Introduction to the Zodiac

Horse (馬)

Extremely animated, spontaneous, and energetic, Horses enjoy being the center of attention and easily get along with others, especially with their amiable personalities and deft sense of humor. They easily grasp new concepts, and their independence and integrity help them become leaders who can effectively communicate and make decisions. However, they dislike taking orders and lack persistence because they are easily bored by routine. They also tend to lack confidence and be self-centered.
Years: 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
Famous Horses: Davy Crockett, Louis May Alcott, Rembrandt, Isaac Newton, Denzel Washington, Oprah Winfrey, Kobe Bryant, Chopin, Teddy Roosevelt, Genghis Khan, Jackie Chan

Goat/Ram (羊)

Goats are mild-mannered and calm, but don’t be fooled; they are very tough on the inside, possessing great inner resilience and perseverance. They are also considerate and polite, willing to take good care of others, especially their close friends. Although Goats prefer to be in groups, they are nevertheless reserved and shy, preferring to avoid the spotlight and instead enjoy their own thoughts.  As a result of their timidity, Goats struggle to open up to others and form new friendships, so it may take a lot of time and effort to befriend and get to know them. They can also be pessimistic and indecisive.
Years: 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
Famous Goats: Michelangelo, Mark Twain, Thomas Edison, Nicole Kidman, Barbara Walters, Orville Wright, Julia Roberts, Zhang Ziyi, Li Shimin, Cao Cao, Chow Yun-Fat

Monkey (猴)

Clever and witty, Monkeys are often the center of attention due to their charisma and sense of humor. They are also creative experts at solving problems, easily picking up new skills and adapting to different environments, and they thrive on being challenged. However, the mischievousness of Monkeys can backfire when they take practical jokes too far and end up hurting others’ feelings. Their opportunistic natures can come off as cunning and unscrupulous, and they have short tempers and can be self-centered.
Years: 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
Famous Monkeys: Leonardo da Vinci, Charles Dickens, Christina Aguilera, Celine Dion, Tom Hanks, Will Smith, Julius Caesar, Eleanor Roosevelt, Elizabeth Taylor, Betsy Ross, Yao Ming

Rooster (雞)

The most motivated animals in the zodiac, Roosters are hardworking and resourceful, able to develop many talents as they work towards their ambitious goals. They are frank and honest, always making sure to keep their promises, and they are very loyal to their friends. Additionally, Roosters are confident and charming, but their love for the spotlight often leads them to brag about themselves and their accomplishments. They are also sensitive, moody, and very vain about their appearances.
Years: 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
Famous Roosters: Britney Spears, Elton John, Jennifer Aniston, Cate Blanchett, Catherine the Great, Diane Sawyer, Amelia Earhart, Groucho Marx, Mencius, Zhuge Liang

Dog (狗)

Honest, faithful, and sincere, Dogs are extremely loyal. They are straightforward, valuing honor and tradition, and they have strong morals and a profound sense of justice. Because of their cautious and conservative natures, Dogs are not good at communication, and they struggle to befriend and socialize with others. However, they are faithful and generous to their close friends, and they enjoy helping others. Their independence is often interpreted as stubbornness, and Dogs tend to be judgmental, defensive, pessimistic, and overly anxious.
Years: 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
Famous Dogs: Winston Churchill, Benjamin Franklin, George Gershwin, Voltaire, Jane Goodall, Socrates, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Kelly Clarkson, Confucius, Sun Quan

Pig (豬)

Last, but certainly not least, are the caring, compassionate Pigs, who are popular because of their kindness, sincerity, and faithfulness to their friends. However, because Pigs are naive and gullible, many people easily take advantage of their obliging, generous natures. Pigs are also responsible and creative, and they deal with difficult problems calmly and carefully. However, they struggle with jealousy and possessiveness, and they can be over-indulgent, short-tempered, and lazy.
Years: 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
Famous Pigs: Henry VIII, Oliver Cromwell, Ernest Hemingway, Stephen King, Alfred Hitchcock, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Hillary Clinton, Ronald Reagan, Carrie Underwood, Mila Kunis, Chiang Kai-Shek