You might be familiar with the Western zodiac signs and astrology dictated by planetary movements that can help you guide through everything, from your style to your ideal travel buddy. But, did you know you have a Chinese zodiac sign as well?
For more than 2,000 years, Chinese zodiac signs have played an integral role in East Asian cultures. You might have come across these as references in pop culture or through the significance of the Chinese New Year.
The concept has also inspired many designers and labels over the years, most famously Gucci. The Italian fashion house has dedicated an entire collection to the Chinese zodiac signs, like the pig-themed collection it released to celebrate the Year of the Pig, or the controversial Year of the Tiger campaign that caused backlash from animal rights activists across the world.
What is the Chinese zodiac?
Chinese zodiac, also known as Shengxiao, is a repeating cycle of 12 years and each year is represented by a different animal. The animals, in order, are rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.
According to Chinese legends, the origin of this zodiac system can be traced back to the Jade Emperor and his legendary race. The emperor held a race to determine which animals would make it to the calendar and then, placed them in the order of their race performance.
Like Western zodiac signs, these also determine compatibility, personality traits, and fortune.
How are Chinese zodiac signs different from Western ones?
While there are many similarities, like how both can determine major personality traits and compatibility levels, the two zodiac systems are very different. While Western astrology changes due to planetary positions and other factors, Chinese zodiac system works on the basis of your birth year.
The Western system follows a 12-month long cycle while the Chinese one follows a 12-year long cycle, with each year representing a different zodiac.
The Asian system is also more complex than the Western as it also uses natural elements like earth, metal, water, wood and fire to further determine each zodiac sign’s traits and fortune.
How to determine your Chinese zodiac sign?
The way to determine your Chinese zodiac sign is through the year you were born in. For instance, 2023 is the Year of Rabbit. As mentioned earlier, the order of animals goes: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat monkey, rooster, dog, and a pig.
Which Chinese zodiac signs are the luckiest?
Like the Western zodiac system, there are some Chinese signs that are considered luckier and more fortunate than the rest. Here are four of the luckiest Chinese zodiac signs: