The Chinese zodiac uses twelve animals to count years: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig - one sign per year.
How it works: the sign follows the lunar new year; babies born after the Start of Spring take the new animal. 2026 is the Year of the Horse (bingwu).
Personality lore: dragons are leaders (the most beloved sign), tigers brave, rabbits gentle - cultural fun, nothing to take seriously.
Your benmingnian: the twelfth year of your cycle is your "zodiac year", when Chinese wear red belts, socks and strings for luck and protection.
Matchmaking and fortune: tradition pairs "compatible" and "clashing" signs (dragon with rooster, horse with goat); today it is mostly small talk. Red strings sell everywhere during benmingnian.
Practical: telling Chinese people your sign (birth year) instantly warms a conversation - asking signs is a common icebreaker.
