Listen to this article (16:22 min)

Fringe Files Column

This article was published exclusively online in the Christian Research Journal, Volume 49, number 01 (2026).

When you support the Journal, you join the team and help provide the resources at equip.org that minister to people worldwide. These resources include our ever-growing database of more than 2,500 articles and Bible Answers, as well as our free Postmodern Realities podcast.

Another way you can support our online articles is by leaving us a tip. A tip is just a small amount, like $3, $5, or $10, which is the cost of a latte, lunch out, or coffee drink. To leave a tip, click here.

When I was a child, my parents and I frequented a Chinese restaurant called Emperor Garden. I recently asked my mom about this, and she could even remember the theme music from the restaurant’s television commercial. While I also recall the theme song, I think mainly about the ambience of the restaurant — dragon statues, lion fountains, and paper placement illustrating the Chinese zodiac. While we were waiting for our order, my parents and I would read through the zodiac (the horse for my parents and the rooster for me), not taking the words to heart but for entertainment purposes. The same was true when we read our fortunes from our cookies at the end of dinner.

In addition to Chinese restaurants, perhaps you’ve seen the zodiac pop up around mid-January and mid-February by way of decorations, postage stamps, and even various merchandise. That’s because of the zodiac’s relationship to the Chinese New Year (the Lunar New Year), one of the most important dates on the Chinese calendar. The Lunar New Year signals renewal and hope for the year ahead, and it’s connected with the zodiac because a new animal makes its way to the forefront at that time. For example, on February 17, 2026, we’ll say goodbye to a snake year and enter into a horse year, and those who adhere to the zodiac will not only celebrate the new year; they will usher in a new animal, filled with new opportunities for the future.

The Chinese zodiac is mostly relegated to Chinese restaurants and decorations during the Lunar New Year in the West; however, many Chinese and others in the East take it seriously year-round. In fact, about one-quarter of the world’s population considers the Chinese zodiac important, including those living in primarily Asian countries like Taiwan, Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Japan. This article will address the zodiac’s origin and why it is considered spiritually significant. What do the animals symbolize, and how is the zodiac used in Eastern and Western cultures? Then, I will offer Christians advice on how to respond to those who believe in the zodiac and other astrological tools.

The Chinese Zodiac’s Origin and Meaning

As with many ancient historical philosophies, the exact origin story of the Chinese zodiac is unclear — it depends on who you ask. One of the more popular and entertaining origin stories is called the “Great Race.”¹ As the story goes, the Jade Emperor hosted a race to name the years on the calendar. All sorts of animals competed in the race, and in the end, only certain animals completed the task. Interestingly, the word zodiac comes from the Greek ζῳδιακός / zōidiakos, meaning “circle of animals.” Indeed, the Chinese zodiac represents just that — a circle of animals. A common question about the Chinese zodiac is why a cat is not present, and the “Great Race” answers that question. According to the tale, the cat was betrayed by his friend the rat, who pushed him off their ride, the ox, and into the river, preventing the cat from finishing the race. It also explains why cats and rats don’t get along.

While the “Great Race” is a fun narrative to illustrate the origins of the Chinese zodiac, its actual starting point is historically unclear. It is likely more than 2,000 years old, but the zodiac began taking serious roots in China during the Han dynasty (202 BC–AD 220). The Han dynasty immediately followed the Warring States Period and civil war in China, and the people were holding tightly to Confucianism.² They were also looking for a shared cultural identity and found a path to it through the Chinese zodiac.

The Twelve Animals. Regardless of its origin, most people are interested in the animals represented within it and their meanings. The twelve animals are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat (sometimes used interchangeably with sheep), monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. The animals repeat every twelve years. All of the animals represent different traits, signaling a person’s potential personality as well as their compatibility with others.

