Chinese Zodiac

What do a rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig all have in common? All of these animals are part of the Chinese Zodiac. The Chinese Zodiac (also known as Shengxiao) is a 12 year cycle where every year is represented by one of the 12 animals. Each animal has its own traits, and these are then interpreted to discover how the year will go.  A person's life is also associated with an animal, and the year they are born dictates that choice. Plus, every twelve years their animal year is the one celebrated.  However, according to ancient Chinese superstitions, when a person’s year comes around they could have bad luck. But don’t fear! Simply wearing red can protect you from this bad luck. In part one of this article, we will take a deeper look at six of the animals  and their traits.

Horse (2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966)

Lucky Numbers- 2,3,7      

Unlucky Numbers- 1,5,6

Lucky Colors- green and yellow        

Unlucky Colors- blue and white

Lucky Flowers- calla lily and jasmine 

People born in the year of the Horse are animated, active, and energetic. They like to be in large groups and enjoy things like parties and concerts. They can appear self-centered but that does not mean they do not care about other’s problems. Horses are cunning rather than intelligent and sometimes lack real confidence.

Goat (2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967)     

Lucky Numbers- 2,7

Unlucky Numbers- 4,9

Lucky Colors- brown, red, and purple

Unlucky Colors- blue and black

Lucky Flowers- carnations and primroses

People born in the year of the Goat are pleasant, mild-mannered, and shy. They may appear gentle on the surface but are tough underneath. They are very creative and have strong perseverance and rely on their inner resilience. They do not prefer to be in big groups and do not want to be the center of attention. Goats enjoy the finer things in life and can sometimes appear snobbish. 

Monkey (2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968)

Lucky Numbers- 4,9

Unlucky Numbers- 2,7

Lucky Colors- white, blue, and gold

Unlucky Colors- red and pink

Lucky Flowers- chrysanthemum and crape-myrtle

People born in the year of the monkey are witty and intelligent and act as a magnet to others. However, their mischievousness and curiosity can cause them to get into trouble. They are fast learners and have multiple interests. Although Monkeys are clever and creative, they have trouble expressing their interests properly. They prefer city life to rural.

Rooster (2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969)

Lucky Numbers- 5,7,8

Unlucky Numbers- 1,3,9

Lucky Colors- gold, brown, and yellow

Unlucky Colors- red

Lucky Flowers- gladiola and cockscomb

People born in the year of the Rooster are observant, hardworking, and confident. They are very popular in a crowd, know how to be amusing, and are actively involved with their peers. They are talkative and sometimes outspoken, which can lead them to boast and appear vain. However, Roosters are very loyal and will support their loved ones.

Dog (2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970) *This year's animal!

Lucky Numbers- 3,4,9

Unlucky Numbers- 1,6,7

Lucky Colors- green, red, and purple

Unlucky Colors- blue, white, and gold

Lucky Numbers- rose and cymbidium orchids

People born in the year of the Dog are very loyal, honest, and kind. Due to their fierce loyalty, a Dog will do anything for a person they care about. This can cause problems as they tend to be very stubborn and lack good communication skills. However, they are incredibly cautious and are reluctant to open up to strangers or new people due to a lack of trust and not shyness. 

Pig (2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971)

Lucky Numbers- 2,5,8

Unlucky Numbers- 1,7

Lucky Colors- yellow, gray, brown, and gold

Unlucky Colors- red, blue, and green

Lucky Flowers- hydrangea and daisy

People born in the year of the Pig are diligent, compassionate, and generous. They have good concentration, and once they have a goal, they devote all of their time and energy to achieving it. They do not usually seek help from others, but are overly trusting , and this in turn makes them easily fooled. They are usually calm in the face of great trouble and take time to handle problems carefully. They are also very responsible.

Part 2 will include information on the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, and Snake. For more information visit https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/chinese-zodiac/dragon.htm.