Year of the Rooster

Below are the exact years of the Rooster. It is worth mentioning that the classification is based on the Chinese lunar calendar, and the corresponding Gregorian dates of birth are listed for your reference. In addition, all the Rooster years can be subdivided by Five Elements, including Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth, and Rooster people of different elements may have different personalities or fortunes.

Rooster Year	Start	End	Element
1921	Feb.8,1921	Jan.27,1922	Metal
1933	Jan.26,1933	Feb.13,1934	Water
1945	Feb.13,1945	Feb.1,1946	Wood
1957	Jan.31,1957	Feb.17,1958	Fire
1969	Feb.17,1969	Feb.5,1970	Earth
1981	Feb.5,1981	Jan.24,1982	Metal
1993	Jan.23,1993	Feb.9,1994	Water
2005	Feb.9,2005	Jan.28,2006	Wood
2017	Jan.28,2017	Feb.15,2018	Fire
2029	Feb.13,2029	Feb.2,2030	Earth

Long ago, when the God of Heaven Jade Emperor was preparing to select twelve zodiac animals, he at the very first time focused on domestic animals that had made outstanding contributions to humanity. As a poultry, the rooster was not initially considered.

But the rooster was extremely eager for the title. When it beheld the horse, already an honored zodiac animal, decked out in magnificent adornments and adored by all, envy welled up within it. The horse, noticing this, patiently counseled the rooster: “If you can fully leverage your strengths and do something substantial for people, you too will win their recognition and affection.”

The rooster pondered long and hard and finally resolved to use its resounding voice to rouse the slumbering populace at dawn. From that day forward, each day before daybreak, the rooster would rise early and crow loudly. It’s clear, sharp call served as a dawn signal, rousing people from their dreams daily. Gradually, people's gratitude towards the rooster deepened.

Nevertheless, the Jade Emperor's favored zodiac animals were limited to beasts, which left the rooster in a state of great anxiety. One night, consumed by worry and unable to fall asleep, the rooster's soul drifted to the Heavenly Palace. There, it poured out to the Jade Emperor the efforts it had made for humans and its burning desire to be a zodiac sign. After hearing that, the Jade Emperor thought carefully and realized that the rooster had indeed made significant contributions and that his previous favor was flawed. He then plucked a red flower nearby and placed it on the rooster's head as a consolation and reward.

When the rooster awoke, it was pleasantly surprised to find the red flower on its head. Donning it, the rooster went to meet the Four Heavenly Kings, who held important positions in the Heavenly Palace. Recognizing the “Red Flower” of the Jade Emperor, the Four Heavenly Kings, well-aware that the Jade Emperor would not bestow such an honor lightly, deduced that the rooster must have accomplished something remarkable. Exceptionally, they permitted the rooster to participate in the zodiac competition. Eventually, through its own efforts and contributions, the rooster successfully secured a place in the twelve zodiac signs.

As for the reason why the rooster ranks tenth in the Chinese zodiac, it is closely tied to the traditional Chinese time-keeping method. In this method, each day is divided into twelve two-hour periods. The tenth period, known as “You,” spans from 17:00 to 19:00. During this time, as the sun begins to set, roosters, in accordance with their natural instincts, start to return to their nests one by one. This period aligns perfectly with the rooster's natural habits, so the rooster is associated with tenth period “You”. When arranging the order of 12 Chinese zodiac animals, rooster was thus also given the tenth position.

As picky eaters, Rooster children are susceptible to malnutrition or other digestive diseases. As for older ones, chronic fatigue and mental tense may interfere with their performance at school or company. Apart from a balanced diet and enough rest, people born in the year of the Rooster need to find a hobby as a good distraction from work. It could be a sport such as jogging or swimming, or a pastime like watching movies or cooking. In addition, they should pay enough attention to any abnormal symptom of their body and take regular physical examinations.

People born in the year of the Rooster would be blessed with excellent luck in 2025, especially in career and wealth. They could fully show their leadership and are lucky to get promoted. With the help of benefactors such as kind colleagues and discerning leaders, "Roosters" could go further in the workplace. In addition to the increased salary brought by promotion, there is a possibility to get a windfall. For businessmen, it may be a good time to expand business and cooperate with others for more profits. The love fortune is not bad for married ones and people in love, but singles may have little time to find their lover because of busy work. To keep fit, remember to do physical checkups.

Rooster’s luck remains at an average level in 2026. Good things are likely to happen in their love and relationship: singles may meet their loved ones, and people with a boyfriend or girlfriend would get into marriage soon. Those who are married are also lucky enough to live in a harmonious family. As for their wealth horoscope, they can expect a windfall, but a modest financial plan is advised. Although people born in the year of the Rooster may be promoted to a higher position, they should work diligently considering the long-term development. At least they need to cooperate well with colleagues. After work, they should better take some exercise to release pressure and keep healthy.