Beyond the storytelling involving the animals, there are preferred animals and animals that seem to be avoided by those who follow the zodiac, and we see a real impact in things like birth rates.³ For example, birth rates during dragon years increase in the East because dragons are considered wise and fortunate. On the other hand, birth rates have historically declined during goat years because goats are considered less resilient and passive.⁴ In fact, in early 2015, prior to the Lunar New Year, China saw an increase in cesarian sections because some were trying to avoid giving birth in a goat year.⁵ We’ll have to see what happens next January as we prepare to enter another goat year. That said, one of my Chinese friends explained to me that while he has seen evidence of some using the zodiac to determine when they want to have children, often the animals are just used to figure out someone’s age without directly asking them for a number.

Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches. The Chinese calendar is based on a sexagenary cycle of sixty years, which is the way days were recorded in the earliest written records in China. Each year contains a pair of one heavenly stem and one earthly branch. Heavenly stems were used as the names of the ancient ten-day week.⁶ Ancient Chinese tradition says that these stems were named after the ten suns that appeared in the sky.⁷ The earthly branches correspond with the calendar and time, specifically the twelve years it takes for Jupiter to rotate around the sun and the twelve months of the year. So, the Chinese zodiac isn’t just symbolic — the Chinese zodiac is a calendar system. Each animal of the Chinese zodiac is assigned a fixed and consistent earthly branch and a rotating heavenly stem.

Yin Yang Influence. One of the primary influences of the Chinese zodiac is the Yin Yang,⁸ an ancient Chinese and Taoist philosophy regarding complementary opposites and universal balance. As with the Chinese zodiac, the Yin Yang saw its influence rise during the Han dynasty. It is famously illustrated with the symbol of Tai Chi,⁹ a circle of black and white swirls, each containing a dot of the opposite color. The yin (black) is generally considered negative, while the yang (white) is positive, but their meanings are more complex, and they represent complementary forces that provide balance in the universe. For instance, the yin is usually considered more inward than the outward yang, and the yang is more expressive while the yin is more reflective. Each animal in the Chinese zodiac is associated with either the yin or yang in order to create harmony.

The Elemental Influence. In addition to heavenly stems, earthly branches, and the Yin Yang, each animal of the Chinese zodiac is associated with a particular element: wood, fire, earth, metal, or water. Each animal cycles through the elements, creating a sixty-year rotation. Every element has specific features. For example, wood is often associated with people who have a growth mindset and creativity, while fire is connected with passion and being visible. Therefore, even if two people are the same animal born years apart, their characteristics are said to be diverse because they will have different elements influencing them.

All that to say, those who follow the Chinese zodiac believe that each year is different, even if represented by the same animal. For instance, a child born in 1954 would be a yang wood horse with the Jia heavenly stem and the Wu earthly branch. A person from this year is thought to be warm-hearted and steady but may also experience times of emotional fluctuations. On the other hand, a child born in 1966 would be a yang fire horse with the Bing heavenly stem and the Wu earthly branch. Someone born in 1966 is thought to be bold and ambitious, often experiencing times of impatience and impulsivity.

Further, we know from history that the life experience — unique family origins, where they grew up, and historical events — of someone born in 1954 were different from those experiences of a person born in 1966, all shaping the perspectives and personalities creating a whole person, not just one described in the zodiac. In other words, according to this worldview, even though someone in your life may be represented by the same animal on the Chinese zodiac as you, that doesn’t mean you’ll have the same personalities or traits. Because of your life experiences, family, and belief systems, how you react in particular circumstances will likely be different. As such, people should not be put in over-simplified boxes based on their zodiac animal.

The Zodiac’s Influence in the East

It’s important to note that not everyone in the East thinks about the Chinese zodiac in the same way. One Chinese friend of mine explained that he’s seen differences even among the regions in China, with some thinking about it only as the Lunar New Year approaches and others applying it to various aspects of their lives. Outside of China, it seems like the zodiac is mostly considered a cultural influence, but for those who use it, the zodiac influences their spiritual lives and their lifestyles. As such, we need to recognize that not all practitioners believe the same thing. That said, it’s still worthwhile to understand what people believe and how it impacts them.

