep]] and [[Ram (sheep)|Ram]], a male Sheep. However, [[Goat (zodiac)|Goat]] is the most commonly used one among all the synonyms.{{citation needed|date=January 2022}}
*The term {{linktext|雞}} [[Rooster (zodiac)|Rooster]] can be translated interchangeably with [[Chicken]], as well as the female [[Hen (chicken)|Hen]]. However, [[Rooster (zodiac)|Rooster]] is the most commonly used one among all the synonyms in English-speaking countries.{{citation needed|date=January 2022}}

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Image:Bloodletting chart, Tibet Wellcome L0035125.jpg|A [[chart]] indicating good and bad bloodletting days and when to guard against [[demon]]s. Detail: The [[chart]] contains a ''sme ba'' (9 figures [[symbol]]izing the [[Wuxing (Chinese philosophy)|elements]] in [[geomancy]]) in the center with the [[Chinese language|Chinese]] ''[[bagua]]'' (eight [[trigram]]s) surrounded by twelve animals of months and years.
Image:Soyombo.jpg|[[Soyombo symbol|Soyombo]] and several [[Buddhism|Buddhist]], [[Tengrism|Tengrist]], and Chinese zodiac [[symbol]]s in a wall [[mosaic]].
Image:12 zodiac.jpg|Twelve Chinese zodiac [[Hardstone carving|jade figurines]]. [[Capital Museum]], [[Beijing]], [[China]].
</gallery>

==See also==
{{Portal|China|Asia|History}}
* [[Chinese astrology]]
* [[Four Pillars of Destiny]]
* [[Chinese spiritual world concepts]]
* [[Earthly Branches]]
* [[Astrology and science]]
* [[Chinese New Year]]

== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

=== Sources ===
{{refbegin}}
* Shelly H. Wu. (2005). ''Chinese Astrology''. Publisher: The Career Press, Inc. {{ISBN|1-56414-796-7}}.
{{refend}}

==External links==
* "[http://chinaheritage.net/journal/the-year-of-the-rooster-on-seeing/ The Year of the Rooster: On Seeing]"
* "[http://chinaheritage.net/journal/the-year-of-the-rooster-on-eating-injecting-imbibing-and-speaking/ The Year of the Rooster, On Eating, Injecting, Imbibing & Speaking]"
* "[http://chinaheritage.net/archive/2016-the-golden-monkey-%e9%87%91%e7%8c%b4-a-year-to-remember/ 2016: The Golden Monkey, A Year to Remember]"
* "[http://chinaheritage.net/journal/the-dragon-raises-its-head-%e9%be%8d%e6%8a%ac%e9%a0%ad/ The Dragon Raises its Head 龍抬頭]"
* "[https://www.chinesecalendaronline.com/zodiac/pig/ 2019 year of the Pig]"
* "[https://www.thechinastory.org/2016/03/from-the-year-of-the-ape-to-the-year-of-the-monkey/ From the Year of the Ape to the Year of the Monkey] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411022019/https://www.thechinastory.org/2016/03/from-the-year-of-the-ape-to-the-year-of-the-monkey/ |date=2020-04-11 }}" (on use of Zodiac figures for political criticism)
* {{Commons category-inline|Chinese zodiac}}

{{Chinese Zodiac}}
{{East Asian topics}}

<references group="*" />

[[Category:Astrology by tradition]]
[[Category:Astrology-related lists]]
[[Category:Chinese astrology]]
[[Category:Chinese calendars]]
[[Category:Chinese culture]]
[[Category:Culture of East Asia]]
[[Category:Cultural lists]]