Chinese Zodiac Tattoo Symbolism


Chinese Zodiac Animal Symbol Meaning

The Chinese zodiac signs are determined by the lunar year in which you were born. The Chinese believe the animal ruling one's birth year has a profound influence on personality, and destiny. Meaning: This animal hides in your heart.

Unlike Western astrology, it does not look the heavenly constellations or planets to predict one's destiny. Rather, Chinese astrology deals with divining sciences of wuxing or the five elements (earth, fire, water, metal, wood), Yin and Yang, Chi, and the cycles of time.

Legend has it that inception of the Chinese zodiac signs began when the Buddha beckoned all the animals to bid him farewell before his departure from the Earth. Only twelve arrived at his summoning, and so those were given a place of honor in a year being named after each.

You can determine your animal sign by referring to the year you were born and matching it up with the corresponding animal in the chart below.

Years Corresponding to Chinese Zodiac Signs:

Rat
1900
1912
1924
1936
1948
1960
1972
1984
1996
2008
2020
Ox
1901
1913
1925
1937
1949
1961
1973
1985
1997
2009
2021
Tiger
1902
1914
1926
1938
1950
1962
1974
1986
1998
2010
2022
Rabbit
1903
1915
1927
1939
1951
1963
1975
1987
1999
2011
2023
Dragon
1904
1916
1928
1940
1952
1964
1976
1988
2000
2012
2024
Snake
1905
1917
1929
1941
1953
1965
1977
1989
2001
2013
2025
Horse
1906
1918
1930
1942
1954
1966
1978
1990
2002
2014
2026
Sheep
1907
1919
1931
1943
1955
1967
1979
1991
2003
2015
2027
Monkey
1908
1920
1932
1944
1956
1968
1980
1992
2004
2016
2028
Rooster
1909
1921
1933
1945
1957
1969
1981
1993
2005
2017
2029
Dog
1910
1922
1934
1946
1958
1970
1982
1994
2006
2018
2030
Boar
1911
1923
1935
1947
1959
1971
1983
1995
2007
2019
2031












Rat:
Element: Water
Characteristics: Intelligent, adaptable, quick-witted, charming, artistic, sociable

Ox:
Element: Earth
Characteristics: Loyal, reliable, thorough, strong, reasonable, steady, determined

Tiger:
Element: Wood
Characteristics: Enthusiastic, courageous, ambitious, leadership, confidence, charismatic

Rabbit:
Element: Wood
Characteristics: Trustworthy, empathic, modest, diplomatic, sincere, sociable, caretakers

Dragon:
Element: Earth
Characteristics: Lucky, flexible, eccentric, imaginative, artistic, spiritual, charismatic

Snake:
Element: Fire
Characteristics: Philosophical, organized, intelligent, intuitive, elegant, attentive, decisive

Horse:
Element: Fire
Characteristics: Adaptable, loyal, courageous, ambitious, intelligent, adventurous, strong

Sheep:
Element: Earth
Characteristics: Tasteful, crafty, warm, elegant, charming, intuitive, sensitive, calm

Monkey:
Element: Metal
Characteristics: Quick-witted, charming, lucky, adaptable, bright, versatile, lively, smart

Rooster:
Element: Metal
Characteristics: Honest, energetic, intelligent, flamboyant, flexible, diverse, confident.

Dog:
Element: Earth
Characteristics: Loyal, sociable, courageous, diligent, steady, lively, adaptable, smart

Boar:
Element: Water
Characteristics: Honorable, philanthropic, determined, optimistic, sincere, sociable