Each of the 12 animals (or signs) of the Chinese zodiacare associated with the cyclical rotation of the 5 elements of Chinese cosmology (Wu Xing), changing every sixty years (12 x 5 = 60 years for the 12 signs, 5 x 2 = 10 years for the 5 elements that follow each other in pairs, with a Yang then Yin polarity).
According to the Chinese zodiac, every year, every month, every day and every hour are directly associated with a Chinese zodiac animal and a corresponding element. Each of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs also possess their own embedded set of elements.
The relationships between the five elements of Chinese astrology and the Chinese zodiac animals are mainly linked to creation, filiation and destruction cycles.
In the Chinese horoscope, the first month of a Chinese New Year always begins with the Month of the Tiger. This is the first month of the lunar year. One must not confuse the position of the Tiger in the Chinese calendar (3rd Chinese zodiac sign) with its position as an animal governing the 1st lunar month of the year. Thus, the Month of the Tiger is the 1st month of the lunar year, followed by the Month of the Rabbit, 2nd month of the lunar year, then the Month of the Dragon, 3rd lunar month and so on in the order of 12 Chinese astrology animals. The Chinese Year always ends with the Month of the Ox, the 12th Chinese lunar month. This rule applies to all Chinese years. In the table below, you will find the complete list arranged in the respective order of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs and 12 lunar months.
The Chinese calendar
The Chinese zodiac calendar is based on the cycles of the Moon, while the Western calendar (or Gregorian calendar) is a solar calendar.
As such, the Chinese lunar years have different start and end dates from the classic Gregorian calendar, when New Year's Day is on January 1st. The beginning and ending dates below give you the exact duration of each Chinese Year, translated into Gregorian calendar dates, allowing you to identify which animal (or sign) you belong to, with your date of birth.
While Lunar New Year's Day,used in Chinese astrology to determine your Chinese zodiac sign,changes every year, remember that this is not the case of the Luo Shu square system traditionally used in Feng Shui. The astrological year of this 9 years cycle system always begins on February 4.
Chinese pregnancy calendar
According to Chinese astrology, you can determine the sex of your baby with the Chinese calendar baby gender predictor.
The Chinese calendar can also serve as a pregnancy calendar for any expectant mother who wishes to ensure upstream parent-child compatibility of her baby with her and her husband or companion. To do this, first check the compatibility of your Chinese zodiac sign with the zodiac sign corresponding to the Chinese animal of the year during which you are planning the birth of your boy or girl.
According to the Chinese calendar 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023, children born between January 25, 2020 and February 11, 2021 are of the Chinese zodiac sign of the Metal Rat, while those born between February 12, 2021 and January 31, 2022 are of the Chinese zodiac sign of the Metal Ox. From February 1, 2022 to January 21, 2023, children born during this period are from the Year of the Water Tiger. Boys and girls born between January 22, 2023 and February 9, 2024 have the Year of the Water Rabbit as their first pillar of destiny.
