The Chinese zodiac (生肖, shēngxiào) is a 12-year cycle in which each year is represented by one of twelve animals: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Unlike Western astrology's monthly signs, your Chinese zodiac sign is determined by your birth year. Each animal brings specific traits, strengths, and challenges.
The Chinese zodiac has a large following in the UK, particularly within the British-Chinese and wider East Asian community. Lunar New Year celebrations across London, Manchester, and Edinburgh attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
Each animal is associated with one of five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) on a 60-year cycle, adding a second layer to personality interpretation. The Dragon is the only mythical creature and is considered the most auspicious sign. The sequence runs: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig — repeating continuously.
The twelve animals rotate in a fixed sequence and restart after the Pig with the Rat. Each Chinese New Year — which falls between 21 January and 20 February — begins a new animal year. If you were born in early January, check whether your birthday falls before or after Chinese New Year for that year to find your correct sign.
Compatible trinities in Chinese astrology: Rat–Dragon–Monkey; Ox–Snake–Rooster; Tiger–Horse–Dog; Rabbit–Goat–Pig. Signs directly opposite each other in the cycle (six positions apart) are traditionally said to clash — for example Rat and Horse, or Ox and Goat.
2025 is the Year of the Wood Snake, beginning 29 January 2025. The Snake is associated with wisdom, intuition, and refinement. Wood Snake years are said to favour strategic thinking, careful planning, and personal transformation. Those born in previous Snake years (1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013) are in their Ben Ming Nian and are traditionally advised to exercise extra care.
