What Chinese Zodiac Sign Am I?

The Chinese Zodiac is based on a twelve year cycle, each year being represented by an animal. Chinese Zodiac system is based on lunar year in a sixty year cycle you were born. In the Chinese horoscope, the five basic elements of Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth, which make up all matter, are combined with the twelve animal signs of Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Lamb, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig to form the sixty year cycle. You can easily find out the chinese zodiac sign by selecting the year you were born. This post guides you to learn about Chinese zodiac system, characteristics of each zodiac sign and at the end of the post you can use a calculator (via a link) to find you your chinese zodiac sign.

It is believed that the traits and the tendencies of these 12 animals cover the total human spectrum as far as personality types are concerned. The year in which a person is born affects her/his traits matching them with those of the animal representing the year.

A cultural sidelight of the animal signs in Chinese folklore is that horoscopes have developed around the animal signs, much like monthly horoscopes in the West have been developed for the different moon signs, Pisces, Aries, etc. For example, a Chinese horoscope may predict that a person born in the Year of the Horse would be, "cheerful, popular, and loves to compliment others". These horoscopes are amusing, but not regarded seriously by the Chinese people.

The animal signs also serve a useful social function for finding out people's ages. Instead of asking directly how old a person is, people often ask what is his or her animal sign. This would place that person's age within a cycle of 12 years, and with a bit of common sense, we can deduce the exact age.

The animal signs assigned by year represent what others perceive you as being or how you present yourself. It is a common misconception that the animals assigned by year are the only signs, and many western descriptions of Chinese astrology draw solely on this system.

These 12 animals represent the rotating 12-year cycle that is the basis of the Chinese Zodiac.

Displayed below are the characteristics of those born in the year of the listed animals.

RAT

Jan.24,1936 to Feb.10,1937

Feb.10,1948 to Feb.14,1949

Jan.28,1960 to Feb.14,1961

Jan.16,1972 to Feb.02,1973

Feb.02,1984 to Feb.19,1985

Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Rat are quick-witted, clever, charming, sharp and funny. They have excellent taste, are a good friend and are generous and loyal to others considered part of its pack. Motivated by money, can be greedy, is ever curious, seeks knowledge and welcomes challenges. They are imaginative, charming, and truly generous to the person you love. However, you have a tendency to be quick-tempered and overly critical. You are also inclined to be somewhat of an opportunist. Born under this sign, you should be happy in sales or as a writer, critic, or publicist. Compatible with Dragon or Monkey.

OX

Feb.11,1937 to Jan.30,1938

Jan.29,1949 to Feb.16,1950

Feb.15,1961 to Feb.04,1962

Feb.03,1973 to Jan.22,1974

Feb.20,1985 to Feb.08,1986

This is one of the powerful Chinese Zodiac signs.  Ox is steadfast, solid, a goal-oriented leader, detail-oriented, hard-working, stubborn, serious and introverted but can feel lonely and insecure. Takes comfort in friends and family and is a reliable, protective and strong companion. A born leader, you inspire confidence from all around you. You are conservative methodical, and good with your hands. Guard against being chauvinistic and always demanding your own way. The Ox/Buffalo would be successful as a skilled surgeon, general, or hairdresser. Compatible with Snake or Rooster.

TIGER

Jan.31,1938 to Feb.18,1939

Feb.17,1950 to Feb.05,1951

Feb.05,1962 to Jan.24,1963

Jan.23,1974 to Feb.10,1975

Jan.09,1986 to Jan.28,1987

Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Tiger are authoritative, self-possessed, have strong leadership qualities, are charming, ambitious, courageous, warm-hearted, highly seductive, moody, intense, and they’re ready to pounce at any time. You are sensitive, emotional, and capable of great love. However, you have a tendency to get carried away and be stubborn about what you think is right; often seen as a "Hothead" or rebel. Your sign shows you would be excellent as a boss, explorer, race car driver, or matador. Compatible with Horse or Dog.

HARE/RABBIT

Feb.19,1939 to Feb.07,1940

Feb.06,1951 to Jan.26,1952

Jan.25,1963 to Feb.12,1964

Feb.11,1975 to Jan.30,1976

Jan.29,1987 to Feb.16,1988

Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Rabbit enjoy being surrounded by family and friends. You have a tendency, though, to get too sentimental and seem superficial. Being cautious and conservative, you are successful in business but would also make a good lawyer, diplomat, or actor. You are popular, compassionate, sincere, and you like to avoid conflict and are sometimes seen as pushovers. Rabbits enjoy home and entertaining at home. Compatible with Goat or Pig.

DRAGON

Feb.08,1940 to Jan.26,1941

Jan.27,1952 to Feb.13,1953

Feb.13,1964 to Feb.01,1965

Jan.31,1976 to Feb.17,1977

Feb.17,1988 to Feb.05,1989

A powerful sign, those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Dragon are energetic and warm-hearted, charismatic, lucky at love and egotistic. Full of vitality and enthusiasm, the Dragon is a popular individual even with the reputation of being foolhardy and a "big mouth" at times. You are intelligent, gifted, and a perfectionist but these qualities make you unduly demanding on others. You would be well-suited to be an artist, priest, or politician. You are natural born leader, good at giving orders and doing what’s necessary to remain on top. Compatible with Monkey and Rat.