12 Chinese zodiac signs' year of birth calendar (1920 to 2031)
🐭Rat (Chinese zodiac): Years of the Rat, Mouse
Birth years of the Chinese zodiac sign of the Rat
If your birth is within the date ranges below, it means you were born in the Year of the Rat (1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020). Read the full horoscope of the Chinese zodiac sign of the Rat here: Rat Chinese horoscope
| Year | Date range (DD/MM/YYYY) | Chinese year |
|---|---|---|
| 1924 | 05/02/1924 24/01/1925 | Wood Rat |
| 1936 | 24/01/1936 10/02/1937 | Fire Rat |
| 1948 | 10/02/1948 28/01/1949 | Earth Rat |
| 1960 | 28/01/1960 14/02/1961 | Metal Rat |
| 1972 | 15/02/1972 02/02/1973 | Water Rat |
| 1984 | 02/02/1984 19/02/1985 | Wood Rat |
| 1996 | 19/02/1996 06/02/1997 | Fire Rat |
| 2008 | 07/02/2008 25/01/2009 | Earth Rat |
| 2020 | 25/01/2020 11/02/2021 | Metal Rat |
🐮Ox (Chinese zodiac): Years of the Ox, Buffalo
Birth years of the Chinese zodiac sign of the Ox
If your birth is within the date ranges below, it means you were born in the Year of the Ox (1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021). Read the full horoscope of the Chinese zodiac sign of the Ox here: Ox Chinese horoscope
| Year | Date range (DD/MM/YYYY) | Chinese year |
|---|---|---|
| 1925 | 25/01/1925 12/02/1926 | Wood Ox |
| 1937 | 11/02/1937 30/01/1938 | Fire Ox |
| 1949 | 29/01/1949 16/02/1950 | Earth Ox |
| 1961 | 15/02/1961 04/02/1962 | Metal Ox |
| 1973 | 03/02/1973 22/01/1974 | Water Ox |
| 1985 | 20/02/1985 08/02/1986 | Wood Ox |
| 1997 | 07/02/1997 27/01/1998 | Fire Ox |
| 2009 | 26/01/2009 13/02/2010 | Earth Ox |
| 2021 | 12/02/2021 31/01/2022 | Metal Ox |
🐯Tiger (Chinese zodiac): Years of the Tiger
Birth years of the Chinese zodiac sign of the Tiger
If your birth is within the date ranges below, it means you were born in the Year of the Tiger (1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022). Read the full horoscope of the Chinese zodiac sign of the Tiger here: Tiger Chinese horoscope
| Year | Date range (DD/MM/YYYY) | Chinese year |
|---|---|---|
| 1926 | 13/02/1926 01/02/1927 | Fire Tiger |
| 1938 | 31/01/1938 18/02/1939 | Earth Tiger |
| 1950 | 17/02/1950 05/02/1951 | Metal Tiger |
| 1962 | 05/02/1962 25/01/1963 | Water Tiger |
| 1974 | 23/01/1974 10/02/1975 | Wood Tiger |
| 1986 | 09/02/1986 28/01/1987 | Fire Tiger |
| 1998 | 28/01/1998 15/02/1999 | Earth Tiger |
| 2010 | 14/02/2010 02/02/2011 | Metal Tiger |
| 2022 | 01/02/2022 21/01/2023 | Water Tiger |
🐰Rabbit (Chinese zodiac): Years of the Rabbit, Hare, Cat
Birth years of the Chinese zodiac sign of the Rabbit
If your birth is within the date ranges below, it means you were born in the Year of the Rabbit (1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023). Read the full horoscope of the Chinese zodiac sign of the Rabbit here: Rabbit Chinese horoscope
| Year | Date range (DD/MM/YYYY) | Chinese year |
|---|---|---|
| 1927 | 02/02/1927 22/01/1928 | Fire Rabbit |
| 1939 | 19/02/1939 07/02/1940 | Earth Rabbit |
| 1951 | 06/02/1951 26/01/1952 | Metal Rabbit |
| 1963 | 25/01/1963 12/02/1964 | Water Rabbit |
| 1975 | 11/02/1975 30/01/1976 | Wood Rabbit |
