We're celebrating Chinese New Year here at Flytanium - if you haven't seen yet - check out our 2026 Year of the Fire Horse Theory!
Take a look at our handy chart to see which element and animal corresponds with your birth year, and read more about their traits below!
12 ANIMALS OF THE CHINESE ZODIAC
Presented by Annissa
Hey! I’m Annissa, and here’s my ratings/takes on the 12 Animals of the Chinese Zodiac with absolutely no bias whatsoever.
Rat: 7/10 – okay I guess
Smart, savvy, personable. You’re literally just the woman doing math meme. You have a lethal face card, and you know it. 4th most popular in the class at school – but you could be 1st if you wanted. You and your bestie are unstoppable – you’re the brains and the face, they’re the muscles.
Ox: 11/10 – stronk
Inspirational, collected, steadfast. You have a big heart and even bigger muscles, which makes sense because the heart IS a muscle. You’re the gentle giant with a secret OP sleeper build, but you don’t mind just going with the flow. Wow. You’re awesome.
Tiger: 9/10 – dang what those paws do
Strong, quiet, bold, deliberate. And yet? You’re misunderstood, only because other people are stupid. Certified triathlete - doesn’t skip leg day. Scatterbrained but can also lift a car. You would out-flex the guy in the stadium flex cam, if they could only see you.
Rabbit: 20/10 – literally the best
Nimble, intelligent, and out of this world. You’re probably the best zodiac animal, objectively. God had to nerf you to give everyone else a chance, so you have to deal with being tiny, cute, and beloved by many. Good luck always seems to come your way.
Dragon: 8/10 – OP Isekai Anime Protagonist
Mysterious, calculated, omniscient. You’re already OP so you don’t get an OP rating. This isn’t your first life, and it’s a little unnerving how calm and collected you can be under pressure. You’re good with everything from family to finances to fitness. Idk keep mogging or whatever.
Snake: 8.8/10 – is just a snek :3
Patient, measured, and precise. You do everything with precision. Some say that makes you cold, but you already accounted for that. Despite your perfectly timed investments and analytical nature – u secretly? r just a babby. u warm up to those who are warm to you. (ily)
Horse: 10/10 – HONSE
Charming, intelligent, star of the show. You’re literally who everyone looks for at any event. You’re at home in your competitive post-graduate program and in the glitzy glam of the club, and boy can you dance. Just try to rein it in and don’t burn yourself out.
Goat: 8/10 – goated
Creative, trailblazer, gentle. HE REALLY DROPPING BUCKETS OUT HERE 🏀🔥 HE TOO GOATED BRO 🐐😤 STRAIGHT BALLER STATUS ⛹️♂️💨 NOBODY STOPPING HIM 🛑🚫 SHEESH 🥶💯✨You’re a gift to the world.
Monkey: 9/10 – monkey business is serious business
Bottom text.
Rooster: 11/10 – you deserve better
Punctual, hardworking, honest. You’re up at the crack of dawn, you’re the group planner, you’re who everyone goes to for the truth of it all. It’s not an easy burden, being responsible for your flock of friends, but you’re equipped to handle it. The haters don’t know what they’re missing.
Dog: 9/10 – das a gud dawg
Eager, loyal, observant. You’re here to have a good time, and that’s not a bad thing. It might require some extra legwork, but that only makes the good times even more enjoyable. And what’s a party without people? You make life worth living and bring happiness to those around you.
Pig: 8/10 – can I hold you?
“Pigs can't look up. But I could pick a pig up one night and raise it into the sky and tilt this pig ever so gentle. I can make sure this pigs eyes line up with the stars. Imagine seeing the stars 4the first time.I want 2b treated that kindly and see the stars for the first time.” - Vincent D’Onofrio. I hope you have someone who will hold you and show you the stars.
This concludes my presentation on the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac.
On a real note - you can find many different sources that go into depth about the different traits, compatibilities, heavenly and earthly branches, and more regarding the Chinese Zodiac. I personally looked through chinesenewyear.net/zodiac and some other sites to learn more about the general traits shared across different zodiac animals. You'll find what you hear from the aunties you talk to down at Chinatown Plaza differs from the stories from your popo and yeye.
My perhaps slightly exaggerated overview reflects a more modern take (howdy, fellow kids) but also lovingly pulls characteristics from the family and friends in my life who happen to share that zodiac year. As a rabbit myself- I cannot recommend enough going down the rabbit hole of research, and learning about your Chinese Zodiac is a great place to start.
The Five Elements
In addition to there being 12 zodiac animals, the calendar also cycles through 5 different elements. Brian wrote up a quick synopsis for each one:
Wood
Characterized by traits of creativity, resilience, and ambition, but can at times be overly idealistic.
Fire
Energy, passion, and charisma express themselves in fire, though it is balanced out by occasional impatience and drama.
Earth
While sometimes stubborn, Earth at its core embodies stability, security, and nurturing traits.
Metal
Metal shows determination, persistence, and precision, but can be rigid and perfectionist.
Water
These individuals possess agility, aptitude, and wisdom, but are challenged by caution and secrecy.
