Chinese Zodiac Rooster

In the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac signs, the Rooster ranks on the 10th position after Monkey, and ahead of Dog. According to the ancient division of 12 two-hour periods in one day (Shi Chen), Roost time is between 5-7pm, also called “You Shi”.

"Rooster" in the zodiac represents a Don Quixote-style person who is full of fantasy, chivalry and righteousness. Rooster people consider themselves to be "fearless" heroes who can save the world. In fact, Roosters are characterized by outward appearance of being radical and pretentious, but inwardly conservative and traditional. Rooster people are basically divided into two types. One type likes to talk, even gossip and has a hot temper. The other type of people has strong insight and is good at weighing up others’ words and their facial expression.

Chinese Zodiac Rooster Years – Were you born in the year of the Rooster?

Generally speaking, we can use Gregorian calendar to find out what your animal year is, unless you were born in January or February. As you know, the Chinese zodiac signs form a 12-year cycle. The recent Rooster years include 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017 and 2029.

Regarding Chinese zodiac signs, we also need consider the five elements, which are Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth. Each element comes in a 60-year cycle. 2017 is a Fire Rooster year, so next zodiac Fire Rooster year will be 2077.For those who were born in January and February, if you are sure of which is your animal sign, please see the table below, and check the exact start date and end date of each Rooster year.

Recent Chinese Zodiac Rooster Years

Chinese Zodiac Calculator

Zodiac Rooster in Chinese Culture

The reason why the ancient Chinese people favored chickens largely depends on the auspicious meaning of the zodiac Rooster and the ancients' worship of roosters as totem. As the general representative of poultry, the Rooster is no longer a simple animal, but “the fowl with five virtues”, which can also work as a lucky charm warding off evil. Traditionally the first day of the lunar New Year is called “Rooster Day” in China.

Firstly, the most significant symbolic feature of chicken is being trustworthy and punctual. When there was no efficient timekeeping tool, the roosters’ announcement of the break of dawn was of great significance to the ancient people. They thought roosters could wake them up in the early morning all year round. The crowing of roosters also symbolizes that the darkness is about to pass and the new day is about to come.

Secondly, the chicken symbolizes the low-key attitude. Chicken can be easily seen in the villages of ancient China. They have strong reproductivity and high viability. What is more, they can be raised anywhere, there is no special requirements for their living environment. In many occasions, people even don’t have to feed the chicken much, and they are self sufficient in food. Therefore, ancient Chinese considered the chickens were selfless animals, which demand less and supply more.

Thirdly, the rooster symbolizes bravery and fighting, which came from cockfighting, even if it is an ordinary rooster, there is often a fight between two roosters when they meet; while the hens will fight desperately for her offspring. Although the size and strength of chickens are very limited, they dare to fight at critical moments. This is why ancient Chinese thought chickens had the quality of bravery.

Fourthly, chickens have some kind of divine power, which can ward off evil and spirits. The ancients believed that roosters and their blood had the effect of expelling evil spirits and calamities. They also believe that roosters are "psychic media" to communicate with ancestors or gods; therefore, chickens are often used for various sacrificial activities. It was also believed that the crowing of cocks could exorcise ghosts. In folklore, ghosts are most afraid of hearing the crowing of roosters, because ghosts can only act in the dark, and the crow of roosters indicates that it is almost the break of dawn, and as soon as it turns bright, all ghosts disappear.

Lucky and Unlucky Things for People Born in the Chinese Zodiac Year of the Rooster

Things to Bring Rooster Good luck

Lucky numbers: 0, 5, 4, 9 and numbers containing 0, 5, 4, 9 like 10, 25

Lucky colors:  yellow, white, golden

Lucky flowers: cockscomb

Lucky plants: Haworthia pilifera

Lucky direction: west, southwest and northeast

Lucky floors: 1、4、5、6、9、10、11、14、15、16、19、20、21、24、25、26、29、30

Lucky stones: goldstone

Things to Bring Rooster Bad Luck

Unlucky colors: red

Unlucky numbers: 2,7

Unlucky directions: south, north and east

Chinese Zodiac Rooster Traits: honest, intelligent, ambitious, shrewd and decisive…

Rooster people are honest, intelligent, good at interpersonal communication, ambitious, and able to get help from other people, but at the same time they have the shortcomings of self-defeating, sometimes they like to complain about their own disadvantages and encounters.

Rooster people are shrewd and capable, strong in organization. They are also straightforward, and decisive in dealing with matters. Rooster people dare to point out and criticize the wrong doings. All Roosters are critical of things and pursue perfection. Rooster people are very sensitive to those theoretical issues. When dealing with any issues, they must implement them according to the established regulations. Roosters can’t well understand those people who do not follow the rules.

