The Chinese Lunar New Year is both highly cultural and significant for the Chinese community as a whole. The Chinese New Year is known for two things: it is a time for reunions, feasting, and carrying out important symbolic cultures. And second, each new year is symbolized by twelve different animals. With this idea in mind, you are probably thinking about what these animals are and their meaning in general. Well, here’s a guide for you to check on!

The 12 Zodiac Animals

Compared to its Western counterpart, the Chinese Zodiac is complex and plays a part in the lunar calendar tradition. Each of the twelve animals symbolizes the start of the year and is associated with distinct characteristics. Individuals born in a specific year are believed to inherit these traits, affecting their luck, personality, career, compatibility, marriage, and fortune.

The beginning phases of the moon is the influence on when is the Lunar New Year of 2024.

Is the Lunar New Year a holiday? You can find out more about the details below.

In addition to twelve animals, the Chinese Zodiac implements the five zodiac elements: earth, metal, water, wood, and fire. As with the animals, these elements also play a part in influencing people on how their success and luck in all areas will turn out. Here is the breakdown of the 12 Zodiac animals and their compatibility in the Lunar New Year of 2024.

Rat

The Rat is the first animal in the Chinese Zodiac. They are seen as high in fertility and survival rate. Those born in the Year of the Rat are seen as resilient and fortunate individuals, capable of adapting to various situations for a stable, prosperous life. 

• Personality traits:  Adaptable, quick-witted, optimistic, strong-willed, and ambitious.

• Compatibility with other signs: The Ox, Dragon, and Monkey are predicted to be the best matches for the Rat this year, while the Horse and Rooster are considered as bad matches.

• Fortune in 2024: Those born under the Year of the Rat expect challenges and opportunities, prompting vigilance to seize chances. Avoid high-risk situations to prevent bad luck and accidents. Relationship success awaits, but the health horoscope is considered low.

Ox 

The Ox is the second animal in the Chinese Zodiac. Commonly used for farming roles, the ox symbolizes persistence, diligence, and honesty. Those born in the Year of the Ox are known to be industrious, cautious, diligent, and hard-working. They are also known to always lend a hand in helping others.

• Personality traits:  Strong-willed and enduring, persistent, honest, and sympathetic

• Compatibility with other signs: The Rat, Snake, and Rooster are seen as the best matches for the Ox. However, the Tiger, Dragon, Horse, and Sheep are bad matches for them.

• Fortune in 2024: Those born in the Year of the Ox can anticipate luck in their professional careers, with a high potential for bonuses or promotions. Positive prospects also extend to relationships. However, like the Rat, they should prioritize exercise for better health.

Tiger 

The Tiger is the third animal in the Chinese Zodiac. Tigers are animals that symbolize bravery, force, and power within Chinese culture. Those born in the Year of the Tiger are natural leaders. In fact, they are adventurous with a strong sense of justice. They are also known to hold little arrogance and high ambitions.

• Personality traits:  Confident, courageous, loyal, arrogant, and short-tempered.

• Compatibility with other signs: The Dragon, Horse, and Pig are seen as the best matches for the Tiger this year. However, the Ox, Snake, Monkey, and fellow Tiger are seen as bad matches.

• Fortune in 2024: Those born in the Year of the Tiger can expect moderate fortune this year. Love and health aspects may face challenges, with potential conflicts in relationships. On the positive side, their work horoscope indicates success, earning them praise and a higher income.

Rabbit 

The Rabbit is commonly seen as a tame creature. For the Chinese, in particular, they represent hope and life due to their soft nature. People born under the Year of the Rabbit are known to be gentle and approachable people. They are known to be docile, tender, and quiet people. 

• Personality traits:  Gentle, elegant, self-disciplined, timid, and alert

• Compatibility with other signs: The Sheep, Monkey, Dog, and Pig are the best matches for the Rabbit. However, the Snake and Rooster are deemed as bad matches this year.

• Fortune in 2024: Those born in the Year of the Rabbit can enhance their health by prioritizing exercise and healthy eating. Hard work brings workplace opportunities, provided they navigate conflicts with supervisors. Additionally, it’s a favorable year for singles seeking love.

Dragon

This upcoming Lunar New Year belongs to the Year of the Dragon. The Dragon is the fifth animal in the Chinese Zodiac. Revered as a symbol of imperial power, luck, and strength, the Dragon embodies Chinese culture. Individuals born under this sign are ambitious dreamers known for their boundless energy and strong fortunes.

• Personality traits: Confident, intelligent, resolute, strong, proud, short-tempered, and intolerant.

• Compatibility with other signs: In the Lunar Calendar of 2024, the Dragon would find strong, compatible matches with the Rooster, Rat, and Monkey. However, they will see bad matches with the Ox, Sheep, and Dog.

• Fortune in 2024: While 2024 belongs to the Year of the Dragon, many predictions say that this year will bring several challenges and obstacles. Those born under this sign should exercise caution in workplaces, refrain from major changes to avert bad luck, and prioritize attention to their health and well-being.

Snake 

The Snake is the sixth animal in the Chinese Zodiac. While many cultures see snakes as sly and dreadful creatures, in Chinese culture, they are in the same respect as the Dragon. Those born in the Year of the Snake are calm and indifferent. They are also passionate and lively. 

