The 12 Zodiac Animal Generals : General Dragon (1983/1985) by Choi_Yu-HyunNational Intangible Heritage Center
In Asian traditions, each year is characterized by an animal. Most commonly, the list includes the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.
The 12 Zodiac Animal Generals : General Cow (1983/1985) by Choi_Yu-HyunNational Intangible Heritage Center
Legend says that this is the order the animals crossed the finish line in a great race held by the Jade Emperor.
Chinese Zodiac Offering Best Wishes (1998) by Ren YudeChina Intangible Heritage Industry Alliance
Find out which zodiac animal you are with these animal-themed artworks...
Six Rats (mid to late 19th century) by Shibata ZeshinLos Angeles County Museum of Art
Were you born in 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, 1948, 1936?
You were born in the year of the rat
The humble rat (also sometimes translated into English as a mouse) won the Jade Emperor's animal race. Rather than their size or strength, the rat won thanks to their shrewd and cunning nature.
The 12 Zodiac Animal Generals : General Cow (1983/1985) by Choi_Yu-HyunNational Intangible Heritage Center
Were you born in 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, 1949, 1937?
You were born in the year of the ox
The ox or cow represents hard work and diligence in the zodiac. People born in the year of the ox are said to be determined and honest (and sometimes a little stubborn)!
Bravery Matched with the Twelve (Zodiac) Signs: Tiger and Kashiwade no Omi Hatebe (ca. 1840) by Artist: Utagawa KuniyoshiSmithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art
Were you born in 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, 1950, 1938?
You were born in the year of the tiger
The third animal in the zodiac, the tiger, is renowned for being brave and confident. According to tradition, the strong, fierce tiger is known to frighten away evil spirits.
Rabbits and autumn grasses, a 6-fold screen painting (1600/1799)British Museum
Were you born in 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951, 1939?
You were born in the year of the rabbit or cat
Fun fact: while most Asian countries celebrates year of the Rabbit 🐇, Vietnam celebrates year of the Cat 🐈
The 12 Zodiac Animal Generals : General Dragon (1983/1985) by Choi_Yu-HyunNational Intangible Heritage Center
Were you born in 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, 1952, 1940?
You were born in the year of the dragon
The dragon is a supernatural beast and over time it has become a symbol of masculine vigor and fertility, as well as imperial authority. Historically, it was believed that the dragon could cause rain — meaning it was hugely important for a largely agricultural country.
Snake Rack (2000) by Wang TianxiChina Intangible Heritage Industry Alliance
Were you born in 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953, 1941?
You were born in the year of the snake
Snakes are said to be shady. Similarly, people born in the year of the snake are said to be super smart, if not a little untrustworthy and ssssssneaky.
Galloping horse (1953) by Xu BeihongChina Modern Contemporary Art Document
Were you born in 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, 1942?
You were born in the year of the horse
The horse is the seventh animal in the zodiac and said to be full of energy. Famous people born in this year include Neil Armstrong, Isaac Newton, and Jackie Chan.
Modern Folding Fan with Auspicious Goat Painting and Running-script Calligraphy Modern Folding Fan with Auspicious Goat Painting and Running-script CalligraphyArts & Crafts Museum Hangzhou
Were you born in 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967, 1955, 1943?
You were born in the year of the goat
In Chinese culture, the goat is a much-loved domesticated animal that has been a companion to Chinese people for years. The goat has also been endowed with favorable meanings due to both its gentle character and the fact that the Chinese words for “goat” and “sun” sound similar.
Monkey Reaching for the Moon (ca. 1890-1910) by Artist: Ogata GekkoSmithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art
Were you born in 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968, 1956, 1944?
You were born in the year of the monkey
Despite being intelligent, quick-witted, and agile, according to the legend, the monkey only finished ninth in the Jade Emperor's Great Race.
Miniature rooster (25-220)Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art
Were you born in 2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969, 1957, 1945?
You were born in the year of the rooster
This zodiac sign represents faithfulness and punctuality. Just like the rooster, people born in this year are said to be early birds.
Bravery Matched with the Twelve (Zodiac) Signs: Dog and Hata Rokurozaemon (late 18th-mid 19th century) by Artist: Utagawa KuniyoshiSmithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art
Were you born in 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, 1958, 1946?
You were born in the year of the dog
The dog is the 11th animal in the zodiac and supposedly the most loyal and honest of the zodiac signs.
The 12 Zodiac Animal Generals : General Pig (1983/1985) by Choi_Yu-HyunNational Intangible Heritage Center
Were you born in 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971, 1959, 1947?
You were born in the year of the pig
Unfortunately, sometimes nice guys finish last. The pig is known as the most kind and compassionate of all of the zodiac signs but, according to legend, it lost the Jade Emperor's race, making it the final zodiac animal.
Chinese Zodiac Offering Best Wishes (1998) by Ren YudeChina Intangible Heritage Industry Alliance
Discover more about Lunar New Year.
Disclaimer : The specific of traditions of Lunar New Year may differ from country to country in Asia.
Disclaimer : The specific of traditions of Lunar New Year may differ from country to country in Asia.
