Chinese Zodiacs 🐓 Year of the Rooster Explained

When is the Next Year of the Rooster, What Does it Mean and Your Other Questions Answered!

Today, we are exploring the Year of the Rooster: 鸡年 (jī nián)

The Year of the Rooster is the 10th in the Chinese Zodiac cycle and will next occur in 2029.

Roosters are known for their punctuality, reliability, and confidence.

In this blog, we’ll explore what makes Roosters tick professionally, including their strengths, challenges, and work styles.

But that’s not all – we’ll also take a more in-depth look at their personalities, celebrities born in this year and compatibility with other Chinese zodiac!

Years of the Rooster include:

1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029

Year of the Rooster || A Brief Origin Story

Year of the Rooster || Meaning in Chinese Culture

Year of the Rooster || Personality Traits and Characteristics

Year of the Rooster || In Friendships, Relationships, and Work

Year of the Rooster || Celebrities

Year of the Rooster || Chinese Medicine

Year of the Rooster || Lucky and Unlucky Symbols

Year of the Rooster || Naming Year of the Rooster Children

Year of the Rooster || Rooster in Chinese Language

Year of the Rooster || FAQs

Year of the Rooster || A Brief Origin Story

The Rooster, known for its punctuality, secured 10th place in the Chinese zodiac race.

The Sheep, the Monkey, and the Rooster were all falling behind, so they decided to team up on a raft. The Rooster hopped on the backs of the Sheep and Monkey.

Together, they crossed the river, with the Rooster’s crow signalling their arrival. This teamwork and the Rooster’s keen sense of timing earned it the 10th position.

Year of the Rooster || Meaning in Chinese Culture

In Chinese culture, the Rooster symbolizes punctuality.

That’s because in rural China, every household raises chickens. There will be roosters crowing at dawn every day, signaling a new day. People use that as a natural alarm for the start of their day.

People born in the Year of the Rooster are often seen as hardworking, resourceful, and brave.

They are natural leaders who love to take charge and take responsibility.

Roosters are known for their keen observation and attention to detail. They often catch what others might miss.

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Chinese Zodiacs || Year of the Snake (Ultimate Guide)

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Year of the Rooster || Personality Traits and Characteristics

Roosters are confident and self-assured, always ready to take on challenges.

They are known for being honest and straightforward, sometimes to the point of being blunt.

They pay close attention to detail, which makes them excellent planners. Thus, they thrive in environments where they can take the lead.

Roosters are also sociable and love being the centre of attention. They often dazzle others with their wit and charm.

However, they can be perfectionists. It can sometimes lead to frustration when things don’t go as planned.

Overall, they are reliable, diligent, and always strive for excellence.

Does this sound like you or anyone you know born in the year of the rooster? Let us know in the comments section! 🐓

Year of the Rooster || In Friendships, Relationships, and Work

🐓 The Rooster Zodiac in Friendship

People born in the Year of the Rooster are loyal and dependable friends. They are always there to support their friends and provide practical advice.

Sometimes, they can be a bit too straightforward. For sensitive friends, their blunt opinions might be overwhelming.

They enjoy social gatherings and love to be the life of the party, often taking on the role of host.

💖 The Rooster Zodiac in Relationships

Roosters are passionate and devoted partners. They value honesty and expect it in return, making them trustworthy companions.

But they can be demanding when they seek perfection in themselves and others.

Roosters are likely more compatible with people born in the Year of the Ox, Snake, and Dragon.

💼 The Rooster Zodiac At Work

Roosters are meticulous and organized workers. They excel in roles that require attention to detail and have a punctual sense of timing.

Roosters thrive in environments with an organized structure that values their diligent work. They are natural leaders who can lead their teams with responsible work.

They work well with Ox, Dragon, and Snake signs. Those signs appreciate their thoroughness and commitment – a (corporate) match made in heaven!

Want to explore the influence of the zodiac animals on Chinese culture, chat about food or learn some new idioms? Check out our Flexi Classes for on-demand Chinese lessons you can take whenever you like. No awkward time-zone challenges and no awkward fixed schedules. 

Year of the Rooster || Celebrities

Here’s a list of some well-known celebrities born in the Year of the Rooster. Do you think they embody the traits of the Rooster sign?

Jennifer Aniston: 1969

Britney Spears: 1981

Beyoncé: 1981

Roger Federer: 1981

Elton John: 1947

Cate Blanchett: 1969

Serena Williams: 1981

Year of the Rooster || Chinese Medicine

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), some remedies use rooster-based ingredients, even though they are less common than other animal-based ones.

