Lunar New Year 2023: Chinese zodiac signs explained (2023)

Lunar New Year 2023: Chinese zodiac signs explained (1)

What are the signs of the zodiac? /James Sandifer/CGTN Europe

What are the signs of the zodiac? /James Sandifer/CGTN Europe

Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, more commonly known in English as Chinese New Year, is the most important holiday in China and marks the transition of the Chinese zodiac sign from one animal to another.

This year's Spring Festival falls on Sunday, January 22, 2023, beginning the year of the Rabbit and ending the year of the Tiger.

In China, each year is represented by one of the 12 zodiac animals. The animal sign is believed to dominate the year and influence the character and destiny of people born in that year, similar to the dozen or so signs of the western zodiac, except that the assignment of Aries, Taurus, etc., is based on a monthly calendar instead of a yearly one.

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Lunar New Year 2023: Chinese zodiac signs explained (2)

What are the 12 Chinese zodiac signs and what do they mean?

In order they are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.

According to the Chinese zodiac story, the order was decided by a race between animals organized thousands of years ago by the Jade Emperor of China.

Rata (Chinese: Shǔ)

Years of birth:2020, 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, 1948, 1936

The Rat is the first zodiac sign in the Chinese zodiac cycle. According to Chinese astrology, people born in the year of the rat are intelligent and popular, with strong communication skills.

In addition, they are hard workers and hard workers, resourceful, skillful, sensitive and good at saving money.

Famous People Born in the Rat Years:Diego Maradony, Avril Lavigne and Toma Hollanda.

Famous cartoon characters with rats:pikachu, jerry, remy (Ratatouille), Peter Pettigrew (Glizdogon-harry potter).

(Video) 2023 Horoscope Predictions for the Chinese Zodiac Signs: How to be Luckier in Year of the Rabbit?

Lunar New Year 2023: Chinese zodiac signs explained (3)

The Xinzhuang Lantern Festival in Shanghai as part of the Lunar New Year celebrations, January 18, 2023 /CFP

The Xinzhuang Lantern Festival in Shanghai as part of the Lunar New Year celebrations, January 18, 2023 /CFP

Ox (Chinese: Niu)

Years of birth:2021, 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, 1949, 1937

The Ox is second in the Chinese zodiac. People born under the ox are hardworking, patient and hardworking.

They are not afraid to take responsibility and never try to be the center of attention. In addition, they are also resilient, honest, strong and trustworthy.

Illustrious people born in the years of the Ox:Barack Obama, Diana Spencer, Gal Gadot y Michael Phelps.

Famous Oxen Cartoon Characters:toros (Pokémon), Baby Blue Ox, Fernando.

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Lunar New Year 2023: Chinese zodiac signs explained (4)

Tiger (bent: Hu)

Years of birth:2022, 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, 1950, 1938

The third zodiac sign, the tiger, is a symbol of strength and courage in Chinese culture. People born in the year of the tiger are natural leaders with a strong sense of justice.

Famous people born in the Tiger years:Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Cruise, Queen Elizabeth II, Jiang Zemin, and Usain Bolt.

Famous Tiger Cartoon Characters:tigre (Winnie the Pooh), Shere Khan (the jungle book), tigress (Rey Fu Panda).

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Lunar New Year 2023: Chinese zodiac signs explained (5)

(Video) The Chinese zodiac, explained | ShaoLan

Rabbit (Chinese: Tu)

Years of birth:2023, 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951, 1939

The Rabbit is the fourth in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac signs. This year is the year of the Rabbit, announced as the year of hope, from January 22, 2023 to February 9, 2024.

In Chinese culture, the rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace and prosperity. Rabbits are optimistic, kind, reasonable, and very approachable.

Famous people born in the Rabbit Years:Novak Djokovic, Lionel Messi, Johnny Depp y Angelina Jolie.

Famous Rabbit Cartoon Characters:Bugs Bunny, Lola Bunny y Duracell Bunny.

