As we continue along the path of the Chinese zodiac, we come to the loudest member of them all: the well-groomed and hardworking Rooster. Since the Rooster could neither swim nor fly over the river during the Jade Emperor’s great race to determine the animals of the zodiac, he was forced to strike up a bargain with the Sheep and the Monkey.
As the Sheep swam across the river, the Monkey and the Rooster both rode on its back. The Monkey cleared away any reeds in their path with its hands, and the Rooster kept time with its mighty voice. In true diplomatic fashion, they decided that the Sheep should be eighth, since it did the most work, and the Monkey should be ninth, since it put in the most amount of effort after the Sheep. The Rooster graciously accepted tenth place, thus becoming the tenth animal in the zodiac.
Years of the Rooster
If you were born in the year 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, or 2029 then you belong to the sign of the Rooster. It’s important to note that the Chinese zodiac follows the Chinese lunar calendar, which begins in late-January or early-February. For example, Chinese New Year fell on January 23rd in 1993, so anyone born before that date actually belongs to the Year of the Monkey and not the Year of the Rooster. In short, you’ve just traded in your wings for a pair of very dextrous limbs!
Lucky Signs and Symbols
Anyone born in the Year of the Rooster should always look out for the numbers 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 9. Five, seven, and eight are a sign of good fortune, but one, three, and nine are distinctly bad omens! Your lucky colours are gold, brown, and yellow, while white and green should always be avoided.
Characteristics of the Rooster
While Roosters may be notoriously cocky, there’s so much more to these songful birds than their good looks and characteristic strut! Those born under the sign of the Rooster are believed to be exceptionally hardworking, independent, capable, warm-hearted, active, humorous, popular, talkative, straightforward, honest, and loyal. They are known to be very physically attractive and love to be the centre of attention. With their charming nature, they thrive at large social gatherings.
That being said, it is the Rooster’s outstanding features that also prove to be its downfall. Their good looks and abundant talents mean they have a tendency to be vain and boastful, while their constant need for attention can easily frustrate those around them. They are highly sensitive and are prone to bouts of stress or moodiness. With their superior attitude, they can come across as selfish, overly critical, impatient, and narrow-minded.
Romantic Compatibility
The Rooster’s negative characteristics can make it especially difficult for them to forge romantic relationships. The Rooster will effortlessly find love with the Ox or the Snake, but can equally form reasonably complementary matches with the Tiger and the Dragon. Romantic relationships with the Sheep, the Monkey, and the Pig will be average at best, while they should absolutely avoid the Rat, the Rabbit, the Horse, the Dog, and even other Roosters!
Job Prospects
Roosters are highly motivated and ambitious individuals, meaning they are well-suited for a wide range of careers, including broadcasting, sales, hospitality, hair and beauty, public relations, agriculture, athletics, teaching, journalism, medicine, the military, the police force, and the fire department.
How to Manage Your Relationship with the Rooster
The Rooster might seem superficial and arrogant, but they actually make incredibly loyal and devoted friends. They are known for always keeping their promises to those close to them and are invariably true to their word. If you are of a sensitive disposition, however, a friendship or romantic encounter with the Rooster might not be for you! They often brag about their accomplishments and talents, meaning they can sometimes rub others up the wrong way or make people feel uncomfortable.
The Elemental Cycle
As we mentioned in our introductory article, the 12-year animal cycle is part of a much wider 60-year elemental cycle, meaning that each year of the zodiac is also assigned an element. People born in 1945 or 2005 belong to the Year of the Wood Rooster, meaning they are both energetic and gentle, although they have a tendency to be overconfident and unstable. The Fire Roosters, who were born in 1957 and 2017, are known for being trustworthy, punctual, responsible, and incredibly industrious at work.
Anyone born in 1969 or 2029 is an Earth Rooster, making them generous, lovely, reliable, and particularly popular with their friends. Those born in 1921 or 1981 are Metal Roosters, who are determined, brave, perseverant, and diligent. Finally, the Water Roosters of 1933 and 1993 are intelligent, quick-witted, tender, and compassionate.
So the next time someone calls you a yellow-bellied chicken, remind them that you’re actually a red-blooded Rooster!