CHINESE New Year takes place TODAY, February 12, 2021 – and it’s the year of the Ox.
The date marks the start of the world’s most colourful and exuberant celebrations across the globe. But which zodiac animal are you and what does that mean?
Follow our Chinese New Year live blog for the latest information on what the Year of the Ox might have in store for you…
The Chinese animal zodiac or shengxiao, which means “born resembling”, is arranged in a repeating cycle of 12 years – and 12 animals.
The animal changes at the beginning of the Chinese New Year, and traditionally these animals were used to date the years.
However, Chinese New Year is a movable celebration, dictated by the lunar cycle.
January 24 is a new moon and the celebrations last until February 8, around the time of the full moon.
In 2020 the celebration, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, will take place on January 25.
The rat is the zodiac animal for 2020.
Check the years to see which animal you are.
Years: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
Traits: Ox people are loyal friends and good leaders. They are hard workers with a strong sense of responsibility. They can sometimes be bullish and they usually feel that they are right.
Oxen are traditional and have high moral character. They can be stubborn and have a fantastic memory. They aren’t known for being romantic, but are patient.
They are the type to bottle emotions up, and when they do lose their temper it’s an explosion.
Ox’s are diligent, dependable, strong, and determined.
Years: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, and 2020.
Traits: Rats are creative and friendly. They like saving and collecting. They rarely struggle financially and live organized lives.
Rats don’t look for praise and recognition, they are very sensitive and know when they are in trouble. When they do choose to take risks, they are usually pretty successful ones.
They are quick-witted, resourceful, versatile, and kind.
Years: 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
Traits: Tigers tend to be sentimental and have a likable and friendly personality. They are pleasure seekers who are always on the move and seem to have an endless supply of energy.
They have high self-esteem and are fiercely independent. Recklessness is their biggest weakness though.
Tigers are brave, confident, and competitive.
Years: 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
Traits: Rabbits tend to be gentle, quiet, and polite. They take love seriously and will never fall for someone easily, but when they find the right person they will love them forever.
They are non-judgemental and open-minded and are often sought for advice. Rabbits are seekers of peace but can also be self-centered at times.
Rabbits are quiet, elegant, kind, and responsible.
Years: 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
Traits: Dragons are often larger than life, quick-witted, and charming. They have hearts full of adventure and romance, but they can come across a little mysterious.
Dragons can seem a lazy at times, but once they put their mind to something they’ll be more ambitious and vigorous than anyone else.
Dragons are confident, intelligent, and enthusiastic.
Years: 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
Traits: Snakes are the most psychic of the Chinese zodiac. Their minds and senses are constantly “on”. They tend to be very wise and often deep in thought.
They are reliable and loyal – but they never, ever forget a slight or a betrayal. Snakes can also be ruthless and relentless.
The snake is enigmatic, intelligent, and wise.
Years: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, and 2026
Traits: Horse people are independent, intelligent, and have a great work ethic.
They are always positive and energetic, pushing themselves forward.
However, there are some negatives, horses are bad at keeping secrets and lose interest quickly.
The horse is animated, active, and energetic.
Years: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
Traits: Goats are compassionate, empathetic, and generous – but are quietly very strong people.
They have pure and kind hearts – they’d rather suffer silently than ruin someone else’s mood.
Goats have tricks up their sleeves as well. They are skilled at using soft power, able to patiently and politely persuade others into their favor.
The goat is calm, gentle, and sympathetic.
Years: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
Traits: People born in the year of the Monkey do things based on their interests.
If it’s something they don’t quite care for, they’ll do the work sloppily.
If it something they’re interested in, they’ll put their entire heart into it and work until they succeed. They live a long life full of energy and curiosity for the world.
Monkeys also value relationships. However, spoiling children may be their weakness.
The monkey is sharp, smart, and curious.
Years: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
Traits: Roosters can be extravagant and they are unafraid to be “different”. They tend to be dreamers who are ahead of their time and very brave.
They are creative and talented in the arts and make great friends. They are lovers of knowledge and confidence, but at their worst, they can refuse to acknowledge their own shortcomings.
Roosters are observant, hardworking, and courageous.
Years: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
Traits: People born in the year of the Dog are conservative and full of justice. Because of their loyalty, Dogs are valued in the workplace.
They rarely break rules, except for people important to them. In life, they only wish to live quietly with their family.
Dogs are lovely, honest, and prudent.
Years: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
Traits: Pigs are very kind people. They tend to be selfless, courageous, and strong – but they can sometimes find themselves taken advantage of.
They can be quick-tempered but will generally concede to their rival.
Pigs are compassionate, diligent, and generous.