Lunar New Year 2023: Chinese zodiac signs explained (6)

"Sweet Rabbit" cake figures on display in Zaozhuang city, Shandong province, China, January 18, 2023. /CFP

"Sweet Rabbit" cake figures on display in Zaozhuang city, Shandong province, China, January 18, 2023. /CFP

Dragon (Chinese: long)

Years of birth:2024, 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, 1952, 1940

The dragon occupies the fifth position in the Chinese zodiac. The dragon is an imaginary animal in Chinese culture and has a very high reputation. It represents prosperity and imperial power.

According to Chinese astrology, people born in the year of the dragon are known for their self-reliance, energy, and ambition, as well as their loyalty to family and friends.

Famous people born in the Dragon Years:Vladimir Putin, Shakira, Rihanna.

Famous Dragon Cartoon Characters:Shenron (Dragon Ball universe), Dragonite y Charizard (Pokémon), toothless (How to Train Your Dragon).

Snake (Chinese: she)

Years of birth:2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953, 1941

(Video) May 2023 Monthly Horoscope of 12 Chinese Animal Signs

The snake occupies the sixth place in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac signs and is a symbol of mystery and grace. People born in the years of the snake are calm, talented, modest, observant, intelligent and always skeptical of everything.

Famous People Born in the Serpent Years:Xi Jinping, Emmanuel Macron, Taylor Swift y Kanye West.

Famous Snake Cartoon Characters:Kaa (the jungle book), Nagini (harry potter), Ralph y Eddie (Timon and Pumbaa).

Horse (Chinese: Ma)

Years of birth:2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, 1942

The horse occupies the seventh position in the Chinese zodiac and represents heroes and talents in Chinese culture.

Horses are active, energetic, and love to be in a crowd. In addition, they have a keen eye and show strong logical thinking.

Illustrious people born in the Years of the Horse:Greta Thunberg, Jackie Chan, Emma Watson, Rowan Atkinson, Boris Yeltsin.

Famous Cartoon Characters with Horses:Abu (Aladdin), Maximum (Tangled up), Pegasus (Hercules), diana (toy story).

Lunar New Year 2023: Chinese zodiac signs explained (7)

Jackie Chan in Beijing in 2017 /CFP

Jackie Chan in Beijing in 2017 /CFP

Sheep (Chinese: Yang)

Years of birth:2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967, 1955, 1943

The sheep, the eighth in the zodiac, is considered auspicious in Chinese culture. In ancient China, sheep were often used to make offerings and pray for good fortune, and were once used as currency as well.

People born in the year of the Sheep are meek, meek, kind and always prefer to be in a group.

Famous people born in sheep years:Matt LeBlanc, Jason Statham y Nicole Kidman.

Famous Sheep Cartoon Characters:Shaun Sheep, mandon (zootopia), Marep (Pokémon).

Mono (chino: Hou)

Years of birth:2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968, 1956, 1944

The monkey is the ninth in the zodiac and has been considered a mascot that prays for success in an official career in Chinese culture.

Due to their similarity to humans, people born in the Year of the Monkey are considered bright, intelligent, resourceful, brave and talented.

(Video) RABBIT Chinese Zodiac Sign - Shocking Facts!

Famous People Born in the Monkey Years:Tom Hanks, Zayn Malik, Theresa May, Will Smith, Martina Hingis.

Famous Monkey Cartoon Characters:Abu (Aladdin), Son Goku (Dragon Ball universe, Amigo (Rey LeonHanumana (Ramayana), Sun Wukong (monkey king).

Rooster (bowed: Ji)

Years of birth:2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969, 1957, 1945

The rooster, the tenth sign of the zodiac, represents the sign of punctuality in Chinese culture. (In ancient times, when there were no clocks, roosters played a key role in waking people up.)

Roosters are sociable, playful, independent, intelligent, but often also impatient. Also, they are open, honest and loyal people and they like to be the center of attention.

Famous people born in the years of the Rooster:Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Príncipe Felipe, Betty White, Harry Styles.

Famous Rooster Cartoon Characters:mgielny Livorno (crazy melodies), Lady Kluck (Robin Hood), Ernie the Big Chicken (Family member).

