Chinese Zodiac Animals by Year and Symbolism and Compatibility

Here’s a complete guide to all 12 zodiac animals, what they represent, and relationship compatibility:

🐀 Rat

Years: 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Symbolism: Intelligence, resourcefulness, wealth
Personality: Clever, adaptable, charming
Best matches: Ox, Dragon
Challenging matches: Horse, Goat

🐂 Ox

Years: 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
Symbolism: Strength, reliability, hard work
Personality: Loyal, dependable, patient
Best matches: Rat, Rooster
Challenging matches: Goat, Horse

🐅 Tiger

Years: 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
Symbolism: Courage, power, protection
Personality: Brave, competitive, charismatic
Best matches: Horse, Dog
Challenging matches: Monkey, Snake

🐇 Rabbit

Years: 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
Symbolism: Peace, kindness, elegance
Personality: Gentle, compassionate, artistic
Best matches: Goat, Pig
Challenging matches: Rooster

🐉 Dragon

Years: 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
Symbolism: Power, luck, success
Personality: Confident, ambitious, magnetic
Best matches: Rat, Monkey
Challenging matches: Dog

🐍 Snake

Years: 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
Symbolism: Wisdom, intuition, mystery
Personality: Thoughtful, strategic, refined
Best matches: Ox, Rooster
Challenging matches: Tiger, Pig

🐎 Horse

Years: 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
Symbolism: Freedom, movement, vitality
Personality: Energetic, optimistic, independent
Best matches: Tiger, Dog
Challenging matches: Rat, Ox

🐐 Goat (Sheep)

Years: 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
Symbolism: Creativity, compassion, peace
Personality: Artistic, empathetic, gentle
Best matches: Rabbit, Pig
Challenging matches: Ox, Rat

🐒 Monkey

Years: 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
Symbolism: Cleverness, curiosity, innovation
Personality: Witty, playful, inventive
Best matches: Dragon, Rat
Challenging matches: Tiger, Pig

🐓 Rooster

Years: 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
Symbolism: Honesty, confidence, order
Personality: Direct, detail-oriented, stylish
Best matches: Ox, Snake
Challenging matches: Rabbit

🐕 Dog

Years: 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
Symbolism: Loyalty, protection, justice
Personality: Faithful, kind, protective
Best matches: Tiger, Horse
Challenging matches: Dragon

🐖 Pig

Years: 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
Symbolism: Wealth, generosity, happiness
Personality: Warm-hearted, sincere, loving
Best matches: Rabbit, Goat
Challenging matches: Snake, Monkey

Chinese Zodiac Is So Popular in Gifts & Jewelry

The Chinese zodiac is deeply symbolic and personal — making it perfect for:

• Birthday gifts

• Lunar New Year keepsakes

• Jewelry charms and pendants

• Meaningful heirlooms

Zodiac-themed jewelry is often worn for luck, protection, and personal identity, making it a thoughtful gift for loved ones born in a specific year.

Chinese New Year is a beautiful time to celebrate renewal, good fortune, and cultural tradition. Whether you’re honoring the Year of the Horse for its strength and freedom, or gifting a zodiac charm tied to someone’s birth year, each animal carries a powerful story worth celebrating.