Millions of people around the world are ushering in the Year of the Snake. The Lunar New Year begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and concludes 15 days later with the first full moon. Each year is associated with one of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, creating a repeating 12-year cycle
The legend of the Chinese zodiac not only explains the origins of the 12 animal signs but also offers insight into what each zodiac year may bring.
According to myth, the Jade Emperor, otherwise known as the “ruler of Heaven”, decreed that 12 animals would serve as symbols of time. To determine their order, he gathered them on one side of a great river and challenged them to race across.
Through cunning strategies, unexpected alliances, and fierce competition, the animals reached the other side in the following order:
1) The Rat
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In the legend, the rat jumped on the back of an Ox who was crossing the river, jumping on its head just as it approached the other bank, earning first place. The most recent rat years have been 2020, 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, and 1948, with the next one projected to be in 2032.
According to Chinese astrology, those born in the year of the rat have fun and quirky personalities, meaning they’re often extroverted and invest a lot in what others think of them.
2) The Ox
To the ox’s dismay, the rat had exploited his kindness by snagging the first place title, so the ox earned the second place title. Recent years of the Ox include 2021, 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, and 1949, with the next Ox year in 2033.
People born in the year of the ox are usually gentle and grounded, although not particularly charismatic. Just like the animals, they are hard workers who possess integrity and tenacity.
3) The Tiger
The courageous Tiger secured third place in the race by swiftly swimming across the river, showcasing its strength and bravery. Recent Tiger years are 2022, 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, and 1950, with the next in 2034.
Tigers are characterized by their courage, passion, confidence, and enthusiasm. They are natural leaders, known for their competitiveness and charm. On the flip side, they can be impulsive and temperamental.
4) The Rabbit
In the zodiac race, the Rabbit hopped across the river by jumping on stepping stones and floating on a log, securing fourth place. Rabbit years include 2023, 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, and 1951, with the next in 2035.
Those born under the Rabbit sign are gentle, kind, compassionate, and artistic. They are known for their diplomatic nature and are often popular in social circles. However, they can be indecisive and overly cautious.
5) The Dragon
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The majestic Dragon, despite its ability to fly, chose to help others during the race, arriving fifth. Dragon years are 2024, 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, and 1952, with the next in 2036.
Dragons are energetic, fearless, warm-hearted, and charismatic. They are natural leaders, often seeking challenges and adventures. On the downside, they can be arrogant and impatient.
6) The Snake
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The sly Snake hid on the Horse’s hoof during the race and slithered ahead to take sixth place. Recent Snake years include 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, and 1953, and this year—2025.
Individuals born in the Year of the Snake are wise, charming, gregarious, introverted, generous, and smart. They are deep thinkers and tend to be financially prudent. However, they can be jealous and secretive.
7) The Horse
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Galloping swiftly, the Horse was set to finish sixth, but was startled by the Snake and ended up seventh. Recent horse years include 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, and 1954, with the next in 2026.
Horses are energetic, independent, impatient, and enjoy traveling. They are known for their enthusiasm and positivity. On the flip side, they can be hot-tempered and impulsive.
8) The Goat
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The gentle Goat crossed the river alongside the Monkey and Rooster on a raft, arriving eighth. Goat years include 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967, and 1955, with the next in 2027.
Goats are mild-mannered, shy, kind, and peace-loving. They are empathetic and have a strong sense of creativity. However, they can be overly sensitive and indecisive.
9) The Monkey
The clever Monkey used its ingenuity to build a raft with the Goat and Rooster, securing ninth place. Recent Monkey years are 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968, and 1956, with the next in 2028.
Monkeys are fun, energetic, and active. They are intelligent, curious, and have a mischievous side. On the downside, they can be cunning and restless.
10) The Rooster
The Rooster contributed its organizational skills to the raft-building team with the Goat and Monkey, finishing tenth. Rooster years include 2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969, and 1957, with the next in 2029.
Roosters are observant, hardworking, and courageous. They are meticulous and confident, often enjoying the spotlight. However, they can be boastful and overly critical.
11) The Dog
Despite being a strong swimmer, the loyal Dog took time to play in the water during the race, arriving eleventh. Dog years are 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, and 1958, with the next in 2030.
Dogs are lovely, honest, and prudent. They are loyal, trustworthy friends and make reliable partners, although they tend to steer away from rationality and primarily rely on their emotional compass.
12) The Pig/boar
The boar (sometimes referred to as a pig instead) was the last to arrive because it took a nap after eating, landing it the 12th and final spot in the Chinese zodiac. Recent years of the Pig include 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971, 1959, and 1947, with the next Pig year in 2031.
Pigs are known for their honesty, diplomacy, and skills at making friends. They are peaceful, rarely losing their temper and willing to be vulnerable, although they are rather untidy.