Lunar New Year 2023: Chinese zodiac signs explained (8)

Roger the Rooster podczas Shanghai Tennis Masters 2019. /CFP

Roger the Rooster podczas Shanghai Tennis Masters 2019. /CFP

Dog (Chinese: go)

Years of birth:2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, 1958, 1946

The dog occupies the eleventh position in the Chinese zodiac. The animal is considered auspicious in Chinese culture, and if a dog enters the house, it is believed to represent the arrival of fortune.

People born in the year of the Dog are known for their loyalty and honesty. They are also cautious, intelligent, and lively by nature.

Famous People Born in the Dog Years:Donald Trump, Michael Jackson, Mother Teresa, Prince William.

Famous Dog Cartoon Characters:Courage, Cowardly Dog, Scooby-Doo, Snoopy, Droopy.

Pig (Chinese: Zhu)

Years of birth:2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971, 1959, 1947

The twelfth and last character represents wealth and good fortune since ancient times in Chinese culture. Many money pots, or piggy banks as they would be called in the West, are made in the shape of a pig because people believe it will bring good luck in the form of money.

People born in the Year of the Pig are hardworking, compassionate and generous with a strong sense of responsibility.

Famous people born in the Years of the Pig:Hillary Clinton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Camilla Parker Bowles, Elon Musk, Snoop Dogg, Justin Trudeau.

(Video) 6 Luckiest Chinese Animal Zodiac Signs in 2023

Famous Pig Cartoon Characters:Peppa Pig, Pumba, Piglet (Winnie the Pooh).

FAQs

Lunar New Year 2023: Chinese zodiac signs explained? ›

The Chinese Horoscope 2023 promises a year of prosperity, luck, and abundance for the Tiger natives. In love related matters, you will enjoy a fulfilling time with your partner, and the single Tiger natives will have a great year too.

What is the accurate Chinese horoscope for 2023? ›

The Chinese Horoscope 2023 promises a year of prosperity, luck, and abundance for the Tiger natives. In love related matters, you will enjoy a fulfilling time with your partner, and the single Tiger natives will have a great year too.

Which zodiac signs will be lucky in 2023? ›

All the luckiest zodiac signs in 2023, ranked from best to worst
  • Sagittarius.
  • Libra.
  • Leo.
  • Taurus.
  • Pisces.
  • Aries.
  • Aquarius.
  • Virgo.
Mar 5, 2023

Is 2023 year of the Chinese zodiac lucky for Rooster? ›

After entering the 10th month of the lunar calendar in 2023, your overall prospects, Rooster people, will be relatively smooth, with wealth, career, relational, and health fortunes all relatively good. Rooster people, you should cherish your hard work and luck, and use them to further improve your quality of life.

What year is the luckiest in 2023? ›

The sign of Rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace, and prosperity in Chinese culture. 2023 is predicted to be a year of hope. The luckiest Chinese zodiac signs in 2023 are Oxes, Tigers, and Snakes.

How to predict 2023 Feng Shui? ›

Feng Shui is based on the balance between energy, elements, and environment, and the lucky color for 2023, forest green, represents the balance between earth and water and will bring prosperity and hope. Together with this color, other hues will help to emanate these feelings- pink, red and blue.

What are the 5 lucky zodiac signs in 2023? ›

These 5 zodiac signs are the luckiest in 2023
  • 2.1 Sagittarius – Nov 22 – Dec 21.
  • 2.2 Libra – Sep 23 – Oct 22.
  • 2.3 Leo – Jul 23 – Aug 22.
  • 2.4 Taurus – Apr 20 – May 20.
  • 2.5 Pisces – Feb 19 – Mar 20.
May 17, 2023

Which zodiac year is the luckiest? ›

According to astrologers, the rat is the luckiest sign, because those born in the year of the rat are extremely successful and have an incredible charm that helps them achieve everything they set their mind to.

What is the luckiest month to be born? ›

A study done in the U.K. showed that May is the luckiest month to be born, and October is the unluckiest. It could have something to do with that optimism, since positive attitudes have been associated with greater resilience.

