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1. Rat (鼠 — Zǐshǔ)
Years: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032
Personality: Quick-witted, resourceful, versatile, kind. Rats are clever and adaptable, able to think on their feet and find creative solutions. They are natural leaders in social situations.
Lucky: Blue, Gold, GreenNumbers: 2, 3Flower: Lily
Costume tip: Gray or brown plush rat mascot costumes with large ears and long tail. Popular in school parades and community Chinese New Year events.
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2. Ox (牛 — Chǒuniú)
Years: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033
Personality: Diligent, dependable, determined, honest. Oxen are known for their hard work, reliability, and patience. They are methodical and persistent in achieving goals.
Lucky: White, Yellow, GreenNumbers: 1, 4Flower: Tulip
Costume tip: Black or brown ox costumes with curved horns. Often paired with farmer or cowboy outfits for storytelling performances.
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3. Tiger (虎 — Yínhǔ)
Years: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034
Personality: Brave, competitive, confident, charismatic. Tigers are natural-born leaders with a strong sense of justice. They are adventurous and love taking on challenges.
Lucky: Blue, Grey, OrangeNumbers: 1, 3, 4Flower: Cineraria
Costume tip: Orange-and-black striped tiger costumes with hood or full mascot head. One of the most popular zodiac animal costumes for children and parades.
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4. Rabbit (兔 — Mǎotù)
Years: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2035
Personality: Gentle, quiet, elegant, alert. Rabbits are known for their grace, diplomacy, and compassion. They have excellent taste and are wonderful hosts.
Lucky: Pink, Purple, RedNumbers: 3, 4, 6Flower: Plantain Lily
Costume tip: White or pink rabbit costumes with long ears and fluffy tail. Very popular for children's Chinese New Year celebrations and Easter events.
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5. Dragon (龙 — Chénlóng)
Years: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024, 2036
Personality: Confident, intelligent, enthusiastic, fearless. The dragon is the most powerful and auspicious zodiac sign in Chinese culture, symbolizing strength, luck, and imperial authority.
Lucky: Gold, Silver, GreyNumbers: 1, 6, 7Flower: Bleeding Heart
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6. Snake (蛇 — Sìshé)
Years: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025, 2037
Personality: Wise, intuitive, elegant, mysterious. Snakes are deep thinkers with a natural talent for strategy. They are private and tend to keep their own counsel.
Lucky: Black, Red, YellowNumbers: 2, 8, 9Flower: Orchid
Costume tip: Green or gold snake costumes with scale-patterned fabric. Snake-themed accessories and jewelry are also popular during Snake years.
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7. Horse (马 — Wǔmǎ) — 2026 Current Year
Years: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026, 2038
Personality: Energetic, independent, warm-hearted, enthusiastic. Horses love freedom and adventure. They are natural entertainers with a gift for making friends easily.
Lucky: Yellow, Green, PurpleNumbers: 2, 3, 7Flower: Calla Lily
Costume tip: Brown, white, or black horse mascot costumes with mane and tail. Horse-head masks and hobby horse props are especially popular for 2026 celebrations. Pair with traditional
kung fu uniforms for a warrior horse theme.
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8. Goat (羊 — Wèiyáng)
Years: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027, 2039
Personality: Calm, gentle, sympathetic, creative. Goats are artistic souls who appreciate beauty and harmony. They are compassionate friends and natural caregivers.
Lucky: Brown, Yellow, GreenNumbers: 2, 7Flower: Carnation
Costume tip: White or brown goat/sheep costumes with curved horns and fluffy wool texture. Popular for school plays and community celebrations.
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9. Monkey (猴 — Shēnghóu)
Years: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028, 2040
Personality: Sharp, smart, curiosity, clever. Monkeys are the most versatile sign, known for their humor, quick thinking, and playful nature. The Monkey King (Sun Wukong) is China's most beloved literary character.
Lucky: White, Blue, GoldNumbers: 4, 9Flower: Chrysanthemum
Costume tip: Golden or brown monkey costumes inspired by Sun Wukong (Monkey King) from
Peking Opera. Includes golden crown, red cape, and magic staff prop. One of the most dramatic zodiac costume options.
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10. Rooster (鸡 — Yǒujī)
Years: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029, 2041
Personality: Observant, hardworking, courageous, honest. Roosters are perfectionists who pay attention to every detail. They are frank, loyal, and very organized.
Lucky: Gold, Brown, YellowNumbers: 5, 7, 8Flower: Gladiola
Costume tip: Colorful rooster costumes with red comb, golden feathers, and proud tail display. Often feature bright reds, golds, and greens. Popular in Vietnamese and Chinese New Year parades.
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11. Dog (狗 — Xūgǒu)
Years: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030, 2042
Personality: Loyal, honest, amiable, kind. Dogs are the most faithful sign, known for their deep loyalty to friends and family. They are always ready to help others and keep secrets well.
Lucky: Red, Green, PurpleNumbers: 3, 4, 9Flower: Rose
Costume tip: Golden retriever or Chinese Fu Dog (guardian lion dog) costumes. Fu Dog costumes connect to the
lion dance tradition and imperial guardian symbolism.
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12. Pig (猪 — Hàizhū)
Years: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031, 2043
Personality: Compassionate, generous, diligent, easygoing. Pigs symbolize wealth and prosperity in Chinese culture. They have a beautiful personality and are blessed with good fortune.
Lucky: Yellow, Grey, BrownNumbers: 2, 5, 8Flower: Hydrangea
Costume tip: Pink or golden pig costumes with round body and curly tail. One of the cutest zodiac costumes, especially popular for children. In Chinese culture, the pig represents abundance and good harvest.
The tradition of wearing zodiac animal costumes during Chinese New Year dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE). Originally, court performers wore elaborate animal masks and costumes during imperial New Year celebrations. Over centuries, this tradition spread to folk celebrations, temple fairs, and community parades.
The Chinese zodiac originated from the ancient Chinese astronomical calendar system. According to legend, the Jade Emperor organized a race across a river and named each year of the 12-year cycle after the first 12 animals to finish. The clever Rat rode on the Ox's back and jumped ahead at the last moment to claim first place.
Each zodiac animal represents different personality traits and life paths. In Chinese culture, your zodiac sign influences compatibility with others, career choices, and fortune for the year. During your zodiac year (benmingnian, 本命年), which comes every 12 years, wearing red is especially important to ward off bad luck.
What are the lucky colors for each zodiac sign?
Rat: blue, gold, green. Ox: white, yellow, green. Tiger: blue, grey, orange. Rabbit: pink, purple, red. Dragon: gold, silver, grey. Snake: black, red, yellow. Horse: yellow, green, purple. Goat: brown, yellow, green. Monkey: white, blue, gold. Rooster: gold, brown, yellow. Dog: red, green, purple. Pig: yellow, grey, brown.