Zodiac Calendar Guide
Chinese Zodiac Calendar: Animals, Years & Elements
The twelve animals
| Order | Animal | Earthly Branch |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rat | 子 |
| 2 | Ox | 丑 |
| 3 | Tiger | 寅 |
| 4 | Rabbit | 卯 |
| 5 | Dragon | 辰 |
| 6 | Snake | 巳 |
| 7 | Horse | 午 |
| 8 | Goat | 未 |
| 9 | Monkey | 申 |
| 10 | Rooster | 酉 |
| 11 | Dog | 戌 |
| 12 | Pig | 亥 |
Why the year does not begin January 1
The Chinese zodiac changes with the traditional lunisolar calendar, usually at Lunar New Year rather than on January 1. Someone born in January or early February must check the new-year date for their birth year.
Animals and five elements
The twelve-animal cycle combines with five elements—wood, fire, earth, metal and water—within a larger 60-year cycle.
Not the same as Western zodiac
The Western sun-sign system is primarily organized by annual solar date ranges. The Chinese zodiac is commonly identified by birth year, with additional traditional layers based on month, day and hour.
Regional variations
Animal names and cultural interpretations vary across East and Southeast Asia. Some traditions use Cat instead of Rabbit or Boar instead of Pig.
Related reading
Zodiac sign dates · All zodiac signs · Astrology vs. astronomy
Editorial note: Sign traits and correspondences describe astrological traditions. They should not be treated as scientifically proven personality facts.