What does 2023 hold for the Rooster? ›

Rooster Chinese Horoscope 2023 reveals that the year of the Rabbit will be full of ups and downs for the Rooster natives. Some aspects of your life will see positive changes while others will witness challenges. You are advised to be ready for whatever life throws at you.

What is the lucky color of the year 2023 Rooster? ›

Lucky colors: gold, brown, and yellow.

What is the lucky Stone for Roosters 2023? ›

Citrine is the perfect balancing stone for a Rooster as it promotes positivity. Also known as the 'stone of wealth', citrine is excellent for boosting personal power and bringing luck.

Which zodiac is lucky in money? ›

Libra is known as the planet of "money and love", with planet Venus "automatically attracting wealth and abundance into the lives of the Libra natives".

What Chinese zodiac is beautiful? ›

Among all the 12 Chinese zodiac signs, the most attractive ones include Rat, Rabbit, Horse and Rooster.

How to attract luck in 2023? ›

Aside from using a red wallet and keeping a bill with a lucky number, another thing you can do to attract luck in your finances is to keep a lucky charm inside your purse, one of which is the Chinese Three Coin. “The Chinese Three Coin tied in red strings [signifies] trinity: heaven, earth, and man,” Chua said.

What is the lucky color for 2023 for wealth? ›

Green and blue are the most popular lucky colors for 2023, while pink and red are also very lucky colors for 2023.

What is the lucky color inside the house 2023? ›

According to Feng Shui philosophy, each year has its own lucky colour. For 2023, the year of the Water Rabbit, the hue set to bring about prosperity and positive energy is forest green. A bold, bright tone that is sure to make an impact in interior design this year.

Which day is lucky for house blessing 2023? ›

Auspicious Dates To Move House 2023
January 2023Conflicting Zodiac SignConflicting Zodiac Sign
18 May 2023 (Thu)HorseDragon
22 May 2023 (Mon)DogGoat
27 May 2023 (Sat)RabbitDog
30 May 2023 (Tue)HorsePig
54 more rows
Dec 2, 2022

What is lucky in 2023 Feng Shui? ›

Conclusion. To summarise, azure blue, apple green, pearl white, fiery red and imperial yellow are the lucky colours that incorporate the wood, fire, water, metal and earth elements of feng shui.

Which zodiac represents wealth? ›

Taurus belongs to the Earth element and Venus planet, which is known to be the best for money, wealth, and abundance. This makes them land in the top 5 zodiac signs that are good with money and accumulate worldly and materialistic success pretty naturally.

Which horoscope is powerful? ›

Aries. Aries is one of the powerful zodiac sign as Mars is the ruling planet of Aries. They have a strong personality physically and mentally.

Which horoscope is most successful? ›

Capricorn

There is probably little surprise that the most successful sign of the zodiac is Capricorn!

What is the lucky thing for 2023? ›

Because 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit, displaying or hanging rabbit lucky charms is considered to bring luck and fortune. These lucky charms may include rabbit figurines, calendars with rabbit designs, or any lucky charm that has the image or symbol of rabbits.

What are the new zodiac signs for 2023? ›

Even stranger, however, is the fact that Nasa has added a brand-new 13th zodiac sign into the mix: Ophiuchus. “The constellations are different sizes and shapes, so the Sun spends different lengths of time lined up with each one,” a spokesperson explained.

Videos

1. Chinese NEW YEAR 2023 - Year of the RABBIT + FORECASTS all signs. #chinesenewyear2023 #waterrabbit
(Patrick Arundell Astrology)
2. Year of the Water Rabbit 2023 | Predictions and Chinese Horoscopes
(Karina Collins)
3. 2023 Chinese Zodiac - All 12 Animal Signs Forecast
(Renerqi)
4. The Story of the Chinese Zodiac Rabbit 2023| Chinese Folk Tale
(chinahighlights)
5. Chinese Zodiac Story 2023 | The Story of the Year of the Rabbit
(China Travel)
6. The myth behind the Chinese zodiac - Megan Campisi and Pen-Pen Chen
(TED-Ed)

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