Happy Year of the Monkey! Find out your Chinese Zodiac Sign

Happy New Year everyone! It’s the Year of the Monkey!

So we’ve decided to really get into the spirit this year especially because, as you’ve seen in our Fantastic Films and When to Find Them post Kung Fu Panda 3 is out next month!

The shengxiao (“born resembling”) or Chinese animal zodiac is a repeating cycle of 12 years with each year represented by an animal and its reputed attributes. We all know about the zodiac but do you know which animal relates to your year?

Your Chinese Zodiac sign is derived from your birth year according to the Chinese lunar calendar. However according to Chinese element theory each sign is also associated with one of the five elements: Gold (Metal), Wood, Water, Fire or Earth e.g. within the Year of the Ox you could be a Wood Ox, Fire Ox, Earth Ox, Gold Ox or a Water Ox depending on the year you were born in!

Just find your year of birth in the list below and then scroll down to read all about your Zodiac:

• Rat: 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960
• Ox: 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961
• Tiger: 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962
• Rabbit: 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963
• Dragon: 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964
• Snake: 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965
• Horse: 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966
• Goat: 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967
• Monkey: 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968
• Rooster: 2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969
• Dog: 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970
• Pig: 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971

Those born in January and February take care: Chinese (Lunar) New Year moves between 21 January and February 20. If you were born in January or February, check whether your birth date falls before or after Chinese New Year to know what your Chinese zodiac year is.

If you’re looking for a way to celebrate we’ve got some great savings to ring in the New Year.

Make Mealtimes Fun with 53% off Award-Winning CleverstiX, Great for All Ages, These Award-Winning Kung Fu Panda CleverstiX Child Development Cutlery Are Endorsed by the Science Museum 

Up to 36% off Tickets to the Leading Chinese Orchestra – The China National Orchestra Tianjin in Central Hall Westminster! Enjoy the most important and widely celebrated festival in all of China. 

RAT

Years: 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960

Personality: Quick-witted, resourceful and versatile. Rats are known for their strong intuition and quick response to situations, they can easily adapt themselves to any new environment. They have rich imaginations and sharp observation skills so they can take advantage of various opportunities. Due to their strong sense of curiosity they tend to try their hands at anything and can deal with it skillfully. Rats are also kind but can sometimes be impolite to others. People of the Rat Zodiac sign are also known to stay up late and sleep in for rats are nocturnal animals.

Luckiest Things for Rats: The numbers 2, 3 and numbers containing them, the 4^th and 13^th of every Chinese lunar month, the colours blue, gold and green, the lily and African violet flowers and the 2^nd, 5^th and 9^th Chinese lunar months.

Unlucky Things for Rats: The colours yellow and brown, the numbers 5 or 9 and the 4^th 10^th and 12^th lunar month.

OX

Years: 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961

Personality: Known for their diligence, dependability, strength and determination they have an honest nature and strong sense of patriotism. Oxen also have great ideals and ambitions for their life as they attach a great sense of importance to their family and work. Their desire to advance, combined with their great patience means they achieve their goals through consistent effort. They aren’t influenced by others or their environment easily and instead persist to do things in line with their ideas and capabilities. Before they act they make a definite plan with detailed steps and will enjoy great success as a result.

Luckiest Things for Ox: The numbers 1, 4 and numbers containing them, the 13^th and 27^th of every Chinese lunar month, the colours white, yellow and green, tulips, morning glory and peach blossom, and the 7^th and 9^th Chinese lunar months.

Unluckiest Things of Ox: The colour blue, the numbers 5 and 6 and the 4^th and 11^th Chinese lunar months

TIGER

Years: 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962

Personality: Brave, competitive, unpredictable and self-confident, they are charming and well-liked by others. Those born in the year of the Tiger usually have stubborn personalities and tough judgement, they work actively and boldly and express themselves with a high-handed manner. A Tiger will never go back on what they’ve said. With great confidence and an indomitable fortitude they are competent leaders that will handle anything that comes along. Not motivated by money or power they love a challenge.

