Have you heard that 2018 is the year of the dog? Have you ever wondered how the Chinese Zodiac animals were chosen and what do they mean?Is there a year of the Unicorn? Here you will find a brief introduction of the Chinese Zodiacs. We are sorry to tell you that the Unicorn is not one of the 12 Zodiacs.
The Chinese Zodiac, or shengxiao 生肖 (born resembling) is a repeating 12 year cycle with each year representing a new animal. It is believed that an indivitual’s birth year reflects their personality and is similar to the year’s animal. However, the Zodiac signs get more complicated as the animal signs are also assigned by month (inner animal), by day (true animal) and by hours (secret animal). For example: A person might appear to be a Dog because they were born in the year of the Dog, they might also be a Snake internally, an Ox truly, and a Goat secretively.
In order, the 12 animals are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig. Each year is associated with a zodiac animal. 2018 is the year of the Dog.
What is your Chinese Zodiac Animal?
Your Chinese Zodiac sign is derived from your birth year, according to the Chinese lunar calendar.
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 be aware: 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.
The Dog is the eleventh of the Zodiac animals. According to one myth, the Jade Emperor(Chinese: 玉皇; pinyin: Yù Huáng or 玉帝, Yù Dì)， said the order of animals would be based off of the times of their arrival to the party. Monkey, Rooster and Dog were in another country, helping a god defeat evil spirits. After, they set off to the party together. Because they arrived at the same time, the Jade Emperor went by the order they met the god in the other country. Thus, Dog became the eleventh Zodiac.
The Dog is also associated with the Earthly Branch (地支—dì zhī) xū (戌), and the hours 7–9 in the evening. In the terms of yin and yang (阴阳—yīn yáng), the Dog is yang.
In China, it is still popular to name dogs Wàng Cái (旺财). It means “prosperous wealth” and comes from dogs’ barking sounds (汪汪—wàng wàng).
Honest and loyal, Dogs are the truest friends and most reliable partner.
Personality and characteristics
A Dog’s most defining characteristic is their loyalty. They will never abandon their friends, family or work.
Honest and just, they are popular in social circles. Everyone needs a Dog friend for advice and help. They are also good at helping others find and fix their bad habits.
Despite how they act, they are worried and anxious inside. However, they will not let this stop them. Once they decide on something, no one can persuade them against it.
Men born in the Dog year are straightforward and genuine. They are energetic, though they’re more pessimistic inside.
Very opinionated, they’re always ready to correct others and defend their stance. It’s not that they want to show off. They just feel it’s necessary to help others realize their mistakes.
These men care deeply for their family. Their stubbornness fades in the face of their loved ones. They work to understand and compromise, resulting in a harmonious family life.
Women born in the Dog year are very cautious. They are indifferent towards people they don’t like, and don’t trust easily. But once they do, it’s permanent. They are intensely protective of their friends and family.
They are genial and independent. They love outdoor activities and being in nature. However, they are also hard workers and don’t give up until they succeed. Security and a stable income are her requirements for a career.
Lucky things for Dogs
Colors: green, red, purple
Numbers: 3, 4, 9
Mineral: emerald
Directions of auspiciousness: north, northwest
Directions of wealth: southeast
Directions of love: south
Unlucky things
Colors: blue, brown
Numbers: 1, 7, 8
Source:The China Highlights&Chinese New Year 2018
