Chinese Zodiac

The Chinese zodiac is a repeating cycle of twelve animals. Each year belongs to one animal, and together with the five elements the animals form a sixty-year cycle.

Where the animals come from

The twelve animals are attached to the twelve Earthly Branches (地支), an ancient system for counting years, months, days and hours. The branches are older than the animal names; the animals give them a memorable face.

The legend of the Great Race

A popular legend tells that the Jade Emperor invited all animals to a race across a river, and the order of arrival became the order of the zodiac. It is a story, not a historical event, but it explains the order in a way that is easy to remember: the clever Rat rode on the Ox and jumped ahead at the finish, and the Pig, who stopped to eat, came last.

Why your birth year is not enough

The animal changes at Chinese New Year, which falls between 21 January and 20 February. Anyone born in January or early February may still belong to the previous year's animal, which is why the calculator asks for the full date of birth.