Lunar New Year Animals: What are they and what do they mean?

The legend of the 12 animals in Chinese New Year comes from a poem about mythical creatures aiding spring's arrival

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Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, has its origins in an ancient celebration of the ripening crops along the Yellow River. The festival's date varies each year in the Gregorian calendar due to the traditional Chinese lunar calendar, which follows a 30-day month cycle. This shifting date pattern is similar to the variation seen with Easter in the Western calendar.

The legend of the 12 animals associated with the Chinese New Year stems from an ancient Chinese poem, which tells the tale of 12 mythical creatures descending from the heavens to assist people in celebrating the arrival of spring and the new harvest. According to the myth, the animals came to Earth at intervals of two hours, their combined journey symbolizing a full 24-hour day, and by extension, a person's lifetime. These animals appear in a specific order: starting with the Rat and concluding with the Pig. This myth later evolved into the well-known story of the animals racing each other, a popular tale often shared with children.

The Chinese Zodiac follows a 12-year cycle, with each year dedicated to one of the animals. In addition to this, each animal is associated with one of five elemental types—earth, wood, fire, water, and metal. For example, 2024 will be the Year of the Wood Dragon, while 2025 will be the Year of the Wood Snake.

Chinese New Year and animals

The Chinese New Year or Spring Festival started out as a celebration of when crops ripened on the banks of China’s Yellow River. The date for Chinese New year shifts around in our Gregorian calendar because the traditional Chinese calendar is based on a lunar cycle with 30 days in each month. It is for the same reason that Easter also falls on a different date each year.

The story, myth and legend of the 12 animals of the Chinese New Year calendar originates from an ancient Chinese poem telling the story of 12 mythical animals which descended from the heavens to help people celebrate the coming of spring and a new crop. In the poem we hear about how the animals came down to earth every two hours with their combined journey representing a whole 24 hour day and in turn a symbol of one’s lifetime. The animals appeared in a certain order starting with the Rat and ending with the Pig which, in much later years, led to the story of the animals racing each other in a tale which is often told to children.

The Chinese New Year animals change annually on a twelve year cycle but there are also five different types of each animal represented by the five elementary elements from Chinese culture - earth, wood, fire, water and metal. 2024 was the year of the Wood Dragon and 2025 is the year of the Wood Snake.

Here are the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac

Rat (1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032)

Ambitious and honest, but prone to financial overspending and fleeting relationships. Compatible with Dragons and Monkeys, but avoid the Horse.

Ox (1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033)

Patient, strong, and independent, the Ox makes a reliable friend. Best matches with the Snake or Chicken, but avoid the Sheep.

Tiger (1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034)

A mix of traits, from courage to sensitivity. Known for power and leadership. Compatible with the Horse and Dog but wary of the Monkey.

Rabbit (1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2035)

Lucky, talented, and affectionate. Peaceful by nature and best paired with the Sheep or Pig, but opposite the Chicken.

Dragon (1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024, 2036)

Strong and independent, the Dragon is a natural leader, often eccentric yet passionate. Best matched with the Monkey or Rat but avoid the Dog.

Snake (1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025, 2037)

Wise and intense, with a touch of vanity. The Snake is both a protector and a potential deceiver, depending on the context. Compatible with the Chicken or Ox but avoid the Pig.

Horse (1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026, 2038)

Charismatic and energetic, the Horse thrives in social environments but dislikes being alone. Best with the Tiger or Dog, but never the Rat.

Sheep/Goat (1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027, 2039)

Timid, elegant, and creative. The Sheep avoids confrontation and seeks security and affection. Best with the Pig and Rabbit, but avoid the Ox.

Monkey (1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028, 2040)

Clever, sociable, and mischievous. The Monkey is a quick learner and an enthusiastic achiever. Best with the Rat or Dragon, but steer clear of the Tiger.

Chicken/Rooster (1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029, 2041)

Pioneering and hardworking, the Rooster is intelligent and often self-focused. Best with the Snake or Ox, but watch out for the Rabbit.

Dog (1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030, 2042)

Loyal, honest, and generous, the Dog can also be stubborn and self-interested. Best with the Horse or Tiger, but be cautious around the Dragon.

Pig (1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031, 2043)

Noble and sincere, the Pig symbolizes wealth and luck. However, they may face marital challenges. Best with the Rabbit and Sheep, but avoid pairing with another Pig.

Each year brings new opportunities for those born under the Chinese Zodiac, and with it, a chance to reflect on one’s traits and compatibility in relationships.