Curious about the 1981 Chinese zodiac, its element, animal, compatible colors, directions, or signs for attracting wealth? This guide from BTA Feng Shui explores the Metal Rooster, covering its element, personality, career, and Feng Shui applications for luck, peace, and prosperity.
Note: This article was directly translated from the original Vietnamese version by BTA Feng Shui using Grok 3.
1981 Chinese New Year Animal: Metal Rooster
In the Chinese zodiac, those born in 1981 are Metal Roosters (Xin You – 辛酉), represented by the Rooster. This applies to individuals born from February 5, 1981, to January 24, 1982 (Gregorian calendar). Those born before February 5, 1981, are Metal Monkeys.
In 2025, Metal Roosters will be 44 years old (Gregorian calendar) or 45 years old (lunar calendar).

To determine compatible signs for the 1981 Chinese zodiac, consider:
- Heavenly Stem (Xin): Compatible with Bing, clashing with Yi and Ding.
- Earthly Branch (Rooster): Six-harmony with Dragon, trine with Snake, Rooster, and Ox, conflicting with Rat, Horse, Rabbit, Rooster.
Compatible and incompatible signs for Metal Rooster 1981:
| Compatible / Incompatible Signs | Male Metal Rooster 1981 | Female Metal Rooster 1981 |
|---|---|---|
| Business Partners | Metal Rooster 1981, Fire Rabbit 1987, Wood Rat 1984, Water Pig 1983 | Earth Snake 1989, Water Pig 1983 |
| Marriage Partners | Metal Rooster 1981, Earth Snake 1989, Wood Rat 1984, Fire Rabbit 1987, Water Pig 1983 | Metal Rooster 1981, Earth Snake 1989, Water Pig 1983 |
| Incompatible Signs | Fire Ox 1997, Metal Horse 1990, Wood Ox 1985, Earth Horse 1978, Metal Goat 1991, Earth Goat 1979 | Metal Horse 1990, Earth Horse 1978, Wood Ox 1985, Fire Ox 1997, Earth Goat 1979 |
For more on compatibility, see Celestial Stems and Earthly Branches Clashes.
1981 Chinese Zodiac Element: What Is It?
According to the Five Elements, those born in 1981 belong to the Wood element, specifically Pomegranate Wood (Thạch Lựu Mộc), representing the resilient wood of a pomegranate tree growing on rocky terrain.

The term “Metal Rooster 1981” can be misleading. In Chinese and Vietnamese Feng Shui, 1981 is defined by the Heavenly Stem Xin (辛 – Yin Metal) and the Earthly Branch You (酉 – Rooster), forming the “Metal Rooster.”
However, the Na Yin (Five Elemental Phases) system assigns the Wood element (Pomegranate Wood) to this year’s stem-branch pair, meaning those born in 1981 are associated with Wood, not Metal.
Individuals with Pomegranate Wood are resilient, enduring, and vibrant, like a pomegranate tree thriving in harsh conditions. They possess strong willpower, creative thinking, and an unyielding spirit in the face of challenges.
Chinese Zodiac 1981: Lucky and Unlucky Colors
Based on the Five Elements’ generating cycle, the 1981 zodiac (Wood element) is compatible with:
- Blue, black (Water element): Water generates Wood, bringing luck, peace, and growth.
- Green (Wood element): Enhances core energy, attracting positive chi and wealth.

Avoid these colors:
- White, silver (Metal element): Metal overcomes Wood, hindering career and health.
- Yellow, brown (Earth element): Wood overcomes Earth, draining energy and wealth.
Explore the Feng Shui color chart for suitable colors for cars, homes, or clothing.
Chinese Zodiac Sign 1981: Personal Trigram
The Personal Trigram (Cung Mệnh) influences personality and destiny, varying by gender for the 1981 Chinese zodiac:
- Male 1981: Trigram Kan (Water element), East Group. Men with Kan are persistent, adaptable, and well-liked for their open nature.
- Female 1981: Trigram Gen (Earth element), West Group. Women with Gen are strong, eager to learn, confident, but sometimes sensitive and expressive.
Chinese Horoscope 1981: Best Directions
Choosing directions for homes, workspaces, or bedrooms based on Eight Mansions and Eight Trigrams enhances prosperity for the 1981 zodiac animal.
| Direction | Male Metal Rooster 1981 | Female Metal Rooster 1981 |
|---|---|---|
| Favorable | North – Fu Wei: Mental strength, skill development; East – Tian Yi: Divine support; South – Di Yan: Strong relationships; Southeast – Sheng Qi: Complete blessings | Southwest – Sheng Qi; West – Di Yan; Northeast – Fu Wei; Northwest – Tian Yi |
| Unfavorable | West – Huo Hai: Negative energy; Northeast – Wu Gui: Calamities; Northwest – Liu Sha: Harmful chi; Southwest – Jue Ming: Losses | East – Liu Sha; North – Wu Gui; South – Huo Hai; Southeast – Jue Ming |
(Source: “Building Homes According to Geography, Astronomy, and I Ching” by Tran Van Tam, Culture and Information Publishing House, 2002)
1981 Chinese Astrology: Lucky Numbers
For the Metal Rooster (Wood element), these numbers align with the Five Elements:
- 3, 4 (Wood element): Promote prosperity, balance, and stability.
- 0, 1 (Water element): Attract luck and new beginnings.
Use these for phone numbers, license plates, or house numbers. Avoid 2, 5, 6, 7, 8 (Metal and Earth elements), as Metal overcomes Wood and Wood overcomes Earth, disrupting destiny.
Metal Rooster Chinese Zodiac: Personality and Destiny
1981 Chinese Zodiac Male Metal Rooster
Personality: Male Metal Roosters embody the resilience and honesty of Pomegranate Wood. They are intelligent, diligent, and strive to control their lives to avoid surprises. Their straightforwardness earns respect, but rigidity can spark disputes. They should practice listening and flexibility for harmonious relationships.
Career: With sharp minds and high responsibility, they excel in business, education, or creative fields. Early challenges are overcome through perseverance, leading to significant success. At age 44 in 2025, they can advance by seizing opportunities and networking effectively.
Love Life: Sincere but sometimes lacking finesse, they may face initial romantic hurdles. With the right partner, they are reliable husbands, dedicated to family. Marriages stabilize with mutual understanding.

1981 Chinese Zodiac Female Metal Rooster
Personality: Female Metal Roosters are strong, decisive, and fearless, like pomegranate trees on rocky ground. They have keen problem-solving skills and are loved for their openness. However, sensitivity can make them vulnerable, requiring emotional support for balance.
Career: Creative and persistent, they shine in media, arts, or management. Relentless effort leads to success. At age 44 in 2025, they can make significant strides by managing emotions and capitalizing on opportunities.
Love Life: Proactive and charismatic, they pursue love boldly. Despite early challenges, their sincerity fosters lasting bonds. As devoted wives, they bring warmth and happiness to their families.
Chinese Year 1981: Three Years of Misfortune
The Tam Tai (three years of misfortune) affects the Snake-Rooster-Ox trine, including Metal Roosters, during Pig, Rat, and Ox years:
- Pig (2019, 2031…): Financial or health challenges; monitor spending closely.
- Rat (2020, 2032…): Work obstacles; avoid risky investments.
- Ox (2021, 2033…): Relationship tensions; maintain harmony.
During Tam Tai, Metal Roosters should avoid major undertakings like marriage, home construction, or business expansion to minimize risks.
This guide clarifies the 1981 Chinese zodiac, its Wood element, and Feng Shui insights for the Metal Rooster. If helpful, please rate 5 stars and share to explore more at BTA Feng Shui!
Explore Other Rooster Years:
| Fire Rooster 1957 | Earth Rooster 1969 | Metal Rooster 1981 | Water Rooster 1993 |
| Wood Rooster 2005 | Fire Rooster 2017 | Earth Rooster 2029 |




















