Chinese Zodiac Tattoo Symbolism

Chinese Zodiac Animal Symbol Meaning

The Chinese zodiac signs are determined by the lunar year in which you were born. The Chinese believe the animal ruling one's birth year has a profound influence on personality, and destiny. Meaning: This animal hides in your heart.

Unlike Western astrology, it does not look the heavenly constellations or planets to predict one's destiny. Rather, Chinese astrology deals with divining sciences of wuxing or the five elements (earth, fire, water, metal, wood), Yin and Yang, Chi, and the cycles of time.

Legend has it that inception of the Chinese zodiac signs began when the Buddha beckoned all the animals to bid him farewell before his departure from the Earth. Only twelve arrived at his summoning, and so those were given a place of honor in a year being named after each.

You can determine your animal sign by referring to the year you were born and matching it up with the corresponding animal in the chart below.

Years Corresponding to Chinese Zodiac Signs:

Rat	1900	1912	1924	1936	1948	1960	1972	1984	1996	2008	2020
Ox	1901	1913	1925	1937	1949	1961	1973	1985	1997	2009	2021
Tiger	1902	1914	1926	1938	1950	1962	1974	1986	1998	2010	2022
Rabbit	1903	1915	1927	1939	1951	1963	1975	1987	1999	2011	2023
Dragon	1904	1916	1928	1940	1952	1964	1976	1988	2000	2012	2024
Snake	1905	1917	1929	1941	1953	1965	1977	1989	2001	2013	2025
Horse	1906	1918	1930	1942	1954	1966	1978	1990	2002	2014	2026
Sheep	1907	1919	1931	1943	1955	1967	1979	1991	2003	2015	2027
Monkey	1908	1920	1932	1944	1956	1968	1980	1992	2004	2016	2028
Rooster	1909	1921	1933	1945	1957	1969	1981	1993	2005	2017	2029
Dog	1910	1922	1934	1946	1958	1970	1982	1994	2006	2018	2030
Boar	1911	1923	1935	1947	1959	1971	1983	1995	2007	2019	2031

Rat:
Element: Water
Characteristics: Intelligent, adaptable, quick-witted, charming, artistic, sociable

Ox:
Element: Earth
Characteristics: Loyal, reliable, thorough, strong, reasonable, steady, determined

Tiger:
Element: Wood
Characteristics: Enthusiastic, courageous, ambitious, leadership, confidence, charismatic

Rabbit:
Element: Wood
Characteristics: Trustworthy, empathic, modest, diplomatic, sincere, sociable, caretakers

Dragon:
Element: Earth
Characteristics: Lucky, flexible, eccentric, imaginative, artistic, spiritual, charismatic

Snake:
Element: Fire
Characteristics: Philosophical, organized, intelligent, intuitive, elegant, attentive, decisive

Horse:
Element: Fire
Characteristics: Adaptable, loyal, courageous, ambitious, intelligent, adventurous, strong

Sheep:
Element: Earth
Characteristics: Tasteful, crafty, warm, elegant, charming, intuitive, sensitive, calm

Monkey:
Element: Metal
Characteristics: Quick-witted, charming, lucky, adaptable, bright, versatile, lively, smart

Rooster:
Element: Metal
Characteristics: Honest, energetic, intelligent, flamboyant, flexible, diverse, confident.

Dog:
Element: Earth
Characteristics: Loyal, sociable, courageous, diligent, steady, lively, adaptable, smart

Boar:
Element: Water
Characteristics: Honorable, philanthropic, determined, optimistic, sincere, sociable