Spiritual Impact of the Zodiac. As you might imagine, the Chinese zodiac is in some ways considered a philosophy, especially considering its connection with the elements, Yin Yang, and creating harmony and balance. People don’t worship the zodiac, but they may see it as a framework for understanding themselves and others, just like a personality test or having a discussion with your family about your origin. For example, the zodiac emphasizes shared generational traits, which is something we see happening in the West when we discuss the shared experiences of Boomers or Millennials.

However, the zodiac is more complex than simply a historical tool. It’s rooted deeply in qi (pronounced chi), which is foundational in Chinese culture.¹⁰ Qi is considered the vital energy that flows through humanity and all living things. Because qi is connected with the zodiac, it is less about prediction or saying, “This will happen to you because your animal is a rooster,” and more about saying, “You’re being shaped by this energy pattern.”

Lifestyles and the Zodiac. As I noted above, one area impacted by the Chinese zodiac in the East is birth rates in particular years. We also see it being used in relationships and matchmaking. For example, I have a Chinese friend who told me that her mother advised that she not marry her boyfriend because their zodiac animals were incompatible. According to zodiac proponents, several potential pairings are considered unlucky or challenging and should be avoided.¹¹

Another interesting impact the zodiac has on lifestyles in the East has to do with employment. It seems that managers may sense risk in particular years, which causes them to make decisions based on feelings of luck rather than reason, impacting shareholders, particularly in central and northeast China.¹² In other words, there are potential economic factors related to a leader’s level of superstition and reliance on the Chinese zodiac. If one relies heavily on the zodiac, their biases may lead them to particular decisions regarding the marketplace.

The Zodiac’s Influence in the West

As you’ve likely realized by now, the Chinese zodiac is different from what we may be familiar with here in the West. When we hear about zodiacs or astrology, our minds typically go to the constellations like Leo or Sagittarius, not the moon, sun, and planets. Those signs are also usually linked closely with birth month rather than birth year, which is different from the Chinese zodiacal system. Further, serious practitioners in the West generally view astrology as a means of predicting future outcomes, while the Chinese zodiac emphasizes shared experiences and expectations based on birth years.

With regard to the Chinese zodiac, in the West, we might only think about it when we visit a Chinese restaurant or when the Lunar New Year comes along. We may also see it presented in humorous ways. For example, I recently saw a questionnaire that promised to tell me what Pixar character I would be based on my Chinese zodiac animal. That doesn’t mean that people in the West don’t follow the zodiac or at least consider its influence on their lives. Some may take it seriously, particularly those with Asian backgrounds. People in the West generally see the Chinese zodiac as entertaining, but of course there are some who follow it for guidance and wisdom.

Reliability of the Zodiac

Although it might be interesting to read about, there is no evidence to support the claim that the Chinese zodiac is a reliable source of truth. As with other types of astrology, it is considered pseudoscience; that is, it isn’t supported with empirical evidence.¹³ Despite the fact that those who follow it may have found similarities between themselves and what the zodiac says, it’s merely coincidence. While the zodiac might help people feel connected with others and open the door for conversations about who we are and why, it’s not something that should be believed or taken to heart. All that said, the zodiac is, as I noted above, making a real impact in China and other Asian countries, and we should know what to do if it comes up in conversation.

Counsel for Christians

The Bible strictly forbids our participation in astrology and divination (Leviticus 19:26 and 1 Samuel 15:23). This doesn’t necessarily mean a strict prohibition that limits even a discussion about the Chinese zodiac or looking at it when you’re in a Chinese restaurant, although some Christians may be convicted to avoid it altogether. Remember that the Lord created the sun, moon, stars, and planets to mark time for us (see Genesis 1:14), but we should not use His creation to try to divine our futures or as a source of truth. That places the creation above the Creator. Christians should approach the Chinese zodiac with discernment, recognizing that our identity is in Christ, not in the stars or moon. Christians have freedom, but freedom requires wisdom. Talking about the Chinese zodiac as a piece of history or culture is different than applying it to define our identity. Examine your heart to determine if you’ve replaced your trust in the Lord with signs and wonders in creation. Further, Paul warned the early Christians in Corinth that not everything that’s permissible is beneficial (1 Corinthians 10:23) — even if you can look at the zodiac, you need to decide if it’s beneficial.