Luckiest Things for Tigers: The numbers 1, 3 and 4 and numbers containing them, the 1st and 27th of any Chinese lunar calendar month, the colours blue, grey and orange, yellow lilies and cinerarias, and the 3^rd, 7^th and 10^th lunar months.

Unluckiest Things for Tigers: The colour brown, the numbers 6, 7 and 8 and the 1^st, 4^th, 5^th and 11^th Chinese lunar months.

RABBIT

Years: 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963

Personality: Gentle, quiet, elegant and alert, quick, skillful, kind and patient Rabbits are particularly responsible. Generally speaking people who belong to the Rabbit zodiac sign have likable personalities. They treat people politely and are credible and sincere, with the ability to handle trouble in an orderly way. They are never discouraged, are persistent to seek solutions and are faithful to those around us.

Luckiest Things for Rabbits: The numbers 3, 4, 6 and numbers containing them, the 26^th, 27^th and 29^th of every Chinese lunar month, the colours red, pink, purple and blue, plantain lilies and jasmine, and the 1^st, 4^th, 8^th and 11^th Chinese lunar months.

Unluckiest Things for Rabbits: The colours dark brown, dark yellow and white, the numbers 1, 7 and 8 and the 2^nd, 6^th, 9^th and 12^th Chinese lunar months.

DRAGON

Years: 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964

Personality: The most vital and powerful beast in the Chinese zodiac, in ancient times people thought that Dragons could control everything in the world with their character traits of dominance and ambition. Gifted with innate courage, tenacity and intelligence dragons are enthusiastic, confident and unafraid of challenges. Always ready to take risks instead of following tradition they strive for a smooth future.

The Luckiest Things for Dragons: The numbers 1, 6 and 7, the 1^st and 16^th of any Chinese lunar month, the colours gold, silver and grey-ish white, the bleeding-heart glory bower and dragon flowers, and the 3^rd, 4^th and 7^th Chinese lunar months.

The Unluckiest Things for Dragons: The colours blue and green, the numbers 3 and 8 and the 5^th and 6^th Chinese lunar months.

SNAKE

Years: 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965

Personality: The most enigmatic animal of the zodiac people born in the year of the Snake are said to be the most intuitive. Snakes tend to act according to their own judgement, even while remaining the most private and reticent. Determined to accomplish their goals they hate to fail. Snakes also represent the symbol of wisdom and so they are regarded as great thinkers. Intelligent and wise, they are good at conversation but say little. People of the Snake prefer to work alone, therefore they are easily stressed. If they seem unusually stressed, it is best to allow them their own space and time to return to normal.

The Luckiest Things for Snakes: The numbers 2, 8, 9 and numbers containing them, the 1^st and 23^rd of Chinese lunar months, the colours black, red and yellow, orchids and cacti, and the 1^st, 8^th and 11^th lunar months.

The Unluckiest Things for Snake: The colours brown, gold and white, the numbers 1, 6, and 7, and the 3^rd, 9^th and 12 lunar months.

HORSE

Years: 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966

Personality: Extremely animated, active and energetic, Horses love to be in a crowd and can usually be seen at concerts, theatre performances, meetings, sporting events, and parties. They have a deft sense of humour and are masters of repartee, taking centre stage and delighting audiences everywhere.

The Luckiest Things for Horses: The numbers 2, 3, 7 and numbers containing them, the 5^th and 20^th of every Chinese lunar month, the colours yellow and green, calla lilies and jasmine, and the 4^th 9^th and 12^th Chinese lunar months.

The Unluckiest Things for Horses: The colours blue and white, the numbers 1, 5 and 6 and the 5^th, 7^th and 11^th Chinese lunar months.

