The Chinese zodiac is represented by 12 animals with different features. According to the year you were born, you’ll share those features, so these tattoos are the best way to show your personality.
Do you believe in the Zodiac? This is perhaps one of the most debatable questions out there. The thing with this topic is that it involves a non-scientific belief system not many follow, making it quite doubtful. Now, I don’t believe that our whole lives depend on the month or year we were born, nor how this has a direct effect on our personalities, since millions were actually born at the same time as us and we’re not all the same. However, I like the idea that there’s some kind of power out there, and every once in a while, I find myself looking at articles saying what’s out there in my future.
Now, I do believe there’s an important difference between random people writing in magazines about what the stars have to say about us and ancient traditions, like the Chinese zodiac. To start with, with the first ones you’re not so sure who’s actually saying or writing these things. Anyone can actually do that job based on random and kind of relatable facts. I mean, many of these pieces just say things like “there’s going to be some change in your job atmosphere,” which could mean anything, and if you’re gullible enough, you could take them as real facts. However, the thing with the Chinese zodiac is kind of different, since the main core is rather fixed. But, what is it all about then?
Ancient Chinese believed there was a strong relationship between human beings and the 12 zodiacal animals, which rule for a whole year and have an effect on each person’s personality traits. Now, why 12? Just as each year has 12 months, they noticed that each year has also 12 full moons, which made them believe that this number has a huge impact on life cycles. So, even if you’re not a believer in this things, each year represents an animal with quite positive qualities you can incorporate in your life, like loyalty, intelligence, and kindness. Besides that, there are many designs that can inspire your Chinese zodiac tattoo. So, take a look and see what your zodiac animal says about the year you were born.
Rat
The last years of the rat were 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960. According to the zodiac, if you were born in any of these years, you’re an intelligent person who can easily adapt to any circumstance because you learn fast and can foresee any possibility out there, not to mention that you’re a charming and sociable person, which makes it easy to seize any opportunity in life. Finally, people born during the year of the rat tend to have artistic and sensitive skills.
Ox
These are loyal and reliable people, with a determined idea of life and their goals. Their strength and logical way of understanding life makes them quite reasonable people who have their feet on the ground. This trait is what makes them so focused and steady in life, and therefore trustworthy. The last years of the ox were 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961.
Tiger
Just as the animal, those who were born in any of these years (2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962) are wild, courageous, and ambitious. They often have outstanding leadership skills that together with their confidence, charisma, and enthusiasm can make people around them follow them without any doubt.
Rabbit
If you were born sometime in 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, or 1963, that means your zodiac animal is the rabbit. These are believed to be social and sensitive people who, due to their empathic way of living, are natural caretakers. They’re honest and great listeners. Most of the times they lead cautious lives and overthink everything, but once they’ve analyzed a situation, they’re quite confident and focused.
Dragon
Unlike rabbits, those who are born in the year of the dragon (2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964) are more flexible and daring. Perhaps it is because they tend to have more luck in life, so they feel way more protected. They’re creative and imaginative people with some eccentric traits, but at the same time, they’re well centered in their spirituality.
Snake
These are more intuitive and decisive people. They tend to be more organized and thoughtful characters looking for the best way to act. Also, due to their quiet way of living, they tend to be more attentive to details and to what others do to see what’s best for them, so they know when to seize the best opportunities. If you were born in 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, or 1965, you’re as elegant and dangerous as the snake.
Horse
If you were born in 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, or 1966, you’re an intelligent and adventurous being. You’re brave and loyal, but at the same time ambitious and strong, which means that you won’t let anyone get in the middle of your plans.
Goat
Those born in the year of the goat (2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967) are more sensitive and calm. However, they tend to be extremely intuitive and smart. They focus more on the beauty of life and will try to base their lives on the visual aspects of it. They’re elegant and tasteful people that know how to use their charm to captivate anyone.
Monkey
Last year was the year of the monkey (2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968). If you were born under this sign, you’re a charming, funny, and lively person who can adapt to anything through your sense of humor and positive way of living. They’re also quite smart and versatile so, having one around is also great to bring some fun and spontaneity to your days.
Rooster
Like roosters, people born during this zodiac sign (2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969) are flamboyant, showy, and confident. They’re quite blunt and energetic, but at the same time very loyal with those they care about.
Dog
Well, if you were born during the year of the dog (2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970) you already know you’re extremely loyal to those around you, but also very caring and sociable. Their main characteristic is that they’re a bit territorial, and for that reason, they adapt their surroundings to what is best for them. They’re smart and brave beings who will put their loved ones before anything and anyone else, even themselves.
Pig
Those born during the year of the pig (2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971) are the most honorable and optimistic people in the world. They care about everybody and tend to do a lot of philanthropic work, since they’re determined to make the world a better place for everyone. They’re extremely sociable and charismatic people who know how to be empathic with anyone.
So, do these features match your real personality? If they do, don’t hesitate. These can be the best choice for a tattoo that represents everything you are.
By María Isabel Carrasco Cara Chards
Via CultureCollectiva