Lunar New Year is a traditional holiday marking the beginning of the lunar calendar and the arrival of spring. Although it's a huge holiday in China, it's also recognized in South Korea, Vietnam, and other countries with a significant Chinese population. On the lunar calendar, the first day of the month begins during the new moon. Because of this, the Lunar New Year falls on different dates each year. This year, it will occur on January 22, 2023, and it is the Year of the Rabbit!
One of the most popular ways to celebrate Lunar New Year is by participating in the traditional lion dance, where performers dress in elaborate lion costumes and dance through the streets, believed to bring good luck and fortune for the new year. Red decorations, such as lanterns and banners, are also commonly seen during the holiday as red is believed to ward off evil spirits. The color red is associated with luck and prosperity so you'll see people wearing red during the holiday.
Another popular tradition during Lunar New Year is the exchange of red envelopes filled with money, typically given by older relatives to children as a symbol of good luck and prosperity for the new year.
One of the most well-known aspects of the lunar calendar is the Chinese zodiac, which is based on a 12-year cycle with each year represented by a different animal. The signs are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig.
Each sign is said to have unique personality traits, with certain signs being more compatible with others.
Below, you'll find more details about your sign. Remember, since this is based on the lunar calendar, if your birthday is in January/February, you should double check your sign with the zodiac sign calculator.
Rat
Birth Years: 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Rats are natural leaders and are known for their excellent communication skills. They're very creative, organized, and pay great attention to detail. You can depend on them and if you're in their inner circle, you'll benefit from their generosity and loyalty. Rats are most compatible with Oxes and least compatible with Horses.
Ox
Birth Years: 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
Oxes are patient, hardworking, and have amazing memories. They love their routine and are skilled multitaskers. They're often seen as stubborn and persistent, but can be on the quieter side emotionally People go to them for their calm vibes. Oxes are most compatible with Rats and least compatible with Goats.
Tiger
Birth Years: 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010
Tigers can be a bit chaotic and are known for their fire, love of life, and fearlessness. They're fighters for what's right and can command a lot of respect. Tigers tend to make great leaders, but expect some indecision AND last-minute decisions from them. Tigers are most compatible with Pigs and least compatible with Monkeys.
Rabbit
Birth Years: 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
Rabbits are described as docile, polite, patient, and smart. They're charming but tend to be homebodies. People may see them as snobs, but rabbits reserve their time and vulnerabilities to close friends and family. They are diplomatic and prefer to avoid drama. Rabbits are most compatible with Dogs and least compatible with Roosters.
Dragon
Birth Years: 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
Dragons are fierce, extroverted, and full of energy and strength. Known as great leaders, they are self-sufficient and like to keep busy. They thrive on having a specific purpose to fight for. Although demanding, they tend to be admired by many. Dragons are most compatible with Roosters and least compatible with Dogs.
Snake
Birth Years: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
Snakes give off an enchanting and mysterious energy. They can appear detached in their tendency to think things through to themselves, but they're highly intuitive and have a desire to understand people. They're devoted and compassionate to the select few they've chosen Snakes let in. Snakes are most compatible with Monkeys and least compatible with Pigs.
Horse
Birth Years: 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
Horses are seen as the life of the party and are great friends. They're care-free and positive who value their relationships. Although they can come off as opinionated and hot-tempered, it is due to their passion about fighting for what they believe in. Their high energy usually transfers to being physically active and mentally quick, with the ability to handle pressures easily. Horses are most compatible with Goats and least compatible with Rats.
Goat
Birth Years: 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
Goats are known for their big hearts. They tend to be peacemakers and are patient and kind. But don't confuse them for pushovers - they can be very decisive and strong when they need to put their foot down. They're dreamers and are commonly drawn to creative pursuits. Goats are most compatible with Horses and least compatible with Oxes.
Monkey
Birth Years: 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
Monkeys are naturally ambitious and curious - it is the sign of the Inventor. They are free-spirited individualists who easily try and achieve new things. They're entertainers who enjoy the spotlight. They value their relationships and creativity. Monkeys are most compatible with Snakes and least compatible with Tigers.
Rooster
Birth Years: 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
Roosters do well in the spotlight. They tend to be misunderstood as cocky, but at heart, they are just outstanding performers who are highly persistent when it comes to pursuing their goals. They tend to be very creative and find stimulation from risk-taking and adventure. They exhibit high emotional intelligence and known to be great friends. Roosters are most compatible with Dragons and least compatible with Rabbits.
Dog
Birth Years: 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
Dogs naturally know how to connect with people. They are refreshingly direct and wear their hearts on their sleeve. People know them to be trustworthy and intelligent. They don't lack determination and exhibit tireless stamina at work. Dogs are most compatible with Rabbits and least compatible with Dragons.
Pig
Birth Years: 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
Pigs are perfectionists who commit 100% to what they focus on. They seem young at heart and have a big personality. Generous and outgoing, they might suffer from overloading themselves and like the finer things in life. They're known for their honesty and courage. Pigs are most compatible with Tigers and least compatible with Snakes.
So there you have it, a quick rundown of the Chinese zodiac signs. Of course, every person is unique and compatibility is just a suggestion, but it's an interesting part of the lunar calendar that we had to share! We encourage you to research additional details about the holiday and your Chinese zodiac sign. You can find out more about compatibility, lucky numbers, and colors. And here, we'll end with a common Lunar New Year greeting: "May you be happy and prosperous!"