With Lunar New Year approaching, there remain some questions surrounding a fundamental part of the holiday– the zodiacs. More specifically, I will be discussing the Chinese zodiac signs, the mythical stories behind them, and what your Chinese zodiac sign says about you.
Despite these zodiac signs being a crucial part of Chinese representation, they do not fully represent every individual. With that, you’ll likely find yourself with contrasting personality traits that do not match up with your zodiac sign. Or maybe you’ll truly align with your zodiac, but it’s difficult to tell. Either way, there is some extent in which you might find similarities between your Chinese zodiac and yourself, but don’t take it to heart.
The Story
According to one version of the legend, around 2,000 years ago the Jade emperor of China wanted a way to measure time, so he decided to create a calendar by inviting various animals to a race. He decided that the first 12 animals to reach the finish line would earn a place in the zodiac calendar, but only in the order that they finished.
However, this race was no small feat. It required crossing a rampant river, which tested each animal’s abilities, intelligence, and character. Some animals pushed through with pure grit and cleverness, but some animals simply took the easiest way out. Whether or not these animals deserved to win is strictly subjective though.
In the race…
The rat rode on the ox’s back, since it was unable to swim well enough on its own. The rat finished first, and the ox finished second. Next, the tiger powered through the river using pure grit and strength, placing third. Then, the rabbit cleverly hopped across stones and floating logs to cross safely, placing fourth.
Following the top runners, the snake secretly hid on the horse’s hoof and startled it at the finish, slipping ahead to fifth. Then the dragon stopped to help villages with rain making its way to sixth place. With the power of teamwork, the goat, monkey, and the r rooster worked together on a raft and placed seventh.
Barley making the cut, the Dog played in the water for quite some time, but managed to place eighth. Lastly, the Pig stopped to eat and nap by the rivershore, and somehow managed to finish last.
When the race concluded, the animals didn’t just serve as a marker of time. The animals additionally served as a reminder of how individual talents, wits, and ability can help you succeed, or get taken advantage of. Likewise, their personality traits can often be seen in us, creating the zodiac signs we know today.
Zodiac Signs
After the story and legend became widely known, each year would represent a given animal. In 2026, this year marks the year of the horse. With that, the following statistics below represent what zodiac sign you are, and what that POTENTIALLY says about you:
- Rat – Smart, quick-thinking, clever, sneaky, adaptable.
Years: 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972
- Ox – Reliable, patient, hardworking
Years: 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973
- Tiger – Brave, confident, competitive
Years: 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974
- Horse – Independent energetic, sociable
Years: 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978
- Goat (Sheep) – Creative, kind, sensitive
Years: 2015, 2003,1991, 1979
- Monkey – Clever, playful, curious
Years: 2016, 2004, 1992
1980
- Rabbit – Gentle, calm,empathetic
Years: 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975
- Rooster – Confident, organized, outspoken
Years: 2017, 2005, 1993,1981
- Dragon – Charismatic, ambitious, energetic
Years: 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976
- Snake – Wise, observant,mysterious
Years: 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977
- Dog – Loyal, honest, protective
Years: 2018, 2006,1994, 1982
- Pig – Generous, warm,easygoing
Years: 2019, 2007,1995, 1983
