The Chinese zodiac, or “sheng jiao”, is a 12-year cycle, with each year representing an animal and its specific characteristics. The 12 animals in the Chinese horoscope are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
Origin of Chinese astrology
Chinese astrology was elaborated about 5000 years ago during the Zhou dynasty (1046–256 BC) and flourished during the Han dynasty (2nd century BC to 2nd century AD). It has a deep connection with Chinese philosophy. However, it is linked to the doctrine of the three harmonies of heaven, earth, and water.
The most famous legend of the Chinese zodiac, in the order of the Chinese signs of astrology, goes like this: As the story of the Jade Emperor Race tells, the Chinese emperor held a competition to add lucky animals to the calendar. In the first year of the 12 years, the rat won first place, and so on as each animal claims its victory and place.
Most auspicious and inauspicious zodiac signs in Chinese astrology
It is not easy to identify the luckiest and unluckiest zodiac signs as each zodiac sign has its advantages and disadvantages. But, according to Chinese culture, the goat symbol is considered the most inauspicious sign. There is a belief that people born in the years of the Goat are considered followers rather than leaders.
The Dragon zodiac sign is considered to be the luckiest zodiac sign. The top 5 most unpredictable Chinese zodiac signs are Dragon, Snake, Pig, Rat, and Tiger. According to the principles of Chinese astrology, all these aspects can define a person’s past, present, and future. They can be used to develop strong and accurate predictions of a person’s characteristics and every aspect of his or her life.
Here is the list of 12 Zodiacs with Personality trait, Animal, Color and Direction respectively
Rat (shǔ)
- Smart, creative, and kind
- Dragon and monkey
- Aqua blue and green
- Northeast and South
Bull (niú)
- Strong and determined
- Snake and cock
- Silver and white
- East and North
Tiger (hǔ)
- Versatile and resourceful
- Horse and dog
- Gray and blue
- South and North
Rabbit (tú)
- Calm and responsible
- Goat and pig
- Gold and silver
- Southwest and west
Dragon (lóng)
- Confident and intelligent
- Monkey and Rat
- Ruby Red, Grey, Blue and Green
- East and South
Snake (she)
- Intelligent and talented
- Bull and cock
- Bright yellow, sky blue, and peach
- West and East
Horse (mǎ)
- Energetic and innovative
- Monkey
- White, Silver, and Red
- South and North
Goat (yáng)
- Calm and gentle
- Pig
- Blue and black
- Northeast and West
Monkey (huu)
- Curious and intelligent
- Mice
- Grey, shiny, blue, and yellow
- East and west
Cock (jī)
- Smart and intelligent
- Ox and Snake
- Pink, Blue, White, and Silver
- East and North
Dog (gǒu)
- Honest and loyal
- Tiger and dragon
- Red, yellow, and white
- South and north
Pig (zhū)
- Friendly and discreet
- Goat, Dragon, and Rabbit
- Pink, yellow, and green
- South and east
Sometimes, a goat may also be called a sheep, while a pig may also be called a wild boar. These animal symbols are assigned specific years, and so the year of one’s birth essentially determines one’s Chinese zodiac sign. However, in addition to years, other chronological elements including months, days, and hours are also assigned to these 12 animal symbols. In addition to the aspects mentioned above, the central part of Chinese astrology includes the balance theory of yin-yang, Wu Hsing teachings, and the five elements – metal, wood, fire, earth, and air.