Quick Answer
The only bird included in the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac is the Rooster. The 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac in order are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig.
What is the Chinese Zodiac?
The Chinese zodiac is a classification scheme based on a 12-year cycle, with each year in the cycle associated with an animal sign. These animal signs are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.
The Chinese zodiac has a long history, dating back more than 2,000 years to the Han dynasty. According to one legend, the Jade Emperor declared that animals would be selected to be signs based on the order they arrived to his party. The 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac were the ones that came.
The Chinese zodiac is used to determine someone’s animal sign based on the year they were born. Each sign is associated with different attributes, personality traits and supposed compatibilities with other signs. The animal cycle repeats every 12 years.
The 12 Animals of the Chinese Zodiac
Here are the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac in order:
- Rat
- Ox
- Tiger
- Rabbit
- Dragon
- Snake
- Horse
- Goat
- Monkey
- Rooster
- Dog
- Pig
As you can see, the only animal that is a bird in this list is the Rooster, making it the only bird in the Chinese zodiac.
Origin and Legend of the Chinese Zodiac
There are various legends surrounding the origin of the Chinese zodiac.
One of the most popular legends is the story of the Jade Emperor’s party. According to this legend, the Jade Emperor decided to select 12 animals to be signs for a 12-year cycle. He invited all the animals in the kingdom to his party and declared that the order in which the animals arrived would determine the zodiac.
The Rat tricked the Cat into thinking the party was the day after it actually was. So the Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig all arrived before the Cat on the day of the party. This is why the Cat is not included in the 12 signs while the trickster Rat is listed first.
Another origin story is that the signs derive from a Chinese folk tale called The Great Race. In this story, the animals had a race across a river to determine their order in the zodiac. Their placement was based on the order they finished the race.
While the stories differ, most accounts place the animals in the same order. The one consistent animal in all versions is the Rooster as the sole bird in the zodiac.
Characteristics of the Rooster in Chinese Astrology
In Chinese astrology, each zodiac animal has associated attributes and personality traits. Here are some key characteristics associated with the Rooster:
- Confident – Roosters are self-assured and don’t suffer from self-doubt.
- Ambitious – Roosters are hard-working and driven to achieve their goals.
- Observant – Roosters are detail-oriented and notice things others miss.
- Organized – Roosters value order and efficiency in all areas of their life.
- Vain – Roosters care deeply about their appearance and attractiveness.
- Direct – Roosters are frank and blunt when communicating.
Overall, Roosters are seen as active, capable and outgoing. Their confidence, vigilance and motivation are viewed as strengths.
Compatibility with Other Signs
Each Chinese zodiac sign has compatibility relationships with certain other signs. Here are some key compatibilities for the Rooster:
- Rooster + Ox – This pairing balances each other out nicely. The Rooster benefits from the Ox’s reliability while the Ox appreciates the Rooster’s creativity.
- Rooster + Snake – This is considered an ideal match. Both signs are intelligent and determined.
- Rooster + Dragon – The shared passion and boldness between the Rooster and Dragon can make for a powerful union if they learn to cooperate.
- Rooster + Rabbit – This is a difficult match. The Rooster’s bluntness can be too much for the reserved Rabbit.
In relationships, Roosters need to find partners who appreciate their industriousness and honesty.
Roosters in the Years of the Chinese Zodiac
Because the Chinese zodiac has a 12 year cycle, Rooster years come around every 12 years. Here are some of the most recent Rooster years:
Rooster Year |
---|
1945 |
1957 |
1969 |
1981 |
1993 |
2005 |
2017 |
The next Rooster year will be in 2029.
Famous Rooster Celebrities
Many famous celebrities were born in a year of the Rooster. Here are just a few of the well-known Rooster personalities:
- Beyonce
- Jennifer Lopez
- Catherine Zeta-Jones
- Roger Federer
- Michelle Obama
Conclusion
The Rooster stands out as the singular bird in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac. This creative, motivated sign brings confidence and insight to its year. Roosters work hard to achieve their ambitions and appreciate order in their lives.
With astute observational skills and natural leadership, the Rooster makes its mark wherever it goes. The next time a Rooster year comes up, embrace the qualities represented by this proud, accomplished bird.