The Chinese zodiac runs in a 12-year cycle. Each year is named after one of 12 animals: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig. The cycle repeats every 12 years. 2025 is the Year of the Snake. Understanding this pattern helps you see how the zodiac works and when your ben ming nian (birth year) comes around.
The 12 Animals in Order
The order never changes. Rat comes first, then Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Legend says the order came from a race. The 12 animals crossed a river in that sequence. Use our zodiac finder to get your sign. For the full story of each animal, see our complete guide to the 12 animals. Visit our categories for more content.
How the Cycle Works
Each year starts at Lunar New Year (Spring Festival), not January 1. So the 2025 Snake year begins in late January or early February 2025. If you were born in January 2025, you might still be a Dragon, depending on the exact Lunar New Year date. The cycle then moves to Horse (2026), Goat (2027), Monkey (2028), Rooster (2029), Dog (2030), Pig (2031), and back to Rat (2032). Learn more in our Spring Festival and Zodiac article.
The 12-Year Cycle Table
| Order | Animal | 2020s Years | 2030s Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rat | 2020 | 2032 |
| 2 | Ox | 2021 | 2033 |
| 3 | Tiger | 2022 | 2034 |
| 4 | Rabbit | 2023 | 2035 |
| 5 | Dragon | 2024 | 2036 |
| 6 | Snake | 2025 | 2037 |
| 7 | Horse | 2026 | 2038 |
| 8 | Goat | 2027 | 2039 |
| 9 | Monkey | 2028 | 2040 |
| 10 | Rooster | 2029 | 2041 |
| 11 | Dog | 2030 | 2042 |
| 12 | Pig | 2019, 2031 | 2043 |
Ben Ming Nian: Your Birth Year
When the year animal matches your zodiac sign, it is your ben ming nian. For example, if you are a Snake, 2025 is your ben ming nian. It comes once every 12 years. Tradition says ben ming nian can bring extra challenges. Some people wear red for protection. Others avoid big moves like weddings or buying a home. It is a custom, not a rule. Read our Year of the Snake 2025 and zodiac animals to watch for more.
Why 12 Years
Twelve is important in Chinese culture. There are 12 months, 12 two-hour periods in a day, and 12 zodiac animals. The cycle links time to the animals. Your sign stays the same for life; it comes from your birth year. But each year, a new animal rules, and that affects the energy of the year for everyone.
How Your Sign Fits In
Your sign is fixed at birth. A Rat stays a Rat. A Snake stays a Snake. But each year, your sign interacts with the year animal. In 2025, Snakes face ben ming nian. Dragons get a boost. Tigers may face more friction. Your sign does not change; the year does. See our 2025 forecast for all 12 signs and how your sign affects fortune.
The 60-Year Cycle
Beyond the 12-year cycle, Chinese astrology uses a 60-year cycle. It combines 12 animals with five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water). So 2025 is not just Snake; it is a specific Snake (Wood Snake or another element depending on the system). The 60-year cycle adds more detail for those who study it deeply. For most people, the 12-year cycle is enough.
Using the Cycle in Daily Life
Many people check the year animal before big decisions. They may avoid ben ming nian for weddings or moves. They may plan career moves in years that favor their sign. The cycle gives a rhythm to life. For forecasts, see our luckiest zodiac signs and monthly horoscope. Visit our about page for how we create content.
FAQs
When does the zodiac year change?
At Lunar New Year (Spring Festival), usually in late January or early February. It is not January 1.
How often is my ben ming nian?
Every 12 years. If you are a Snake, 2013 and 2025 were or are your ben ming nian. 2037 will be next.
How do I find my Chinese zodiac sign?
Use our zodiac calculator on the homepage. Enter your birth date. It handles Lunar New Year for you.
Does the order of animals ever change?
No. The order (Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig) has been the same for centuries.