The Chinese Zodiac

The Chinese zodiac is an ancient 12-year cycle in which each year is associated with a different animal and a set of traditional meanings. Unlike the Western zodiac, which is organized by months, this system is year-based—your zodiac animal is determined by the year you were born. The twelve animals—Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig—are more than decorative icons. In East Asian cultures, they’re often used as a familiar way to talk about temperament, symbolism, and the rhythm of time across generations. In this series, I’ve chosen to depict these zodiac animals as ancient frescoes—not as a historical claim, but as a personal visual style. Like Renaissance frescoes that carried stories across walls and centuries, this format helps me present the enduring imagery of the zodiac in a single, cohesive world. 1. Rat (子) - The Clever Beginnings The Rat, the first animal in the Eastern Zodiac, is known for its wit and resourcefulness. Just as the Rat thrives in both open and tight spaces, those born in the Year of the Rat are often sharp thinkers, adaptable, and great at seizing opportunities. 2. Ox (丑) - The Steady Strength The Ox represents reliability and determination. Like the steadfast and hardworking Ox, individuals born in this year are known for their patience, perseverance, and strong sense of duty, making them dependable leaders in times of hardship. 3. Tiger (寅) - The Bold and Brave The Tiger symbolizes courage, strength, and charisma. Those born under the Tiger are often fearless leaders, known for their boldness and desire to take on challenges, making them natural trailblazers and adventurers. 4. Rabbit (卯) - The Gentle and Lucky The Rabbit is the symbol of peace, grace, and good fortune. Those born in the Year of the Rabbit are gentle, kind-hearted, and known for their artistic skills, attracting prosperity and luck in their path. 5. Dragon (辰) - The Powerful Charisma The Dragon is a symbol of power, ambition, and vitality. As the most majestic and dynamic sign of the Zodiac, Dragons are known for their natural leadership, captivating presence, and ability to inspire those around them. 6. Snake (巳) - The Wise and Mystical The Snake represents wisdom, intuition, and transformation. People born under the Snake are often highly intelligent, introspective, and have a deep connection with the spiritual world, making them mysterious yet insightful. 7. Horse (午) - The Free-Spirited Adventurer The Horse is a symbol of freedom, energy, and enthusiasm. Those born in the Year of the Horse are often full of life, seeking adventure and new experiences. Their independent spirit drives them to chase their dreams with determination and passion. 8. Goat (未) - The Creative and Harmonious The Goat symbolizes creativity, peace, and beauty. Those born under the Goat are known for their artistic abilities and compassionate nature, always striving to create harmony and beauty in their surroundings, whether through their work or relationships. 9. Monkey (申) - The Intelligent Trickster The Monkey is the symbol of intelligence, playfulness, and resourcefulness. People born in the Year of the Monkey are clever, quick-witted, and often enjoy being the center of attention with their lively personalities and mischievous charm. 10. Rooster (酉) - The Diligent and Honest The Rooster represents diligence, honesty, and punctuality. Those born under the Rooster are often hardworking, detail-oriented, and known for their reliability. Their strong sense of responsibility and honesty makes them highly respected individuals. 11. Dog (戌) - The Loyal Protector The Dog is a symbol of loyalty, honesty, and companionship. People born in the Year of the Dog are often known for their deep sense of loyalty, integrity, and unwavering commitment to their friends and family, always willing to protect and support their loved ones. 12. Boar (亥) - The Honest and Courageous The Boar represents courage, honesty, and determination. Those born in the Year of the Boar are often seen as straightforward, kind-hearted, and unafraid to pursue their goals with vigor. Their honesty and strong moral compass make them trusted and respected individuals. Conclusion The stories carried by the twelve animals reflect the diversity of human nature itself—sometimes wise, sometimes bold, and at other times gentle. This twelve-year cycle is not merely a measure of passing time, but a rhythm in which different facets of life return again and again. Like the cracks in a fresco, each character holds both strengths and weaknesses, yet all are interconnected, forming a greater harmony. Which zodiac animal resonates most deeply with you?