Lunisolar calendar & tradition
The twelve
zodiac animals
The cycle follows Chinese zodiac years, which change at Chinese New Yearβnot on January 1. A full birthday is needed for an exact result.
Share the Chinese zodiac directory
Calendar and tradition: The year boundary is a testable calendar result. Traits, compatibility, lucky items, and element meanings are traditional interpretations.
The five elements
A sixty-year combined cycle
Each animal year also carries one of five elements and a yin or yang quality within the traditional system.
- Woodgrowth and creativity
- Fireenergy and expression
- Earthstability and grounding
- Metalstrength and resolve
- Wateradaptability and reflection
Exact date logic
Why January and February need care
Someone born before Chinese New Year belongs to the preceding zodiac year. The calculator uses maintained Gregorian-to-lunar boundary data for supported dates from 1900 through the current year.
It does not silently assign an animal from the Gregorian year alone. This matters most for January and February birthdays.
Calculate an exact animal year or review the boundary method and sources.