| 1987 | 29/01/1987 16/02/1988 | Fire Rabbit |
| 1999 | 16/02/1999 04/02/2000 | Earth Rabbit |
| 2011 | 03/02/2011 22/01/2012 | Metal Rabbit |
| 2023 | 22/01/2023 09/02/2024 | Water Rabbit |
🐲Dragon (Chinese zodiac): Years of the Dragon
Birth years of the Chinese zodiac sign of the Dragon
If your birth is within the date ranges below, it means you were born in the Year of the Dragon (1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2021, 2024). Read the full horoscope of the Chinese zodiac sign of the Dragon here: Dragon Chinese horoscope
| Year | Date range (DD/MM/YYYY) | Chinese year |
|---|---|---|
| 1928 | 23/01/1928 09/02/1929 | Earth Dragon |
| 1940 | 08/02/1940 26/01/1941 | Metal Dragon |
| 1952 | 27/01/1952 13/02/1953 | Water Dragon |
| 1964 | 13/02/1964 01/02/1965 | Wood Dragon |
| 1976 | 31/01/1976 17/02/1977 | Fire Dragon |
| 1988 | 17/02/1988 05/02/1989 | Earth Dragon |
| 2000 | 05/02/2000 23/01/2001 | Metal Dragon |
| 2012 | 23/01/2012 09/02/2013 | Water Dragon |
| 2024 | 10/02/2024 29/01/2025 | Wood Dragon |
🐍Snake (Chinese zodiac): Years of the Snake
Birth years of the Chinese zodiac sign of the Snake
If your birth is within the date ranges below, it means you were born in the Year of the Snake (1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025). Read the full horoscope of the Chinese zodiac sign of the Snake here: Snake Chinese horoscope
| Year | Date range (DD/MM/YYYY) | Chinese year |
|---|---|---|
| 1929 | 10/02/1929 09/01/1930 | Earth Snake |
| 1941 | 27/01/1941 14/02/1942 | Metal Snake |
| 1953 | 14/02/1953 02/02/1954 | Water Snake |
| 1965 | 02/02/1965 20/02/1966 | Wood Snake |
| 1977 | 18/02/1977 06/02/1978 | Fire Snake |
| 1989 | 06/02/1989 26/01/1990 | Earth Snake |
| 2001 | 24/01/2001 11/02/2002 | Metal Snake |
| 2013 | 10/02/2013 30/01/2014 | Water Snake |
| 2025 | 29/01/2025 16/02/2026 | Wood Snake |
🐴Horse (Chinese zodiac): Years of the Horse
Birth years of the Chinese zodiac sign of the Horse
If your birth is within the date ranges below, it means you were born in the Year of the Horse (1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026). Read the full horoscope of the Chinese zodiac sign of the Horse here: Horse Chinese horoscope
| Year | Date range (DD/MM/YYYY) | Chinese year |
|---|---|---|
| 1930 | 10/01/1930 16/02/1931 | Metal Horse |
| 1942 | 15/02/1942 04/02/1943 | Water Horse |
| 1954 | 03/02/1954 23/01/1955 | Wood Horse |
| 1966 | 21/01/1966 08/02/1967 | Fire Horse |
| 1978 | 07/02/1978 27/01/1979 | Earth Horse |
| 1990 | 27/01/1990 14/02/1991 | Metal Horse |
| 2002 | 12/02/2002 31/01/2003 | Water Horse |
| 2014 | 31/01/2014 18/02/2015 | Wood Horse |
| 2026 | 17/02/2026 05/02/2027 | Fire Horse |
🐐Goat (Chinese zodiac): Years of the Goat, Sheep
Birth years of the Chinese zodiac sign of the Goat
If your birth is within the date ranges below, it means you were born in the Year of the Goat (1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979 ,1991, 2003, 2015, 2027). Read the full horoscope of the Chinese zodiac sign of the Goat here: Goat Chinese horoscope
| Year | Date range (DD/MM/YYYY) | Chinese year |
|---|---|---|
| 1931 | 17/02/1931 05/02/1932 | Metal Goat |