Rooster people will try their best to help others within their own abilities. It's just the vitality of the Roosters that motivates them to show and express themselves eagerly. Rooster people are very concerned about their family and maintain their own private haven. They also hope to have a big family, so that more people can encourage themselves to do things well. No matter how much things change, it will not stop the Rooster people, because they are tireless to overcome all kinds of difficulties and find the way out. But the Roosters will take an unfriendly attitude towards those who occupy his/her position.

Strength of Rooster

Rooster people have the great ambition and open mind towards the modernity..

They are very quick-witted and respond quickly as they are unwilling to fall behind in everything.

Roosters look a little aggressive, while diligent, capable, responsible and disciplined.

Proactive, resourceful and warm-hearted.

Their great sociability makes them easily get the help from others. Roosters are good at effective communication.

They are not afraid of confronting the authorities.

Typical rooster people like to be complimented by others, at the same time, they like to compliment others as well.

Weakness of Rooster

Rooster people are vain creatures, who have a tendency of ignoring reality.

They are easily seduced by the opposite sex.

Some roosters are armchair strategists, who rarely put their plans into action.

Sometimes they are emotional, self-interested and short-sighted.

When feeling dissatisfied on a certain matter, they will react immediately without hiding it in mind. It is easy to ignore the feelings and dignity of others.

Male Rooster Personalities

Male Roosters are good at making money in life, and they have the talents of financial planning, because they want to make ends meet. Men born in the year of the rooster will implement the strict expenditure control with their money, and they know how to carefully plan for their daily expenses, as well as their own time. Such a man is an ideal helper in housekeeping, who is good at solving problems and dealing with difficulties. However, they are not suitable for the innovative work. Although they can handle their favorite things well, they lack creativity, so it is difficult for Rooster men to undertake some creative tasks. At the same time, they are a little emotionally sensitive and moody.

Rooster men don't like mature women in their relationship, but are interested in the kind of girly types. At the same time, if you associate with Rooster men, it is recommended to praise them a lot, because Rooster men always love the praises from others, which satisfy their inner vanity. Your praise will make the Rooster man love you more and depend on you more.

Male Roosters have a good ability to deal with affairs in their careers, and are good at completing work of certain intensity. Therefore, in career development, Rooster men can always give others the impression of outstanding ability. At a young age, they tend to start their own business and achieve success very quickly. However, it is necessary to remind Rooster men that they should restrain their active personality in daily life with a rigorous and reserved attitude, otherwise, this might bring them endless troubles.

Female Rooster Personalities

Female Roosters are not only beautiful, but also very practical. They are typical charming ladies who can manage both the family and work very well. Rooster girls are thoughtful, industrious, and they usually don’t compromise the quality of life, and never bring their work to the life. They are highly efficient people!

Rooster girls are often very clear about their life goals. They have outstanding organizational and management skills, with a strong desire to express themselves. And they like to realize the meaning of life through their performances. In the face of their own life, Rooster girls like to be praised by others, and they care about other people's opinions. Therefore, Rooster girls always show their best side in front of others.

Rooster girls always have many suitors, but they have a very high vision and often make themselves single. Compared with the heterosexual relationship, female Roosters pay more attention to their careers. They can achieve great success at work based on their work capability and diligence, but this kind of good quality might not be fit for establishing stable relationship with the opposite sex. 

Chinese Zodiac Rooster Five Elements for Five Characteristics

Chinese Zodiac Rooster Love Compatibility – Your Most Compatible Zodiac Signs

The Roosters have very strong self-esteem, and keep face very seriously. In social situations, sometimes they lack of flexibility and gestures of compromise. In the face of love and dignity, they often choose dignity. Let's find out what is the best mate for the rooster.

Best Matches: Dragon, Ox, Snake

The dragon and Rooster is the best match. The enthusiastic Rooster never minds standing behind the Dragon. The achievement of the Dragon is the pride of the Rooster.

The faithful Ox and the conservative Rooster can get along well, which can develop the steady relationship. They are also a good match.

The snake and Rooster have common ideas, so they can discuss about the life together, pursuing their common ideals and dreams. 

Least Matches: Rabbit, Rooster, Dog

The Rooster and Rabbit is the worst match. Their relationship is not harmonious. Their views are different, with little understanding of each other.

The Rooster & Rooster match is not amicable. There are so many conflicts on their ideas. Actually it is hard for them to negotiate.

The relationship between the Rooster and Dog is indifferent. There are obstacles in their communication, but they can tolerate each other.

Rooster’s Love Compatibility with 12 Chinese Zodiac Animals

Guide for Roosters’ Career & Jobs

Rooster people are savvy, energetic, righteous, decisive and meticulous. They can be shrewd economic experts, capable entrepreneurs, or good factory directors, managers, accountants, statistics, cashiers, librarians, etc. It would also be great to be an actor, singer, and literary writer. Roosters can also engage in fine work such as fitter, handicraft, sculpture, and so on.

