Chinese Zodiac Signs in Order
The 12 Chinese zodiac animals, their sequence, what each one represents, and how the order was determined by an ancient race.
The 12 Animals in Order
The Chinese zodiac consists of 12 animals in a fixed sequence that repeats every 12 years. The order has remained unchanged for over 2,000 years. Each animal governs one year, one month, and one two-hour period of the day.
Each year also carries its own cultural symbolism beyond the personality of the animal. Rat years are tied to new beginnings, Ox years to harvest, Dragon years to power and good fortune. Read what each Chinese zodiac year represents for the full breakdown of all 12.
Rat
Ox
Tiger
Rabbit
Dragon
Snake
Horse
Sheep
Monkey
Rooster
Dog
Pig
Why Are They in This Order?
According to the most popular legend, the Jade Emperor (ruler of heaven in Chinese mythology) held a great race to determine the zodiac order. He announced that the first 12 animals to cross a river would earn a place in the zodiac, in the order they finished.
The Rat, small but cunning, asked the Ox for a ride across the river. The good-natured Ox agreed. Just before reaching the far bank, the Rat leaped off the Ox's head and landed first, claiming the top position. The Ox, despite doing most of the work, finished second.
Each animal's placement in the race reflects something about its nature: the Tiger's raw strength earned it third place, the Dragon's detour to help a village with rain cost it a few positions, and the Pig's tendency to eat and nap along the way made it last. The Cat, famously, was not included at all, which is said to be why cats and rats have been enemies ever since.
One detail often overlooked: the Dragon is the only mythical creature on this list of twelve. Here is why the dragon is the only mythical animal in the Chinese zodiac, and why the word "mythical" may not even be the right label.
The Four Trine Groups
The 12 animals are also divided into four groups of three, called Trine groups (三合, San He). Animals within the same Trine share deep natural compatibility and similar core values.