| 1943 | 05/02/1943 24/01/1944 | Water Goat |
| 1955 | 24/01/1955 11/02/1956 | Wood Goat |
| 1967 | 09/02/1967 29/01/1968 | Fire Goat |
| 1979 | 28/01/1979 15/02/1980 | Earth Goat |
| 1991 | 15/02/1991 03/02/1992 | Metal Goat |
| 2003 | 01/02/2003 21/01/2004 | Water Goat |
| 2015 | 19/02/2015 07/02/2016 | Wood Goat |
| 2027 | 06/02/2027 25/02/2028 | Fire Goat |
🐵Monkey (Chinese zodiac): Years of the Monkey
Birth years of the Chinese zodiac sign of the Monkey
If your birth is within the date ranges below, it means you were born in the Year of the Monkey (1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028). Read the full horoscope of the Chinese zodiac sign of the Monkey here: Monkey Chinese horoscope
| Year | Date range (DD/MM/YYYY) | Chinese year |
|---|---|---|
| 1920 | 20/02/1920 07/02/1921 | Metal Monkey |
| 1932 | 06/02/1932 25/01/1933 | Water Monkey |
| 1944 | 25/01/1944 12/02/1945 | Wood Monkey |
| 1956 | 12/02/1956 30/01/1957 | Fire Monkey |
| 1968 | 30/01/1968 16/02/1969 | Earth Monkey |
| 1980 | 16/02/1980 04/02/1981 | Metal Monkey |
| 1992 | 04/02/1992 22/01/1993 | Water Monkey |
| 2004 | 22/01/2004 08/02/2005 | Wood Monkey |
| 2016 | 08/02/2016 27/01/2017 | Fire Monkey |
| 2028 | 26/01/2028 12/02/2029 | Earth Monkey |
🐔Rooster (Chinese zodiac): Years of the Rooster, Chicken
Birth years of the Chinese zodiac sign of the Rooster
If your birth is within the date ranges below, it means you were born in the Year of the Rooster (1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029). Read the full horoscope of the Chinese zodiac sign of the Rooster here: Rooster Chinese horoscope
| Year | Date range (DD/MM/YYYY) | Chinese year |
|---|---|---|
| 1921 | 08/02/1921 27/01/1922 | Metal Rooster |
| 1933 | 26/01/1933 13/02/1934 | Water Rooster |
| 1945 | 13/02/1945 01/02/1946 | Wood Rooster |
| 1957 | 31/01/1957 17/02/1958 | Fire Rooster |
| 1969 | 17/02/1969 05/02/1970 | Earth Rooster |
| 1981 | 05/02/1981 24/01/1982 | Metal Rooster |
| 1993 | 23/01/1993 09/02/1994 | Water Rooster |
| 2005 | 09/02/2005 28/01/2006 | Wood Rooster |
| 2017 | 28/01/2017 15/02/2018 | Fire Rooster |
| 2029 | 13/02/2029 02/02/2030 | Earth Rooster |
🐶Dog (Chinese zodiac): Years of the Dog
Birth years of the Chinese zodiac sign of the Dog
If your birth is within the date ranges below, it means you were born in the Year of the Dog (1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030). Read the full horoscope of the Chinese zodiac sign of the Dog here: Dog Chinese horoscope
| Year | Date range (DD/MM/YYYY) | Chinese year |
|---|---|---|
| 1922 | 28/01/1922 15/02/1923 | Water Dog |
| 1934 | 14/02/1934 03/02/1935 | Wood Dog |
| 1946 | 02/02/1946 21/01/1947 | Fire Dog |
| 1958 | 18/02/1958 07/02/1959 | Earth Dog |
| 1970 | 06/02/1970 28/01/1971 | Metal Dog |
| 1982 | 25/01/1982 12/02/1983 | Water Dog |
| 1994 | 10/02/1994 30/01/1995 | Wood Dog |
| 2006 | 29/01/2006 17/02/2007 | Fire Dog |
| 2018 | 16/02/2018 04/02/2019 | Earth Dog |
| 2030 | 03/02/2030 22/01/2031 | Metal Dog |
🐷Pig (Chinese zodiac): Years of the Pig, Boar
Birth years of the Chinese zodiac sign of the Pig
