12 Chinese Zodiac Signs

The 12 Chinese Zodiac Signs —also known as Shēngxiào (生肖)—is a classification system based on the lunar calendar. Each year in a 12-year cycle is associated with a specific animal and its corresponding attributes.

This system is not only prevalent in China but is also widely adopted across East Asian cultures such as Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, and North Korea, with influence extending to several Southeast Asian countries as well.

What Are the 12 Zodiac Animals?

Below is a list of the 12 zodiac animals in order, along with their elements, yin-yang classification:

Note: The element in the table refers to the element (Five Elements) of the zodiac animal, not based on the birth year.

=>> See also: Chinese Zodiac Years Chart - Find Your Exact Zodiac Sign and Dates

Origins and Cultural Reach of the 12 Zodiac Animals

The 12-animal zodiac system originated in southern China, specifically south of the Yangtze River, and spread to countries influenced by East Asian culture (the Sinosphere). In parts of Southeast Asia such as Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos—former territories of the Angkor Empire—the system remains similar in form, though the timing may differ due to climate variations and religious influence. Their lunar calendars typically lag three months behind East Asian lunar calendars.

In Vietnam, the zodiac system is deeply embedded in cultural life. It’s not only used to determine birth years but also plays a major role in traditions like choosing auspicious days, compatibility readings, and especially during the Lunar New Year (Tết Nguyên Đán).

Differences Between the Eastern Zodiac and Western Zodiac

While both systems feature 12 parts and use symbolic animals, the Eastern zodiac is fundamentally different from the Western zodiac:

• The Eastern zodiac is not based on star constellations or the ecliptic.
• Each zodiac animal represents an entire year, whereas Western zodiac signs represent one month.
• All Eastern zodiac signs are animals, while some Western signs are non-animal symbols (e.g., Libra).

Earthly Branches, Heavenly Stems, and Zodiac Layers

The 12 zodiac animals form the core of the Earthly Branches system, which, when combined with the 10 Heavenly Stems (jiǎ, yǐ, bǐng, dīng, wù, jǐ, gēng, xīn, rén, guǐ), creates a 60-year cycle. Beyond the common birth-year animal, each person also has:

• Inner Zodiac: based on the birth month
• True Zodiac: based on the birth day
• Secret Zodiac: based on the birth hour

Example: Someone born in the Year of the Dragon might also have a Snake inner zodiac, an Ox true zodiac, and a Goat secret zodiac. The combination and interaction of these zodiac layers influence personality traits, destiny, and compatibility with others, a system referred to as Thái Tuế.

=>> Learn more: Compatibility and Conflict Between Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches

Cultural and Spiritual Significance

In Vietnam, the 12 zodiac animals are not just a method of tracking years—they are also tied to traditional practices such as:

• Celebrating the Lunar New Year
• Making traditional cakes like Bánh Chưng and Bánh Giầy
• Visiting parents and relatives at the beginning of the year
• Assessing compatibility in marriage and business

These symbols reflect the deep connection between nature, agriculture, folk beliefs, and everyday life.

Below are detailed articles on each zodiac animal by birth year—feel free to explore: