Happy Chinese New Year! How to find your Chinese Zodiac Sign, and what it says about you

The Lunar New Year marks a reset on a 12-year cycle tied to twelve symbolic animals. In 2026 the festival begins on February 17, 2026 (ET), launching the Year of the Horse. Here’s a concise guide to the chinese new year animals, how to find your sign and what some of the core traits mean for your personality and the year ahead.

How the zodiac works and why January–February birthdays need a double check

Chinese astrology is built on a lunisolar calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar. That means the New Year shifts each year but always falls between January 21 and February 20 (ET), arriving on the second new moon after the winter solstice. Because of that timing, people born in January or February should verify whether their birthday came before or after the Lunar New Year in their birth year to determine the correct animal sign. For example, babies born before February 10, 2024 (ET) are Rabbits rather than Dragons.

The zodiac cycles through twelve animals in a set order. The sequence starts with the Rat and continues: Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Monkey, Sheep, Rooster, Dog and Pig. Each animal is believed to imbue distinct tendencies and life patterns that colour personality and fortune across a lifetime.

Quick guide to a few of the animals and what they suggest about you

While people are more than their zodiac label, these shorthand descriptions capture traditional traits associated with each sign:

• Rat — Clever and curious. Rats are praised for their charm, resourcefulness and knack for spotting opportunities. They tend to be straightforward and socially savvy.
• Ox — Steady and hardworking. Oxen value routine, diligence and reliability. They bring patience and a calm determination to chaotic situations.
• Tiger — Bold and unpredictable. Tigers are seen as brave defenders and natural leaders who thrive on excitement, though they may wrestle with indecision.
• Rabbit — Graceful and peace-seeking. Rabbits favour tranquility and tend to avoid drama, offering sound counsel and a steady presence.
• Snake — Intuitive and magnetic. Snakes are often described as mysterious, adaptable and passionate, combining resilience with sharp instincts.
• Rooster — Diligent and direct. Roosters are hardworking early risers who value honesty and discipline, sometimes coming across as overly focused on details.
• Pig — Warm and sociable. Pigs are associated with generosity, luck and strong social bonds; they are often popular and dependable friends.
• Monkey — Playful and clever. Monkeys use wit and charm to navigate situations and can be entertaining, persuasive and resourceful.

These snapshots are starters rather than exhaustive profiles. The zodiac’s influence is traditionally read alongside other elements and cycles for a fuller picture.

What the Year of the Horse could mean for 2026

The Horse is commonly linked with freedom, vitality and forward momentum. In years associated with this animal, themes of ambition, movement and new opportunities often surface. After the New Year begins on February 17, 2026 (ET), expect cultural celebrations where the Horse motif features in decorations, parades and community events.

If you’re planning around the new cycle, remember the practical tip: check the exact Lunar New Year date for your birth year if your birthday falls in January or February, since that will determine whether your sign aligns with the outgoing year or the incoming animal.

For many, the zodiac is a way to mark time, celebrate heritage and consider personality through a traditional lens. Whether you treat it as guidance, entertainment or cultural ritual, the chinese new year animals remain a vivid part of the Lunar New Year’s annual renewal.