You probably already know that 2017 is the Year of the Rooster, but do you know why it is, the significance of the rooster and what it means to be born in a Rooster year?
The 12 Chinese Zodiac Animals
In the Chinese zodiac, an animal is assigned to each year according to a 12-year cycle and they have traditionally been used as a way to date the years. In order of the Chinese zodiac, the 12 animal signs are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.
Which Zodiac Animal Are You?
Not sure if you’re a Rooster? Want to find out what animal you are according to the Chinese zodiac? Then take a look at the list below to find the year you were born in and the corresponding animal.
| Rat | 1924 | 1936 | 1948 | 1960 | 1972 | 1984 | 1996 | 2008 |
| Ox | 1925 | 1937 | 1949 | 1961 | 1973 | 1985 | 1997 | 2009 |
| Tiger | 1926 | 1938 | 1950 | 1962 | 1974 | 1986 | 1998 | 2010 |
| Rabbit | 1927 | 1939 | 1951 | 1963 | 1975 | 1987 | 1999 | 2011 |
| Dragon | 1928 | 1940 | 1952 | 1964 | 1976 | 1988 | 2000 | 2012 |
| Snake | 1929 | 1941 | 1953 | 1965 | 1977 | 1989 | 2001 | 2013 |
| Horse | 1930 | 1942 | 1954 | 1966 | 1978 | 1990 | 2002 | 2014 |
| Goat | 1931 | 1943 | 1955 | 1967 | 1979 | 1991 | 2003 | 2015 |
| Monkey | 1932 | 1944 | 1956 | 1968 | 1980 | 1992 | 2004 | 2016 |
| Rooster | 1933 | 1945 | 1957 | 1969 | 1981 | 1993 | 2005 | 2017 |
| Dog | 1934 | 1946 | 1958 | 1970 | 1982 | 1994 | 2006 | 2018 |
| Pig | 1935 | 1947 | 1959 | 1971 | 1983 | 1995 | 2007 | 2019 |
For 2017, the Rooster year started on 28th January and will end on 15th February 2018 of the Chinese lunar calendar. As the dates of the Chinese lunar year are different to the Gregorian calendar, if you were born in January or February you’ll need to double-check whether your date of birth is before or after the Chinese New Year. This is because the Chinese New Year date fluctuates between 21st January and 20th February.
The Rooster’s Characteristics
As a Rooster, you are known to be hardworking and resourceful. You love to be around people, particularly when the spotlight is focused on you. You are generally healthy and active, and are considered to be honest and loyal by others.
Is 2017 a Bad Year for Roosters?
In Chinese superstition, your zodiac year is considered to be bad luck so, in theory, you may not have the best year. But don’t worry, there are some steps you can take to avoid impending disaster…
Wear Red
The colour red is said to drive away evil spirits and increase your success, prosperity and happiness. So whether you’re wearing red socks, a red jumper or a red hat, you’re already off to a good start.
Accessorize with Jade
Another way to keep bad luck at bay is to adorn yourself with jade accessories. Earrings, a bracelet or a necklace are perfect to keep your year on track.
Face the Right Direction
You may inadvertently offend Tai Sui by facing the wrong way. Make sure you actually face the opposite direction from Tai Sui to enhance your good luck throughout 2017. In 2017, the God of Age faces west so reposition your furniture, such as seats and desks, to face east.
Romance for Roosters
The characteristics of two Chinese zodiac animals are particularly well-matched with those of a Rooster. So if you’re looking for love in 2017, shake your tail feathers and strut your stuff as you search for your beloved Ox or Snake.
How has your Chinese zodiac animal fared so far this year? Let us know in the comments below.
Feeling creative? Watch this video and celebrate your zodiac animal by making an origami rooster:
Photo credit: Pixabay
YouTube credit: Rooster Origami by Fun to Origami
