Editor's note: The Chinese zodiac, or "shengxiao," consists of 12 animal signs that mark the years. Each animal represents one year in a repeating 12-year cycle, which is calculated based on the Chinese lunar calendar.

The 12 animals, in order, are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. These animals, along with the 10 Heavenly Stems and 12 Earthly Branches, are traditionally believed to significantly influence human personalities, marriages, careers and fortunes, thereby holding great importance in individuals' lives.

Some historians believe the Chinese zodiac took shape during the Han dynasty (206 B.C.-A.D. 220), while others trace its origins back to the Western Zhou dynasty (1046 B.C.-771 B.C.). Throughout its development, the Chinese zodiac has inspired a variety of widely accepted animal-related legends and folktales.

According to legend, there were 10 suns in the sky during ancient times, scorching the earth and burning nearly all the crops. A hero shot down nine of the suns, leaving only one that dared not rise. Since humans need light and warmth to survive, a rooster was sent to call for the sun's rise every morning. From that day forward, the rooster served humanity and was later voted as one of the 12 zodiac animals.

Traditionally, the rooster symbolizes integrity, honesty, diligence and bravery. People born in the Year of the Rooster are expected to be confident, intelligent, independent and foresighted. They are well-suited for careers in cosmetics, fashion design, catering, the internet and real estate, or for roles such as diplomat and spokesperson.

The Rooster years include 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029 and 2041.

According to the Chinese lunar calendar, the 2025 Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, falls on Jan. 29, 2025. This day marks the beginning of the Year of the Snake, which will last until Feb. 16, 2026. Since 2025 overlaps with most of the Year of the Snake, it is commonly referred to as such.