Although their life is a little hard, it is never ordinary. As long as they pay more attention to reality and do not pursue illusory fantasies, they will have a great chance of success. In terms of career, due to the unique personality of the Roosters and their lofty ideals they have had since childhood, their careers will be smooth throughout their lives.

If working in a big company, they have to follow the company's instructions and rules. This will destroy the strong self-esteem of Roosters, so they will not be able to continue for a long time. Even though they can have a stable and adequate income here, they still hope that they can start a business in the future.

Rooster people regard work as the most important part of life, and they want to find joy in life or explore the meaning of life in work. In other words, the Rooster is an idealist who enjoys work as a pleasure, hoping to earn income from a career that interests him.

Zodiac Rooster Famous People

Politicians

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, born on October 27, 1945, Wood Roster

Osama bin Laden, born on March 10, 1957, Fire Rooster

Artists:

Wilhelm Richard Wagner, born on May 22, 1813, Water Rooster

Catherine Zeta-Jones, born on September 25, 1969, Earth Rooster

Britney Spears, born on December 2, 1981, Metal Rooster

Athletes:

Philip Douglas Jackson, born on September 17, 1945, Wood Rooster

Stefanie Graf, born on June 14, 1969, Earth Rooster

Anna Kournikova, born on June 7, 1981, Metal Rooster

Zodiac Rooster’s Horoscope in 2026 - the Year of Horse

For those born in the Year of the Rooster, 2026 requires extra caution in all matters. Although on the surface their fortunes may seem to be developing smoothly, and they may be able to turn setbacks and troubles into opportunities, in reality, there may be undercurrents beneath the surface, so they should be extra careful in everything they do. In the Year of the Horse (2026), the Rooster will experience a strong fire element, but this is equally important; excessive fire could lead to burns. Roosters will be blessed by the auspicious stars Yue De and Tian Jie, which will help them overcome crises at crucial times. However, they will also be affected by the inauspicious stars Guan Fu and Fei Lian, which will severely suppress their overall fortune. This year will bring both opportunities and numerous challenges.

Career

In terms of career, people born in the Year of the Rooster will receive significant support from auspicious stars in 2026 and will perform exceptionally well at work. "Yin Sun" represents female benefactors. If the superior of an ordinary office worker is a woman, then the worker will receive special care from her, as well as promotion and recognition. They can achieve continuous promotions and salary increases within a short period of time. With the assistance of the auspicious star "Hong Luan", people born in the Year of the Rooster will be very approachable this year. They can maintain harmonious relationships with every colleague around them and rarely suffer from the attacks and harms of villains.

However, the Rooster should be aware that due to their strong romantic luck in 2026, which are prone to external temptations. They must focus their thoughts and energy on career development and maintain a high level of concentration, and absolutely avoid developing office romances.

Wealth

In 2026, people born in the Year of the Rooster will also enjoy good financial gains. For the Rooster who are engaged in business or entrepreneurship, they will witness a significant increase in orders, and they will also encounter their destined benefactors and mentors. With the help and guidance of these individuals, the 2026 will witness a rising development. However, in terms of side investments, they should not be overly rash or blindly follow the trend, as this may lead to losses.

Love & Relationship

Entering 2026, single Roosters will be blessed by the auspicious Red Phoenix Star, causing their personal charm to rise steadily. Even those who are usually reserved and low-key will attract attention from those around them, with outstanding members of the opposite sex actively pursuing them. If you're eager to find a partner, you can choose your favorite among the many excellent suitors, with a high chance of successfully tying the knot.

For those already in relationships, the “Red Phoenix” star's influence strongly encourages solidifying commitments this year—whether through engagement or marriage. Wedding preparations will proceed smoothly without major complications, paving the way for a blissfully sweet married life.

However, the situation is not so optimistic for married people born in the Year of the Rooster, as the arrival of the "Red Phoenix" star brings multiple romantic opportunities. They must be devoted and loyal, and absolutely avoid ambiguous relationships with the opposite sex, taking responsibility for their families.

Health

In 2026, those born in the Year of the Rooster will not experience any major health problems. With strong support from benefactors, even if some health issues arise, they will be easily resolved.

However, due to harmonious interpersonal relationships and abundant romantic opportunities this year, leading to a very active social life and frequent invitations to various banquets and parties, it is crucial to pay attention to regular and healthy eating habits. Trying to quit smoking and drinking is essential; otherwise, it will place a significant burden on the digestive system and may trigger a series of acute gastrointestinal illnesses.

In addition, under the influence of the inauspicious stars "Guan Suo" and "Gou Shen" in 2026, one is prone to encountering troubles in relationships and finances, which, if prolonged, can also affect mental health. Timely solutions are necessary, and it is best to seek diagnosis and treatment from a professional doctor.

Chinese Zodiac Rooster Vocabulary & Idioms