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!

Chinese lanterns hang above the streets in London's Chinatown district to celebrate the Chinese New Year

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.

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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 

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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

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 4th and 13th of every Chinese lunar month, the colours blue, gold and green, the lily and African violet flowers and the 2nd, 5th and 9th Chinese lunar months.

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

Type of Rat Year of Birth Characteristics
Wood Rat 1924, 1984 Independent, self-confident, virtuous and   talented, with a strong sense of teamwork
Fire Rat 1936, 1996 Energetic, brave, quiet, cordial and friendly to   their friends, but very strict with themselves
Earth Rat 1948, 2008 Amiable, honest, flexible, modest, serious, with   a strong sense of self-esteem
Gold Rat 1960, 2020 Smart, talented, hot-tempered,   jealous, with a strong sense of self-awareness
Water Rat 1912, 1972 Talkative, shrewd, conservative,   and wise

ox.2

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 13th and 27th of every Chinese lunar month, the colours white, yellow and green, tulips, morning glory and peach blossom, and the 7th and 9th Chinese lunar months.

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

Type of Ox Year of Birth Characteristics
Wood Ox 1925, 1985 Restless, decisive, straightforward, and always   ready to defend the weak and helpless
Fire Ox 1937, 1997 Short-sighted, selfish, narrow-minded,   impersonal, but practical
Earth Ox 1949, 2009 Honest and prudent, with a strong sense of   responsibility
Gold Ox 1961, 2021 Hardworking, active and always busy, and popular   among friends
Water Ox 1913, 1973 Hardworking, ambitious, tenacious, able to endure   hardship, with a strong sense of justice and keen observational abilities

Bengal tiger portrait, Bandhavgarh NP, Madhya Pradesh, India

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 3rd, 7th and 10th lunar months.

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

Type of Tiger Year of Birth Characteristics
Wood Tiger 1914, 2074 Compassionate, expansive, and open
Fire Tiger 1926, 1986 Optimistic and independent, with poor   self-control
Earth Tiger 1938, 1998 Adventurous and realistic, with strong faith
Gold Tiger 1950, 2010 Females are very enthusiastic; males are   indecisive, stubborn, and feminized
Water Tiger 1902, 1962 Has a strong sense of self-esteem and learning ability

rabbit

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 26th, 27th and 29th of every Chinese lunar month, the colours red, pink, purple and blue, plantain lilies and jasmine, and the 1st, 4th, 8th and 11th Chinese lunar months.

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

Type of Rabbit Year of Birth Characteristics
Wood Rabbit 1915, 1975 Clever, quick-witted, selfish, lively in   appearance, but shrewd at heart
Fire Rabbit 1927, 1987 Broad-minded, smart, and flexible, with unique   views
Earth Rabbit 1939, 1999 Frank, straightforward, ambitious, hard-working,   but slightly reserved
Gold Rabbit 1951, 2011 Kind-hearted, conservative, lively and   enthusiastic
Water Rabbit 1963, 2023 Gentle, amicable, able to adjust readily to   different conditions, but with a weak mindset and principles

dragon

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 1st and 16th of any Chinese lunar month, the colours gold, silver and grey-ish white, the bleeding-heart glory bower and dragon flowers, and the 3rd, 4th and 7th Chinese lunar months.

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

Type of Dragon Year of Birth Characteristics
Wood Dragon 1904, 1964 Introverted, less enthusiastic, and lacking good   relationships
Fire Dragon 1916, 1976 Smart, unreliable, and easy-going
Earth Dragon 1928, 1988 Smart, ambitious, and hardworking
Gold Dragon 1940, 2000 Natural and straightforward, unpredictable with   continually changing emotions
Water Dragon 1952, 2012 Persevering, far-sighted, and vigorous

snake.2

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 1st and 23rd of Chinese lunar months, the colours black, red and yellow, orchids and cacti, and the 1st, 8th and 11th lunar months.

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

Type of Snake Year of Birth Characteristics
Wood Snake 1905, 1965 Orderly, intelligent, with a gift for   appreciating the arts and a refined taste
Fire Snake 1917, 1977 Smart, insightful, communicative, active, and   fond of the limelight
Earth Snake 1929, 1989 Calm, with strong self-control, but not steadfast   and diligent enough in work
Gold Snake 1941, 2001 Determined, courageous, confident, and able: a   born leader
Water Snake 1953, 2013 Clever, creative, lively, and communicative, but   sentimental

horse.2

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 5th and 20th of every Chinese lunar month, the colours yellow and green, calla lilies and jasmine, and the 4th 9th and 12th Chinese lunar months.

