Curious what your child's birth year could mean for their personality? We break down the Chinese Zodiac year by year and what it means to be in the year of the Tiger.
Chinese New Year is fast approaching and preparations are under way for celebrations across the world. This Chinese New Year, it’s the year of the Tiger. But what exactly does that mean?
Like the western astrology system, the Chinese zodiac determines someone’s horoscope, but instead of using the birth month and date, it uses a person’s birth year based on the lunar calendar. The Chinese zodiac works in a 12-year cycle, rotating between 12 animal signs: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig. The animal associated with the year of your birth is believed to represent your character.
The cycle of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac originates from an old folk tale called the Great Race, where all 12 animals competed in a race to reach the Jade Emperor. The position in which they completed the race is the order of how the years are named. The Rat came first in front of the bigger animals by riding on the back of the ox and leaping off at the last moment.
The Year of the Tiger occurs every 12 years, so those born in 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010 and 2022 are ruled by the mighty tiger.
So, what does the year of the Tiger represent, and what does it mean for babies born this year? Every animal has a different meaning and represents different traits in a person. The Tiger is brave, confident, resilient, charming and competitive, making a strong leader. However, with this comes the tendency to be hot-headed too. They are ready to take on any challenge that comes their way, often taking part in sports and other competitive events.
There are plenty of famous faces born in the year of the Tiger, with most of them mirroring many of the supposed traits – from Usain Bolt, Bear Grylls and Joe Wicks, to Lady Gaga, Marilyn Monroe and Queen Elizabeth II.
Every animal represents different traits in a person, which depends on the year you were born in. Here’s what your birth year says about you.
Rat
Birth years: 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Traits: Ambitious, likeable, chatty, resourceful, private, meticulous, critical
Ox
Birth years: 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
Personality traits: Hard-working, gentle, reliable, patient, materialistic, stubborn
Tiger
Birth years: 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
Personality traits: Self-assured, brave, charming, idealistic, thrill-seeking, arrogant, selfish
Rabbit
Birth years: 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
Personality traits: Kind, sensitive, artistic, passionate, critical, timid, refined
Dragon
Birth years: 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
Personality traits: Direct, energetic, generous, intelligent, perfectionist, impatient
Snake
Birth years: 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
Personality traits: Curious, alluring, wise, anxious, cunning, jealous
Horse
Birth years: 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
Personality traits: Funny, enthusiastic, independent, persuasive, irresponsible, moody
Goat/Sheep
Birth years: 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
Personality traits: Easy-going, empathetic, creative, cheerful, disorganized, lazy
Monkey
Birth years: 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
Personality traits: Entertaining, intelligent, optimistic, sociable, fickle, unpredictable
Rooster
Birth years: 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
Personality traits: Adventurous, charitable, funny, loyal, argumentative, boastful
Dog
Birth years: 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
Personality traits: Helpful, honest, trustworthy, unselfish, pessimistic, anxious, timid
Pig
Birth years: 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
Personality traits: Generous, smart, caring, fearful, impatient, materialistic
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