Why 2024 Is Year of the Dragon?

What are twelve zodiac signs?

The twelve zodiac signs are not only a calendar system but also a form of folklore and culture. They reflect the Chinese people's observations and understanding of the natural world and social life, encapsulating philosophical concepts such as Yin and Yang, the Five Elements, perspectives on time and space, and the philosophy of life. They are closely linked to many myths, folk tales, and artistic forms, adding a rich and colorful dimension to Chinese culture.

Twelve zodiac animals are: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat (sheep), monkey, rooster (chicken), dog and pig. Scroll down to the blog end for each zodiac sign's years, famous people, personality traits, love compatibility, lucky colors and numbers

Are dragons real?

According to legend, in ancient times, dragons did not have horns and lived on the ground. These dragons were strong, could fly, and were skilled swimmers. They aspired to be the zodiac leader and wanted to replace the tiger as the king of beasts. Thus, a battle between dragons and tigers ensued, with no clear winner. Eventually, the Jade Emperor decided that their incessant fighting was unbecoming and ordered them to the Heavenly Palace for resolution.

Before departing, the dragon, feeling inferior to the majestic tiger, feared that the Jade Emperor would look down on it. Worried it couldn't become the zodiac leader or surpass the tiger's status, the dragon's younger brother, the centipede, suggested a solution. "Roosters have a pair of beautiful horns; why not borrow them to enhance your majestic appearance?" Excited, the dragon and the centipede sought out the rooster to borrow its horns.

However, the rooster, upon hearing the dragon's request, adamantly refused. Frustrated, the dragon swore to return the horns or face death upon returning to the land. The centipede also pledged to become a meal if the dragon failed to return the horns. With the centipede as the guarantor, the rooster reluctantly lent its horns to the dragon.

When the dragon and the tiger arrived at the Heavenly Palace, the Jade Emperor, impressed by their majestic presence, proclaimed them both kings – the tiger as the king of land creatures and the dragon as the king of aquatic creatures. The tiger could also be the zodiac leader, and the dragon could assume the zodiac position but with a lower ranking. Both the dragon and the tiger were pleased and returned to the mortal realm.

However, back on earth, the dragon hesitated to return the rooster's horns. It feared that without the borrowed adornments, the aquatic creatures might not respect its authority. Choosing to keep the horns, the dragon plunged into the water and never returned to the land.

The rooster, discovering the dragon's betrayal, grew furious and blamed the centipede. From then on, the rooster's face turned permanently red, and the centipede hid in the cracks of rocks, rarely emerging. To this day, when the rooster encounters the centipede, it angrily exclaims, "Dragon brother, return my horns!" As for the dragon, it has never returned to the land.

Although the dragon is the only mythical creature among the twelve zodiac animals, the Chinese people hold a special and reverential sentiment towards it. In Chinese culture, the dragon is seen as a divine being capable of controlling weather and performing miraculous feats. Emperors proclaimed themselves true dragon descendants, and the dragon is regarded as a symbol of wildness, human enlightenment, and divine spirituality. The numerous legends surrounding the dragon have been embellished by folklore and literary works, elevating the dragon to a mythical and awe-inspiring creature. The reverence and love for the dragon have evolved into a form of worship, perhaps contributing to the dragon's cultural significance as a zodiac animal.

Chinese Twelve Zodiac Signs

Rat:

• Years: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032
• Luck Colors: Blue, Gold, Green
• Lucky Numbers: 2, 3
• Famous People: William Shakespeare, George Washington, Scarlett Johansson
• Personality Traits: Clever, resourceful, adaptable, sociable, ambitious
• Love Compatibility: Best with Dragon, Monkey, Ox

Ox:

• Years: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033
• Luck Colors: White, Yellow, Green
• Lucky Numbers: 1, 9
• Famous People: Barack Obama, George Clooney, Jack Nicholson
• Personality Traits: Diligent, reliable, honest, patient, methodical
• Love Compatibility: Best with Rat, Snake, Rooster

Tiger:

• Years: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034
• Luck Colors: Blue, Gray, Orange
• Lucky Numbers: 1, 3, 4
• Famous People: Marilyn Monroe, Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Cruise
• Personality Traits: Brave, confident, competitive, independent, passionate
• Love Compatibility: Best with Horse, Dog, Pig

Rabbit:

• Years: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2035
• Luck Colors: Pink, Purple, Blue
• Lucky Numbers: 3, 4, 6
• Famous People: Albert Einstein, Angelina Jolie, Johnny Depp
• Personality Traits: Gentle, kind, elegant, intuitive, diplomatic
• Love Compatibility: Best with Sheep, Dog, Pig

Dragon:

• Years: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
• Luck Colors: Gold, Silver, White
• Lucky Numbers: 1, 6, 7
• Famous People: Bruce Lee, Rihanna, John Lennon
• Personality Traits: Charismatic, ambitious, innovative, confident, fearless
• Love Compatibility: Best with Monkey, Rat, Rooster

Snake:

• Years: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
• Luck Colors: Red, Yellow, Black
• Lucky Numbers: 2, 8, 9
• Famous People: Mahatma Gandhi, Bob Dylan, Taylor Swift
• Personality Traits: Wise, intuitive, mysterious, graceful, determined
• Love Compatibility: Best with Rooster, Ox, Dragon

Horse:

• Years: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
• Luck Colors: Yellow, Brown, Purple
• Lucky Numbers: 3, 4, 9
• Famous People: Kobe Bryant, Emma Watson, Nelson Mandela
• Personality Traits: Energetic, optimistic, adventurous, sociable, independent
• Love Compatibility: Best with Tiger, Dog, Sheep

Goat (or Sheep):

• Years: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
• Luck Colors: Green, Red, Purple
• Lucky Numbers: 3, 4, 9
• Famous People: Nicole Kidman, Julia Roberts, Matt LeBlanc
• Personality Traits: Gentle, compassionate, artistic, creative, harmonious
• Love Compatibility: Best with Rabbit, Horse, Pig

Monkey:

• Years: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
• Luck Colors: White, Gold, Blue
• Lucky Numbers: 1, 8, 7
• Famous People: Leonardo da Vinci, Tom Hanks, Will Smith
• Personality Traits: Intelligent, witty, curious, playful, mischievous
• Love Compatibility: Best with Rat, Dragon, Snake

Rooster (or Chicken):

• Years: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
• Luck Colors: Gold, Brown, Yellow
• Lucky Numbers: 5, 7, 8
• Famous People: Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Jennifer Aniston
• Personality Traits: Confident, organized, honest, hardworking, flamboyant
• Love Compatibility: Best with Ox, Snake, Dragon

Dog:

• Years: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
• Luck Colors: Green, Red, Purple
• Lucky Numbers: 3, 4, 9
• Famous People: Elvis Presley, Mother Teresa, Michael Jackson
• Personality Traits: Loyal, honest, reliable, protective, sincere
• Love Compatibility: Best with Horse, Tiger, Rabbit

Pig:

• Years: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
• Luck Colors: Yellow, Gray, Brown
• Lucky Numbers: 2, 5, 8
• Famous People: Elon Musk, David Bowie, Stephen King
• Personality Traits: Compassionate, generous, diligent, sincere, easygoing
• Love Compatibility: Best with Goat, Rabbit, Tiger

Please note:

• These are general associations, and personal beliefs may vary. In Chinese culture, these colors and numbers are often considered auspicious and believed to bring good fortune and positive energy to individuals born under each zodiac sign.
• Birth years mentioned are based on the Western calendar, so individuals born in January or February may need to check the specific date of the Chinese New Year to determine their Chinese zodiac sign.
• These personality traits are generalizations, and individual characteristics may vary. The Chinese zodiac is a fun way to explore cultural beliefs and traditions associated with each sign. 
• These love compatibility suggestions are based on traditional Chinese astrology and are meant for entertainment purposes. Individual experiences in relationships may vary.