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

Type of Horse Year of Birth Characteristics
Wood Horse 1954, 2014 Irritable and sentimental, with an abundant   imagination and insightful analyses of issues
Fire Horse 1906, 1966 Smart, charismatic, lively, overflowing with   enthusiasm, but stubborn
Earth Horse 1918, 1978 Optimistic, kind-hearted, righteous, but irritable;   with a strong sense of responsibility, and always ready to help others
Gold Horse 1930, 1990 kind, straightforward, calm, rational, always   ready to help others, and popular among friends
Water Horse 1942, 2002 Sentimental, irritable, reliable, amicable,   always ready to help others, and very charming for friends of the opposite   sex.

goat

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 7th and 30th 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 3rd 6th and 10th Chinese lunar months.

Type of Goat Year of Birth Characteristics
Wood Goat 1955, 2015 Amicable, gentle, and compassionate.
Fire Goat 1907, 1967 Amicable, frank, and honest, always making   everything clean and tidy.
Earth Goat 1919, 1979 Righteous, honest, straightforward, and will   never harm their friends.
Gold Goat 1931, 1991 Ambitious and kind-hearted with a strong sense of   responsibility in work; sometimes too stubborn.
Water Goat 1943, 2003 Always ready to help others, and they can   sacrifice their own interests for others

monkey

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 14th and 28th of any Chinese lunar month, the colours white, blue and god, chrysanthemums and crape-myrtle, and the 8th and 12th Chinese lunar months.

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

Type of Monkey Year of Birth Characteristics
Wood Monkey 2016, 1956 Ambitious and adventurous, but irritable
Fire Monkey 2004, 1944 Always ready to help others; compassionate, with   strong self-esteem, but stubborn
Earth Monkey 1992, 1932 Smart, quick-witted, fond of being in the   limelight, but haughty
Gold Monkey 1980, 1920 Smart, quick-witted, and confident, but also   irritable and stubborn
Water Monkey 1968, 1908 Frank, optimistic, and fearless

Rooster

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 4th and 26th of any Chinese lunar month, the colours gold, brown and yellow, gladiolas and cockscomb, and the 2nd, 5th and 11th Chinese lunar months.

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

Type of Rooster Year of Birth Characteristics
Wood Rooster 1945, 2005 Energetic, over-confident, tender and unstable
Fire Rooster 1957, 2017 Trustworthy, with a strong sense of timekeeping   and responsibility at work.
Earth Rooster 1909, 1969 Lovely, generous, trustworthy, and popular in   their friends.
Gold Rooster 1921, 1981 Determined, brave, perseverant, and hard working
Water Rooster 1933, 1993 Smart, quick-witted, tender-hearted, and compassionate

dog

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 7th and 28th of every Chinese lunar months, the colours red, green and purple, roses and cymbidium orchids, and the 6th, 10th and 12th Chinese lunar months.

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

Type of Dog Year of Birth Characteristics
Wood Dog 1934, 1994 Sincere, reliable, considerate, understanding,   and patient
Fire Dog 1946, 2006 Intelligent, hard-working, and sincere
Earth Dog 1958, 2018 Communicative, serious, and responsible in work
Gold Dog 1910, 1970 Conservative, desirable, cautious, and always   ready to help others
Water Dog 1922, 1982 Brave and self-centered, even seemingly selfish;   well-versed in dealing with financial issues

pig

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 17th and 24th of every Chinese lunar month, the colours yellow, grey, brown and gold, hydrangeas and daisies and the 2nd, 7th, 10th and 11th Chinese lunar months.

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

Type of Pig Year of Birth Characteristics
Wood Pig 1935, 1995 Good-natured, lovely, easy-going, generous, brave   but irritable
Fire Pig 1947, 2007 Ambitious, persevering, but impatient
Earth Pig 1959, 2019 Communicative, popular among their friends, with   a strong sense of timekeeping
Gold Pig 1911, 1971 Broad-minded, amicable, and willing to help   others
Water Pig 1923, 1983 Gentle, modest, earnest, responsible, but   subjective in life

 

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.

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