The Chinese new year (also known as the Lunar new year) is a 15-day long festival mostly celebrated in Chinese, South Korean and Vietnamese societies. It’s celebrated due to an ancient legend about a monster named Nian. The animal zodiacs were chosen by the Jade Emperor and were used as a way to date the years in the 12-year Chinese calendar. These animals have been used alot in east-asian folklore which developed the unique personalities of each one. It’s said that they can be used to predict career, marriage, health and fortune.
Photo by Akanksha Ghansiyal
Rat
(1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020)
Rat zodiacs are known for being clever and tenacious, but can be timid and compare themselves to others. Although they may feel tired alot, they’re predicted to have a long healthy life. However, it’s recommended they give a little extra attention to their health this year. Their lucky numbers are 2 and 3 and their lucky colours are blue and gold. Meanwhile, their unlucky numbers are 5 and 9, and they should stay away from yellow and brown. Examples of celebrities with this zodiac are Scarlett Johansson, Eminem, Zendaya and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.
Ox
(2021, 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961)
Oxen are reliable, hard-workers with a little bit of a stubborn temper. This year, they should plan to improve a skill set they’ve been working on. Their lucky numbers are 2 and 7 while their lucky numbers are blue and purple. On the other hand their unlucky things are 3, 6, red and brown. They tend to make great doctors, social workers and teachers. Famous celebrities with this zodiac include Christiano Ronaldo, Kylie Jenner, Princess Diana and Barack Obama.
Tiger
(2022, 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, 1950)
Tigers are passionate, trustworthy and charismatic, yet while pursuing their personal goals, may become stubborn and reckless. In the current year of the dragon, tigers can expect to get many opportunities, especially in migrating or travel. Their lucky numbers are 2 and 7, with 4 and 9 being unlucky. Their lucky colours are blue and green, while the opposite being white. Celebrities tigers include, Leonardo DiCaprio, Marilyn Monroe, Queen Elizabeth II and Lady Gaga.
Rabbit
( 2023, 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951)
Rabbits tend to be imaginative, optimistic and diplomatic. However, they also tend to flee from reality if they feel upset. This year, the rabbits should take time to rest, to regain their sense of clarity. 0, 6 and 2 are their lucky numbers, while 5 and 9 are unlucky. Their lucky colours are green and yellow and their unlucky colour is black. Famous rabbit personalities are Angelina Jolie, Michael Jordan, Johnny Depp and David Beckham.
Dragon
(2024, 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, 1952)
The dragon is powerful, energetic, vigorous and make fearless leaders. On the other hand, they can also be self-centered and gulliable. As the Grand-Duke of 2024, they will be sparked with a new energy and motivation which is a great chance to express themselves creatively and take risks. Their lucky colours and numbers are 6, 8, cyan and purple. And they should keep distance from 4, 9, black and red. Some well-known dragons are Rihanna, Martin Luther King Jr., Bruce Lee and Adele.
Snake
(2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953)
Snakes are mysterious and cold, while also being even-tempered, wise, creative and possessing great taste. This year is going to be great for snakes. It’s anticipated for them to have a boost in their academic performance as well as popularity and fame. Their lucky numbers are 1 and 8, whilst their unlucky numbers are 0 and 5. Furthermore, their lucky colours are red and black, and their unlucky colours are pink and purple. Popular celebrities with the snake zodiac include Taylor Swift, Kanye West, Bob Dylan and Billie Eilish.
Horse
(2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954,1942)
Horses are self-confident, responsible and friendly and can also be impatient and attention-seeking. Although they are expected gain more opportunities, it’s recommended that they be careful physically as there is a risk of injury or accidents. The Horse’s lucky numbers are 2 and 7, lucky colours are red, pink and purple. Meanwhile unlucky numbers include 1 and 6, with unlucky colours being black and blue. Some horse-zodiac celebrities are Jackie Chan, Emma Watson, Greta Thunberg and Joe Biden.
Goat
(2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967, 1955, 1943)
The goat zodiac are artistic and enthusiastic and may have a tendency to be shy and gullible. In the new year, they are predicted to have a boost in academics or examinations but know that there will be setbacks and challenges. Their lucky numbers are 2 and 7, while their lucky colour is brown. Their unlucky numbers are 4 and 9. Meanwhile, their unlucky colours are gold and silver. Celebrities with this zodiac are Bill Gates, Ed Sheeran, Frida Khalo and Kourtney Kardashian.
Monkey
(2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968, 1956, 1944)
Monkeys are active, talented and fun to be around. However, they may also be self-obsessed and snobby. This year, It's anticipated for them to have a spike in recognition and reputation. A monkey's lucky numbers are 2 and 3, with their unlucky number being 1. Also, their lucky colours are gold and white, with their unlucky colours being purple and black. Monkey's tend to make great politicians, diplomats or journalists. Famous people with the monkey zodiac are Will Smith, Leonardo Da Vinci, Selena Gomez and Miley Cyrus.
Rooster
(2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969, 1957,1945) Roosters are complex, ambitious and have a great attention to detail. Although, they might have a poor self-esteem and could come off as cold. High likability and attraction is predicted for this zodiac during the new year. The rooster's good luck comes from the colours gold, brown and yellow, as well as the numbers 5 and 7. Meanwhile, their unlucky things are red, orange and purple, with 2 and 6. Celebrities with the rooster zodiac include, Ariana Grande, Beyonce, Britney Spears and Jay Z.
Dog
(2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, 1958, 1946)
Dogs are loyal to close ones, and always seeking opportunities for fun. Unfortunately, they're also very impatient and impulsive. This year brings them opportunity to step into a influential or high-authority role. Dogs best pick red and yellow, 2 and 7 for better luck. They should, however, avoid 1,7 and 8, and blue or brown. Dogs seem to make good police officers, lawyers and accountants. Popular Celebs with this zodiac are, Michael Jackson, Nicki Minaj, Donald Trump and Madonna.
Pig
(2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971, 1959, 1947) Pigs are easy-going and honest and are known for being generous. However, they are subject to being lazy. This year, they can look forward to a smooth-sailing year without many grand events happening. Yellow is their lucky colour and 4 and 9, their lucky numbers. The colours red and blue as well as the numbers 2 and 6 could bring bad fortune. Celebrities with this zodiac include Hilary Clinton, Elon Musk, Chris Hemsworth and Timothée Chalamet. I wish everyone a Happy Lunar New Year and may good fortune be granted to all! See more stories by #Fatma