One notable example is the rooster comb. It contains hyaluronic acid, which can promote joint health and reduce inflammation.

Rooster meat is often considered a warming (Yang) energy source.

In TCM, warming foods are great resources for enhancing vitality and boosting the body’s yang energy. They help greatly combat cold or sluggish conditions.

Chicken soup is a common recipe for boosting qi (vital energy) and aiding recovery after illness.

Some rural traditions say chicken organs can improve eyesight. The rooster’s sharp vision at dawn symbolizes clarity. TCM believes that an animal’s traits can affect its medicinal value.

Year of the Rooster || Lucky and Unlucky Symbols

Lucky Symbols for the Year of the Rooster

We already know roosters are the life of the party and natural leaders, but if they want to dazzle even more, here are some lucky symbols to help:

Lucky Numbers5 and 7. For a Rooster, 5 represents balance, and 7 symbolizes spiritual awakening and wisdom.
Lucky ColorsGold, Brown, and Yellow. Gold symbolizes wealth. Brown represents stability. Yellow symbolizes happiness and energy
Lucky FlowersGladiolus and Cockscomb. Gladiolus symbolizes strength of character and integrity, while Cockscomb represents courage and bravery.

Unlucky Symbols for the Year of the Rooster

Whilst it’s great to boost your good luck, it’s also worth reducing your bad luck!

If you’re a rooster, here are some things you might want to avoid:

Unlucky Numbers1 and 3
Unlucky ColorsRed and Blue
Unlucky DirectionWest
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Chinese Zodiacs || Year of the Tiger (A Complete Guide)

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Year of the Rooster || Naming Year of the Rooster Children

If you’re a baby born in the Year of the Rooster, these characters carry a positive connotation from the Rooster sign.

(yì) – Means “to support” or “to assist.” This character is linked to being dependable and helpful.

(kǎi) – Means “triumph” or “victory.” It reflects a wish for the child to succeed. It hopes they will overcome challenges, like the rooster’s spirit.

(huī) – Means “brightness” or “radiance.” This character symbolizes a bright future. It hopes the child will excel in all they do, like the rooster’s vibrant, confident nature.

(jùn) – Means “handsome” or “talented. This character wishes the child to be like the clever rooster. Skilled and talented.

(ruì) – Means “wise” or “perspicacious.” It wishes for the child to grow up wise, like the sharp, observant rooster.

Do you have a Chinese name already? If not, we’ve got you covered. Fill in our Chinese Name Generator, and we’ll select one for you! 

Year of the Rooster || Rooster in Chinese Language

The rooster’s most significant trait is crowing at dawn, signalling the start of the day. Thus, many sayings in China use the rooster as a symbol of disruption of quietness.

鸡飞狗跳

jī fēi gǒu tiào

“A scene of chaos and disorder”

This phrase is used to describe a chaotic situation, similar to the scene in a barnyard where animals are jumping around.

闻鸡起舞

wén jī qǐ wǔ

“Rise to practice upon hearing the crow of a rooster”

This idiom encourages diligence and hard work since early in the morning, like the Rooster waking up early to start the day.

鸡毛蒜皮

jī máo suàn pí

“Trivial matters”

It describes small, insignificant issues that aren’t worth worrying about. 鸡毛 (jī máo) means chicken feather and refers to things that don’t have much weight and are nothing to worry about.

鸡犬不宁

jī quǎn bù níng

“Rooster and dog disturbed”

It means that everyone is upset or unsettled, usually referring a situation where no one is at peace.

Year of the Rooster || FAQs

How did the Rooster secure the tenth position in the Great Race?

The Rooster collaborated with the Monkey and Ox to cross the river on a raft. Even though falling behind, the rooster managed to claim the 10th position with its keen sense of timing.

What personality traits are common among people born in the Year of the Rooster?

People born in the Year of the Rooster are known for their confidence, attention to detail, and strong work ethic. They are reliable and often take the lead in projects.

What are some lucky symbols for people born in the Year of the Rooster?

Lucky symbols for Roosters include the numbers 5 and 7, and the colors gold, brown, and yellow.

Are there any celebrities born in the Year of the Rooster?

Yes, Jennifer Aniston (1969), Beyoncé (1981), and Roger Federer (1981) are born in the Year of the Rooster.

How is the Rooster represented in the Chinese language?

In Chinese culture, the Rooster is associated with diligence and punctuality. For example, 闻鸡起舞 (wén jī qǐ wǔ) encourages hard work as a morning person, like the Rooster waking up early to start the day.

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