If your birth is within the date ranges below, it means you were born in the Year of the Pig (1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031). Read the full horoscope of the Chinese zodiac sign of the Pig here: Pig Chinese horoscope
| Year | Date range (DD/MM/YYYY) | Chinese year |
|---|---|---|
| 1923 | 16/02/1923 04/02/1924 | Water Pig |
| 1935 | 04/02/1935 23/01/1936 | Wood Pig |
| 1947 | 22/01/1947 09/02/1948 | Fire Pig |
| 1959 | 08/02/1959 27/01/1960 | Earth Pig |
| 1971 | 27/01/1971 14/02/1972 | Metal Pig |
| 1983 | 13/02/1983 01/02/1984 | Water Pig |
| 1995 | 31/01/1995 18/02/1996 | Wood Pig |
| 2007 | 18/02/2007 06/02/2008 | Fire Pig |
| 2019 | 05/02/2019 24/01/2020 | Earth Pig |
| 2031 | 23/01/2031 10/02/2032 | Metal Pig |
Monthly Chinese zodiac calendar 2023
Below are listed the Chinese zodiac 2023 ruling animals and elements for each month of the year.* According to the Chinese New Year 2023 calendar, January 22nd, 2023 is the Lunar New Year celebration day, which marks the start of the Year of the Water Rabbit 2023 (the Rabbit being the ruling animal of the year 2023) and the first day of the Month of the Wood Tiger, first month of the lunar calendar of 2023.
| Date range (DD/MM/YYYY) | Chinese lunar month |
|---|---|
| 22/01/2023 19/02/2023 | Wood Tiger Month |
| 20/02/2023 19/04/2023 | Wood Rabbit Month (doubled month) |
| 20/04/2023 18/05/2023 | Fire Dragon Month |
| 19/05/2023 17/06/2023 | Fire Snake Month |
| 18/06/2023 17/07/2023 | Earth Horse Month |
| 18/07/2023 15/08/2023 | Earth Goat Month |
| 16/08/2023 14/09/2023 | Metal Monkey Month |
| 15/09/2023 14/10/2023 | Metal Rooster Month |
| 15/10/2023 12/11/2023 | Water Dog Month |
| 13/11/2023 12/12/2023 | Water Pig Month |
| 13/12/2023 10/01/2024 | Wood Rat Month |
| 11/01/2024 9/02/2024 | Wood Ox Month |
* All periods are Chinese horoscope calendar's monthly dates translated into Gregorian dates, just like the yearly dates previously listed for each of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs.
Monthly Chinese zodiac calendar 2024
Below are listed the Chinese zodiac 2024 ruling animals and elements for each month of the year.* According to the Chinese New Year 2024 calendar, February 10, 2024 is the Lunar New Year celebration day, which marks the start of the Year of the Wood Dragon 2024 (the Tiger being the ruling animal of the year 2022) and the first day of the Month of the Fire Tiger, first month of the lunar calendar of 2024.
| Date range (DD/MM/YYYY) | Chinese lunar month |
|---|---|
| 10/02/2024 09/03/2024 | Fire Tiger Month |
| 10/03/2024 08/04/2024 | Fire Rabbit Month |
| 09/04/2024 07/05/2024 | Earth Dragon Month |
| 08/05/2024 05/06/2024 | Earth Snake Month |
| 06/06/2024 05/07/2024 | Metal Horse Month |
| 06/07/2024 03/08/2024 | Metal Goat Month |
| 04/08/2024 02/09/2024 | Water Monkey Month |
| 03/09/2024 02/10/2024 | Water Rooster Month |
| 03/10/2024 31/10/2024 | Wood Dog Month |
| 01/11/2024 30/11/2024 | Wood Pig Month |
| 01/12/2024 30/12/2024 | Fire Rat Month |
| 01/01/2025 28/01/2025 | Fire Ox Month |
* All periods are Chinese Zodiac Calendar's monthly dates translated into Gregorian dates, just like the Chinese zodiac birth dates previously listed.
