The Chinese Zodiac, known as Sheng Xiao, is based on a twelve-year cycle, each year in that cycle related to an animal sign. These signs are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. It is calculated according to Chinese Lunar calendar 12 Zodiac SignsThere has been a relationship between human and the 12 zodiacal animals. It is believed that the years represented by the animals affect the characters of people in the same way like the western astrology signs.Similar to the ten heavenly stems and twelve earthly branches, animals in Chinese zodiac were also created for counting years as the system that is now universally accepted based on the Gregorian calendar. The selection and order of the animals that influence people’s lives very much was originated in the Han Dynasty (202BC – 220AD) and based upon each animal’s character and living habits. The old-time division was mostly related to number 12: one ji equals 12 years, one year has 12 months, one day has 12 time periods called shi chen. Ancient people observe that there are 12 full moons within one year. So, its origin is associated with astrology. Each animal sign is usually related with an earthly branch, so the animal years were called Zi Rat, Chou Ox, Yin Tiger, Mao Rabbit, Chen Dragon, Si Snake, Wu Horse, Wei Sheep, Shen Monkey, You Rooster, Xu Dog and Hai Pig.

Some signs are perfect matches while some are less compatible or even born opponents. Use the tool to test the compatibility for you and your partner! 

Best Matches for 12 Signs: 

Rat: Ox, Dragon, Monkey

Ox: Rat, Monkey, Rooster

Tiger: Dragon, Horse, Pig

Rabbit: Sheep, Monkey, Dog, Pig

Dragon: Rooster, Rat, Monkey

Snake: Dragon, Rooster

Horse: Tiger, Sheep, Rabbit

Sheep: Rabbit, Horse, Pig

Monkey: Ox, Rabbit

Rooster: Ox, Snake

Dog: Rabbit

Pig: Tiger, Rabbit, Sheep

Chinese Zodiac Compatibility Chart

 The twelve animal signs can be divided into four groups of three. The groups are based on the surmise that each of the three animals concerned have similar ways of thinking or temperament, or at least the style of thinking and understanding.

Group One: Rat, Dragon, Monkey – They are action oriented and show traits of intelligence. They can complement in intellect and are compatible with each other.

Group Two: Ox, Snake, Rooster – They are deep thinkers and always conscious about attaining their objectives. They are complementary to each other in intellect and habits.

Group Three: Tiger, Horse, Dog – They incline to freedom and have strong sense of personal ego. They can understand each other but sometimes are egoistical.

Group Four: Rabbit, Sheep, Pig – They love peace and believe in mutual co-operation. They can be sympathetic and usually make great pairs.

As part of Chinese astrology, Chinese zodiac animal signs are also related to the Ying Yang and Wu Xing (the Five Elements) theories. They are opposite but also supporting and generating to the other. One can realize personal shortcomings and learn from the positive attitudes of others as a complement.

Times for your Zodiac sign

Times for your Zodiac sign

Hours Description

Rat Zi Shi: 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. This is the time rats actively seek food.

Ox Chou Shi: 1 to 3 a.m. This is the time that oxen ruminate.

Tiger Yin Shi: 3 to 5 a.m. Tigers hunt prey and display fiercest nature.

Rabbit Mao Shi: 5 to 7 a.m. The Jade Rabbit on the moon is busy pounding medicinal herb with a pestle.

Dragon Chen Shi: 7 to 9 a.m. Dragons are hover in the sky at that time to give people rainfall.

Snake Si Shi: 9 to 11 a.m. Snakes start to leave their burrows.

Horse Wu Shi: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. With the sun high above, other animals are lying down for a noon break while the unconstrained horse is still vigorous.

Sheep Wei Shi: 1 to 3 p.m. It is said that if sheep ate grass at this time, they would grow stronger.

Monkey Shen Shi: 3 to 5 p.m. Monkeys become lively.

Rooster You Shi: 5 to 7 p.m. Roosters return to their roost as it is dark.

Dog Xu Shi: 7 to 9 p.m. Dogs begin to carry out their duty to guard entrances.

Pig Hai Shi: 9 to 11 p.m. All is quiet and pigs are sleeping soundly.