SNAKE

Jan.27,1941 to Feb.14,1942

Feb.14,1953 to Feb.02,1954

Feb.02,1965 to Jan.20,1966

Feb.18,1977 to Feb.06,1978

Feb.06,1989 to Jan.26,1990

Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Snake are rich in wisdom and charm, you are romantic and deep thinking and your intuition guides you strongly. You are seductive, gregarious, introverted, generous, charming, good with money, analytical, insecure, jealous, slightly dangerous, smart, you rely on gut feelings, are hard-working and intelligent. Avoid procrastination and your stingy attitude towards money. Keep your sense of humor about life. The Snake would be most content as a teacher, philosopher, writer, psychiatrist, and fortune teller. Compatible with Rooster or Ox.

HORSE

Jan.15,1942 to Feb.04 1943

Feb.03,1954 to Jan.23,1955

Jan.21,1966 to Feb.08,1967

Feb.07,1978 to Jan.27,1979

Jan.27,1990 to Feb.14,1991

Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Horse love to roam free.  Your capacity for hard work is amazing. Your are your own person-very independent. While intelligent and friendly, you have a strong streak of selfishness and sharp cunning and should guard against being egotistical. Your sign suggests success as an adventurer, scientist, poet, or politician. You are energetic, self-reliant, money-wise, and they enjoy traveling, love and intimacy. You are great at seducing, sharp-witted, impatient and sometimes seen as a drifter. Compatible with Dog or Tiger.

 SHEEP/GOAT

Jan.05,1943 to Jan.24,1944

Jan.24,1955 to Feb.11,1956

Feb.09,1967 to Jan.28,1968

Jan.28,1979 to Feb.15,1980

Feb.15,1991 to Feb.03,1992

Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Goat enjoy being alone in their thoughts. They’re creative, thinkers, wanderers, unorganized, high-strung and insecure, and can be anxiety-ridden. They need lots of love, support and reassurance. Appearance is important too. Except for the knack of always getting off on the wrong foot with people, the Goat can be charming company. Your are elegant and artistic but the first to complain about things. Put aside your pessimism and worry and try to be less dependent on material comforts. You would be best as an actor, gardener, or beachcomber. Compatible with Pig or Rabbit.

MONKEY

Jan.25,1944 to Feb.12,1945

Feb.12,1956 to Jan.30,1957

Jan.30,1968 to Feb.16,1969

Feb.16,1980 to Feb.04,1981

Feb.04,1992 to Jan.22,1993

Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Monkey thrive on having fun. You are energetic, upbeat, and good at listening but lack self-control. They like being active and stimulated and enjoy pleasing self before pleasing others. They’re heart-breakers, not good at long-term relationships, morals are weak. You are a vary intelligent and a very clever wit. Because of your extraordinary nature and magnetic personality, you are always well-liked. The Monkey, however, must guard against being an opportunist and distrustful of other people. Your sign promises success in any field you try.

Compatible with Rat or Dragon.

ROOSTER

Feb.13,1945 to Feb.01,1946

Jan.31,1957 to Feb.17,1958

Feb.17,1969 to Feb.05,1970

Feb.05,1981 to Jan.24,1982

Jan.23,1993 to Feb.09,1994

Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Rooster are practical, resourceful, observant, analytical, straightforward, trusting, honest, perfectionists, neat and conservative. The Rooster is a hard worker; shrewd and definite in decision making often speaking his mind. Because of this, you tend to seem boastful to others. You are a dreamer, flashy dresser, and extravagant to an extreme. Born under this sign you should be happy as a restaurant owner, publicist, soldier or world traveler. Compatible with Ox or Snake.

DOG

Feb.02,1946 to Jan.21,1947

Feb.18,1958 to Feb.07,1959

Feb.06,1970 to Jan.26,1971

Jan.25,1982 to Feb.12,1983

Feb.10,1994 to Jan.30,1995

Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Dog are loyal, faithful, honest, distrustful, often guilty of telling white lies, temperamental, prone to mood swings, dogmatic, and sensitive. Dogs excel in business but have trouble finding mates. The Dog will never let you down. Born under this sign you are honest, and faithful to those you love. You are plagued by constant worry, a sharp tongue, and a tendency to be a fault finder, however. You would make an excellent businessman, activist, teacher, or secret agent. Compatible with Tiger or Horse.

BOAR/PIG

Jan.22,1947 to Feb.09,1948

Feb.08,1959 to Jan.27,1960

Jan.27,1971 to Jan.15,1972

Feb.13,1983 to Feb.01,1984

Jan.31,1995 to Feb.18,1996

Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Pig are extremely nice, good-mannered and tasteful. They’re perfectionists who enjoy finer things but are not perceived as snobs. They enjoy helping others and are good companions until someone close crosses them, then look out! They’re intelligent, always seeking more knowledge, and exclusive. You are a splendid companion, an intellectual with a very strong need to set difficult goals and carry them out. Your quest for material goods could be your downfall. The Pig would be best in the arts as an entertainer, or possible a lawyer. Compatible with Rabbit or Goat.

You can find the year you were born to determine your own sign. Use the link below to determine the Chinese Zodiac animal for your birth date.

Link: Chinese Zodiac Sign Calculator

To check each Chinese Zodiac sings in detail check this site: Chinese Zodiac

2011 is the year of Rabbit in Chinese Lunar calendar.

Useful links:

* Chinese astrology explained by wikipedia

* Chinese Zodiacs at China Spree.com