OrientLore

The Twelve Animals of the Chinese Zodiac

One repeating order, twelve earthly branches, and many layers of cultural meaning. Use this page as a reference—not as a ranking or a personality test.

Reviewed

Read the sequence before the symbolism

Each animal corresponds to one earthly branch and returns every twelve years. The branch is the calendrical sign; the animal is its familiar cultural counterpart. The order runs from Rat to Pig, then begins again.

The associations below summarize common popular traditions. They can vary between sources, places, and families. They are popular cultural associations, not personality facts about everyone born in a given year.

  1. 01鼠

    Rat

    Shǔ

    Earthly branch
    子 Zǐ
    Popular association
    Adaptability and resourcefulness
  2. 02牛

    Ox

    Niú

    Earthly branch
    丑 Chǒu
    Popular association
    Steadiness and diligence
  3. 03虎

    Tiger

    Hǔ

    Earthly branch
    寅 Yín
    Popular association
    Courage and initiative
  4. 04兔

    Rabbit

    Tù

    Earthly branch
    卯 Mǎo
    Popular association
    Sensitivity and diplomacy
  5. 05龙

    Dragon

    Lóng

    Earthly branch
    辰 Chén
    Popular association
    Vitality and ambition
  6. 06蛇

    Snake

    Shé

    Earthly branch
    巳 Sì
    Popular association
    Reflection and intuition
  7. 07马

    Horse

    Mǎ

    Earthly branch
    午 Wǔ
    Popular association
    Energy and independence
  8. 08羊

    Goat

    Yáng

    Earthly branch
    未 Wèi
    Popular association
    Gentleness and creativity
  9. 09猴

    Monkey

    Hóu

    Earthly branch
    申 Shēn
    Popular association
    Curiosity and ingenuity
  10. 10鸡

    Rooster

    Jī

    Earthly branch
    酉 Yǒu
    Popular association
    Candor and attentiveness
  11. 11狗

    Dog

    Gǒu

    Earthly branch
    戌 Xū
    Popular association
    Loyalty and fairness
  12. 12猪

    Pig

    Zhū

    Earthly branch
    亥 Hài
    Popular association
    Generosity and sincerity

Why Goat, Sheep, or Ram?

The eighth animal is 羊 (yáng), a Chinese word that can refer broadly to sheep and goats. English publications therefore use Goat, Sheep, or Ram. The translation changes; its eighth position and earthly branch 未 (Wèi) do not.

A different English label does not create a different zodiac sign.

Sources & further reading

  1. The 12-Year Animal CycleHong Kong Observatory
  2. Set of twelve zodiac animalsThe Metropolitan Museum of Art
  3. Chinese Decorative Arts: The Metropolitan Museum of Art BulletinThe Metropolitan Museum of Art