Chinese New Year: Year of the Dog

The Chinese New Year is almost upon us, and this coming year will be that of the Dog. We take a look at the meaning behind the Chinese zodiac sign and what to expect in the year to come!

Why were the animals chosen?

As legend states, the Jade Emperor requested for animals to become part of the calendar. He asked the animals to meet him on New Year’s Day, allowing the first 12 to arrive to be designated a year each. The animals arrived in the following order; Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. These Chinese zodiac animal choices are said to explain the hatred between cat and rat.

As the story goes, before the years were designated, the cat and mouse were good friends. When hearing of the calendar, the rat promised to wake the sleepy cat, as they would have to leave early to arrive as one of the first twelve animals. The rat was too excited though, and left without waking the cat. The rat realised it could not outrun the likes of the tiger or horse, so caught a lift on the Ox. Perched atop the Ox’s horn, the rat arrived first. By the time the cat arrived, it was too late and all of the animals had been chosen. From that day on, the cat hated the rat, explaining why they are always trying to chase and kill them now.

Which years have been Year of the Dog?

With 12 animals, the Chinese zodiac moves in a 12-year cycle. You will be a Dog if you were born in 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006 or 2018!

What does the Year of the Dog mean for my personality?

According to legend, a person born under each animal’s year holds some of that creatures personality traits. Typically, people born in the year of the dog will be independent, loyal, sincere and decisive. They are not afraid of the difficulties in life. Based on these traits they are known to experience harmonious relationships with family and friends.

On top of this, there are varieties on the year, with an element (water, metal, earth, fire or wood) typically added to the animal. This year is the year of the Earth Dog, the first since 1958. People born in an Earth Dog year will be serious, responsible and communicative.

In a wider context, dogs are excellent purveyors of social justice, and can be relied upon to speak up for those who are in need. This means that those born under the sign of Dog can make incredible social activists, doctors, nurses or teachers!

Which famous people were born in the Year of the Dog?

Celebrities who were born in the Year of the Dog include Cher, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, Ellen DeGeneres and Jennifer Lopez. Winston Churchill, Bill Clinton, Benjamin Franklin and Herbert Hoover were all born in the year of the Dog also, emphasizing the somewhat political connection to the personality type!

Will you be celebrating the upcoming Chinese New Year? If so, be sure to get some tasty treats to enjoy and see in the New Year with some oriental sweets, candy and chocolate!