• Personality traits: Calm, wise, observant, mysterious, unapproachable, envious, and suspicious.

• Compatibility with other signs: The Snake will see strong compatibility with the Dragon and Rooster. However, they will see bad matches with the Tiger, Rabbit, Sheep, Pig, and fellow Snake.

• Fortune in 2024: The 2024 Lunar New Year favors those born under the Year of the Snake, ensuring success in goals, careers, and happiness in starting relationships. Married individuals should exercise caution, as their relationships may face negative impacts.

Also Read: Is Chinese New Year a Philippine holiday?

Horse 

The Horse is the seventh animal in the Chinese Zodiac. They are sturdy and elegant animals known for their speed, symbolizing transportation. Those who are under the Year of the Horse are seen to be zealous and easygoing, who love self-expression and are naturally popular among people.

• Personality traits: Warm-hearted, upright, easygoing, inflexible, and extravagant.

• Compatibility with other signs: The Horse will see that the Tiger, Sheep, and Rabbit will be their best compatible match for this year. However, their bad matches are the Rat, Ox, Rooster, and fellow Horse.

• Fortune in 2024: For those born under the Year of the Horse, 2024 promises career success and potential goal achievement. Singles can expect successful dating ventures. Despite this, overall fortune predictions for the year are low.

Sheep

The Sheep (also Goat for some) is the eighth animal in the Chinese Zodiac. The Goat/Sheep are seen as docile and likable animals. They are mellow and timid and symbolize rich fortune and luck. Those born in the Year of the Goat/Sheep are known to be gentle and decent while naive and emotional at a specific point.

• Personality traits: Gentle, considerate, softhearted, hardworking, timid, moody, and weak-willed.

• Compatibility with other signs: The Sheep will have high compatibility with the Rabbit, Horse, and Pig, while the Ox, Tiger, and Dog will have bad compatible matches.

• Fortune in 2024: The Year of the Sheep/Goat in 2024 holds promise for those born under it. Exceptional performance may lead to promotions and increased earnings. However, challenges may be overwhelming, and predictions for relationships and fortune are less favorable.

Monkey 

The Monkey is well known for being clever, lively, and witty animals. They are admired in many cultures, and Chinese culture is no exception. Those born under the Year of the Monkey show exceptional intelligence in their school and career, devoting themselves to work they are interested in.

• Personality traits: Intelligent, enthusiastic, self-assured, friendly, adaptable, jealous, opportunistic, and arrogant.

• Compatibility with other signs: The Monkey will see that the Ox and Rabbit will be their best compatible match for this year. However, their bad matches are the Tiger and Pig.

• Fortune in 2024: 2024 will go well for those born in the Year of the Monkey. They may experience a raise or promotion while finding success in seeking partnerships. They will, however, achieve average wealth and health.

Rooster 

The Rooster, the tenth animal in the Chinese Zodiac, is associated with waking people up in rural areas. Those born in the Year of the Rooster are known for being proactive, far-sighted, and quick-tempered, with sharp perspectives and excellent social skills.

• Personality traits: Fore-sighted, ambitious, quick-minded, selfish, impatient, critical, over-confident.

• Compatibility with other signs: The Rooster will be compatible with the Ox and Snake. They will experience bad matches with the Rat, Rabbit, Horse, Dog, and fellow Rooster.

• Fortune in 2024: In 2024, individuals born under the Year of the Rooster can expect good fortune, especially in career and wealth, through diligent efforts, leading to promotions. While health predictions indicate minor issues, overall, their prospects appear favorable.

Dog 

The Dog is the eleventh animal in the Chinese Zodiac. In Chinese culture, dogs are regarded as auspicious animals that symbolize loyalty and the coming of good fortune. With the animals, those born under the Year of the Dog are seen as loyal people with a strong sense of justice and likely to help and serve others.

• Personality traits: Brave, loyal, responsible, clever, reliable, conservative, stubborn, emotional.

• Compatibility with other signs: The Dog will see the best compatible matches with the Rabbit and Tiger while experiencing bad matches with the Dragon, Sheep, and Rooster.

• Fortune in 2024: Those born under the Year of the Dog may experience unlikely satisfying fortune within 2024. They might face specific difficulties, especially within their careers and relationship predictions.

Pig 

The Pig symbolizes wealth and luck. Viewed as docile yet lazy, individuals born in the Year of the Pig are known for being outgoing and warm-hearted. They may encounter challenges but are often perceived as innocent and romantic.

• Personality traits: Warm-hearted, sincere, honest, generous, sleepy, gullible, short-tempered.

• Compatibility with other signs: The Pig would experience great compatible matches to the Tiger, Rabbit, and Sheep. However, they will also see bad matches with the Snake and Monkey.

• Fortune in 2024: In 2024, individuals born in the Year of the Pig can anticipate positive outcomes in networking, relationships, wealth, and careers. Despite these successes, married individuals may encounter challenges, emphasizing the importance of maintaining good health.

The Bottom Line

In summary, Zodiac animals symbolize individuals and forecast their life qualities for the year during the Lunar New Year. These animals guide people in their actions and choices, influencing their pursuit of good fortune and luck. They also help people expect what challenges they will encounter in the future. Learn more about the predictions for the lunar calendar in 2024 here!

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Keep Reading: Chinese Zodiac Predictions for the Year 2024