Chinese zodiac hours
Discover the Chinese Zodiac Animal and the Element of your hour of birth
You can use the local time of your birth to define the Chinese Zodiac sign of your hour of birth:
| Chinese hour | Time range | Chinese zodiac sign's polarity & element |
|---|---|---|
| Rat | 11:00 pm 00:59 am | Yang Water |
| Ox | 1:00 am 2:59 am | Yin Earth |
| Tiger | 3:00 am 4:59 am | Yang Wood |
| Rabbit | 5:00 am 6:59 am | Yin Wood |
| Dragon | 7:00 am 8:59 am | Yang Earth |
| Snake | 9:00 am 10:59 am | Yin Fire |
| Horse | 11:00 am 12:59 pm | Yang Fire |
| Goat | 01:00 pm 2:59 pm | Yin Earth |
| Monkey | 03:00 pm 4:59 pm | Yang Metal |
| Rooster | 05:00 pm 6:59 pm | Yin Metal |
| Dog | 07:00 pm 8:59 pm | Yang Earth |
| Pig | 09:00 pm 10:59 pm | Yin Water |
Chinese seasons' dates and elements
The element of the Chinese season of your birth
| Element | Date range | Chinese Season | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🌳 | Wood | 14/02 17/04 | Spring |
| 🗿 | Earth | 18/04 03/05 | 5th Season ** |
| 🔥 | Fire | 04/05 17/07 | Summer |
| 🗿 | Earth | 18/07 04/08 | 5th Season |
| 🛠 | Metal | 05/08 17/10 | Fall |
| 🗿 | Earth | 18/10 04/11 | 5th Season |
| 💧 | Water | 05/11 16/01 | Winter |
| 🗿 | Earth | 17/01 13/02 | 5th Season |
** The fifth season is the last two weeks of each season, during which the Earth element replaces the element of the season that ends.
As a seasoned enthusiast in Chinese cosmology and astrology, I delve into the intricate connections between the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac and the 5 elements of Chinese cosmology, known as Wu Xing. This intricate system, evolving every sixty years, weaves a tapestry of creation, filiation, and destruction cycles, forming the foundation of Chinese astrology.
In this rich tapestry, every year, month, day, and hour align with a specific Chinese zodiac animal and a corresponding element. The cyclical rotation of elements, manifesting in pairs with a Yang and Yin polarity, orchestrates the dynamic dance of the Chinese zodiac. The relationships between the five elements and the zodiac animals reveal profound insights into the cosmic order.
The Chinese calendar, rooted in lunar cycles, contrasts with the Western solar calendar. The lunar years, with New Year's Day varying each year, offer a unique perspective on time. The Luo Shu square system in Feng Shui, however, follows a consistent astrological year beginning on February 4, contributing to the depth and precision of Chinese astrology.
The interconnectedness of these cosmic forces extends to the Chinese pregnancy calendar. This tool, grounded in Chinese astrology, not only predicts the sex of a baby but also ensures parent-child compatibility based on the Chinese zodiac signs and corresponding elements.
The comprehensive 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac, each year associated with a specific animal and element, provides a foundation for personal exploration. For instance, those born in the Year of the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, or Pig each possess unique qualities and characteristics.
Moreover, the detailed birth calendars for each zodiac sign, spanning from 1920 to 2031, further elucidate the alignment of birth years with specific animals and elements. This chronological guide allows individuals to identify their Chinese zodiac sign with precision.
Delving deeper, the monthly Chinese zodiac calendar for 2023 and 2024 unfolds the ruling animals and elements for each lunar month. From the Wood Tiger to the Fire Ox, the dynamic interplay of elements and animals shapes the energy of each month, influencing individual experiences and collective destinies.
Lastly, the Chinese zodiac hours uncover the significance of the hour of birth, associating each hour with a specific zodiac sign, polarity, and element. This intricate detail adds another layer to the complexity and precision of Chinese astrology.
In conclusion, the Chinese zodiac, intricately woven with the threads of the five elements, lunar cycles, and cosmic energies, offers a profound lens through which to understand the intricacies of time, personality, and destiny.
