As the Chinese zodiac ushers in the Year of the Snake, those born under its influence – officially beginning with the Lunar New Year on January 29 – can anticipate being enigmatic, intelligent, and wise.
The zodiac features a dozen animal symbols, each with their own astrological and cultural significance.
In Chinese tradition, each zodiac sign personifies certain traits, leading to the belief that individuals reflect the characteristics of the animal associated with their birth year.
Writing about the Chinese zodiac in the Hull Dail Mail, Deborah Hall said: “When I arrived in 1962, it was the Year of the Tiger, which is supposed to lend me the following characteristics – brave, confident, competitive and unpredictable.
“I’d like to think of myself as pretty brave, as far as navigating life and all its challenges goes.
“I’m not so sure about the rest, however. Being competitive certainly does not come naturally to me, I’d rather be giving a leg-up to someone else.
“I’m quite a predictable sort, too, I’d say. But confident? Not at all. I grew up scared of my own shadow and it’s been more of a ‘fake it ‘til you make it’ way of being since.”
According to Chinahighlights.com, those born in the year of the Tiger are quick-witted, resourceful, versatile and kind. Their lucky numbers are 1, 3, and 4, while the numbers 6, 7 and 8 should be avoided.
Similarly, orange is a lucky colour for the Tiger, while brown should be avoided. And lucky flowers for this animal sign include yellow lilies and cineraria.
Deborah said: “A Tiger’s best matches are with a Horse, Dog or Pig; him indoors is a Dragon, and more suited to a Rat, Monkey or Rooster. In Chinese element theory, each zodiac sign is also associated with one of five elements: Gold (Metal), Wood, Water, Fire, or Earth, and my birth year makes me a Water Tiger.”
Deborah writes: “In Chinese culture, the top five luckiest/most popular zodiac signs are Dragon, Snake, Pig, Rat, and Tiger, conventionally. Happy to know we both fall into that selection, but I won’t let on to my partner that the Dragon is the most coveted zodiac sign, or he could become Big-Headed Dragon.
“The Chinese horoscope for 2025 for me and fellow Tigers says we need to brace ourselves for some challenges. Hard work and a low-key approach will help us seize opportunities and manage our finances effectively, evidently, while staying positive and focusing on personal growth means we will conquer any obstacles coming our way.”
Chinese Zodiac signs’ personality at a glance
- Rat: quick-witted, resourceful, versatile, kind.
- Ox: diligent, dependable, strong, determined.
- Tiger: brave, confident, competitive, unpredictable.
- Rabbit: quiet, elegant, kind, responsible.
- Dragon: confident, intelligent, enthusiastic.
- Snake: enigmatic, intelligent, wise.
- Horse: animated, active, energetic.
- Goat: calm, gentle, sympathetic.
- Monkey: sharp, smart, curious.
- Rooster: observant, hardworking, courageous.
- Dog: lovely, honest, prudent.
- Pig: compassionate, generous, diligent.
