This week, millions of people will be celebrating one of the biggest festivities of the year – Chinese New Year.
Unlike the New Year we’re used to celebrating in the UK on January 1, the date of the Chinese New Year is determined by the lunar calendar, when there is a start of a new moon.
In Chinese tradition, each year is named after one of twelve animals, which feature in the Chinese zodiac. This year is the year of the pig.
Much like western astrology signs, it is believed that the years represented by the animals reflect people’s characters.
So, which animal are you? Find out below:
Rat
Years of birth: 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Traits: People born in these years are witty, clever and charming. Driven by money, they can exhibit tendencies to be greedy but are always curious and welcome new challenges.
Ox
Years of birth: 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
Traits: Oxes are the leaders of the pack; detail orientated and hard working. Most comfortable around family and friends, Oxes are reliable, protective and make great companions.
Tiger
Years of birth: 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
Traits: People born in these years are authoritative, charming and ambitious. In relationships, they are warm-hearted, seductive and intense.
Rabbit
Years of birth: 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
Traits: Rabbits are extremely likeable as they are sincere and like to avoid conflict, which also, unfortunately, means they are susceptible to being taken advantage of. They enjoy being at home and entertaining other people.
Dragon
Years of birth: 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
Traits: Dragons are bursting with energy and very charismatic, which means they attract attention everywhere they go. They're natural born leaders, although can be egotistical.
Snake
Years of birth: 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2015
Traits: Natural introverts, Snakes are generous, charming and look at things from an analytical perspective. They like the taste of danger, but are good at making judgements because they're smart and rely on their instincts.
Horse
Years of birth:1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
Traits: Horses are energetic, self-reliant and sharp-witted. Due to their impatient nature, they can sometimes be seen as a drifter, and never stay in any one place for too long.
Goat
Years of birth:1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
Traits: People born in the year of the goat let their creative imaginations run wild, which can result in them being unorganised and anxiety-ridden. In relationships, they often crave love, support and reassurance.
Monkey
Years of birth: 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
Traits: Those with a monkey zodiac love being active and are constantly seeking stimulation and excitement. When it comes to relationships, they don't like the idea of commitment and are known to be heartbreakers.
Rooster
Years of birth: 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
Traits: People born in the year of the rooster are practical thinkers and are great business partners because of their observant and analytical nature. They are perfectionists who must have everything neat and tidy.
Dog
Years of birth:1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
Traits: Those with a dog as their zodiac will stay with you until the end, but are prone to mood swings and can be extra-sensitive. They excel in business but have trouble finding mates.
Pig
Years of birth: 1923, 1935, 1946, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
Traits: Nice and good-mannered, those with a pig as their zodiac love to help others. They're also intelligent and are always seeking to learn more.