GOAT

Years: 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967

Personality: Gentle, mild-mannered, shy, stable, sympathetic, amicable and brimming with a strong sense of kindheartedness and justice. Goats have very delicate thoughts, strong creativity and perseverance and acquire professional skills well. However while they seem gentle on the surface they are very tough on the inside, they always insist on their own opinions, have a strong inner resilience and excellent defensive instincts. Goats prepare to be in groups but do not want to the the centre of attention.

The Luckiest Things for Goats: The numbers 2, 7 and numbers containing them, the 7^th and 30^th of any Chinese lunar month, the colours brown, red and purple, carnations and primroses.

The Unluckiest Things for Goats: The colours greet, blue and black, the numbers 4 and 9 and the 3^rd 6^th and 10^th Chinese lunar months.

MONKEY

Years: 2016!, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968

According to ancient Chinese beliefs, you will have bad luck this year if you have a Monkey as your zodiac as your animal will offend the God of Age. To avoid this bad luck, you need to wear something red given by an elder, such as socks, a bracelet or an anklet etc throughout the year.

Personality: People born in the Year of the Monkey are witty, intelligent and have a magnetic personality however they are also very naughty because of their other traits like mischievousness, curiosity and cleverness. Fast learners and crafty opportunists they have many interests and need partners who are able to stimulate them, they like to take challenges and prefer urban life to rural.

Luckiest Things for Monkeys: The numbers 4 and 9, the 14^th and 28^th of any Chinese lunar month, the colours white, blue and god, chrysanthemums and crape-myrtle, and the 8^th and 12^th Chinese lunar months.

Unluckiest Things for Monkeys: The colours red and pink, the numbers 2 and 7 and the 7^th and 11^th Chinese lunar months.

ROOSTER

Years: 2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969

Personality: Observant, hardworking, resourceful, courageous and talented, Roosters are very confident about themselves. They are always active, amusing and popular among the crowd as they tend to be talkative, outspoken, frank, open, honest and loyal individuals. Roosters are happiest when they are surrounded by others as they enjoy the spotlight and will exhibit charm at any occasion.

The Luckiest Things for Roosters: The numbers 5, 7 and 8, the 4^th and 26^th of any Chinese lunar month, the colours gold, brown and yellow, gladiolas and cockscomb, and the 2^nd, 5^th and 11^th Chinese lunar months.

The Unluckiest Things for Roosters: The colour red, the numbers 1, 3 and 9, and the 3^rd, 9^th and 12^th Chinese Lunar Months.

DOG

Years: 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970

Personality: Loyal, honest, amiable, kind, cautious and prudent. People born in the year of the Dog have a strong sense of loyalty and sincerity, they will do everything for the person they think is most important. Born with a good nature, they just need a quiet life and a good family. They are always ready to help others and do not care for their own interests.

The Luckiest Things for Dogs: The numbers 3, 4, 9, and numbers contacting them, the 7^th and 28^th of every Chinese lunar months, the colours red, green and purple, roses and cymbidium orchids, and the 6^th, 10^th and 12^th Chinese lunar months.

The Unluckiest Things for Dogs: The colours blue, white and gold, the numbers 1, 6 and 7, and the 5^th and 8^th Chinese lunar months.

PIG

Years: 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1941

Personality: Diligent, compassionate and generous. People born in the year of the Pig have great concentration and once they set a goal they will devote all their energy to achieving it. Although they rarely seek help from others they will not refuse to give others a hand. Relatively calm when facing trouble Pigs handle things properly and carefully, they have a great sense of responsibility to finish what they start.

The Luckiest Things for Pigs: The numbers 2, 5, 8 and numbers containing them, the 17^th and 24^th of every Chinese lunar month, the colours yellow, grey, brown and gold, hydrangeas and daisies and the 2^nd, 7^th, 10^th and 11^th Chinese lunar months.

The Unluckiest Things for Pigs: The colours red, blue and green, the numbers 1, 7 and 8, and the 4^th, 9^th and 12^th Chinese lunar months.

If you’re still looking for some awesome Harry Potter themed things we’ve got the perfect trips and activities so that you’ll have a Potter-tastic time.