As Christians, we should be prepared to engage on particular topics, and with the upcoming Lunar New Year, we’ll likely have opportunities to discuss the Chinese zodiac. If you are talking with other Christians who take the zodiac seriously, remind them of what the Bible says about astrology and divination. Let them know Christ is our guide, not the animal symbols of the zodiac or the signs from the stars. If you are speaking with non-Christians, approach them with curiosity. Ask them why they believe the zodiac is impactful in their lives. Tell them that the zodiac and astrology in general are not scientifically reliable. Often, people who use such things are seeking connection and guidance. As such, offer them a listening ear or encourage them to seek guidance from a counselor or trustworthy friend (hopefully, you). Interest in divination continues to increase with the rise of social media, so Christians need to be prepared to discuss it and respond with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). Understanding the basic history and beliefs behind the zodiac will help us respond thoughtfully, but we must be on guard to ensure that we do not begin to absorb it uncritically ourselves, keeping in mind that the enemy is constantly “looking for someone to devour” — we must “resist him, standing firm in the faith” (1 Peter 5:8–9 NIV).

Lindsey Medenwaldt is an assistant professor of business and economics at Northwestern College and the author of Bridge-Building Apologetics (Harvest House, 2024). She holds a master’s in apologetics and ethics from Denver Seminary, a JD from St. Mary’s School of Law, and a master’s in public administration from Midwestern State University.

NOTES

^[TED-Ed, “The Myth Behind the Chinese Zodiac — Megan Campisi and Pen-Pen Chen,” January 26, 2017, YouTube, video, 4:22, https://youtu.be/may2s9j4RLk?si=QDR7Mb-Rf_PmtLuR.
Confucianism is a philosophy that permeated China during the sixth and fifth centuries BC. It is a way of looking at life and considering things like worldview and ethics. For more, see “Confucianm,” Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Confucianism.
See Victor Grech, “The Influence of the Chinese Zodiac on the Male-to-Female Ratio at Birth in Hong Kong,” Journal of the Chinese Medical Association 78 (2015): 287-91, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1726490115000659; Katharina Buchholz, “Are “Dragon Babies” Bumping up China’s Birth Rate?” Statista, January 29, 2025, https://www.statista.com/chart/31733/live-births-per-1000-people-in-china–1980-2022-/.
See Anthony Kuhn, “China Blames Goats for 2015 Drop in Birth Rate,” NPR, January 23, 2016, https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2016/01/23/463971750/china-blames-goats-for-2015-drop-in-birth-rate; An ancient Chinese saying states, “Nine out of 10 people born in the Year of the Sheep will suffer greatly.” Si Huan, “Superstition Means Fewer Babies in Year of the Sheep,” English China News Service, November 11, 2014, https://www.ecns.cn/2014/11-26/144401.shtml.
See Shuan Sim, “Chinese New Year: C-Sections Increase In Hong Kong Leading Up to Year of Goat,” International Business Times, February 16, 2015, https://www.ibtimes.com/chinese-new-year-c-sections-increase-hong-kong-leading-year-goat-1817710; Eunice Yoon, “Year of the Sheep: Why Are China’s Moms Rushing to Give Birth?” CNBC, February 18, 2015, https://www.cnbc.com/2015/02/18/chinas-moms-rush-to-give-birth-ahead-of-year-of-the-sheep.html.
China now follows a traditional seven-day week, but thousands of years ago, it subscribed to a ten-day week.
China Culture, “Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches — Origin of the Ten Heavenly Stems,” December 21, 2010, accessed January 15, 2026, https://en.chinaculture.org/chineseway/2010-12/21/content_402062_4.htm.
For more information about Yin Yang, see Robin R. Wang, “Yinyang (Yin-yang),” Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, accessed January 22, 2026, https://iep.utm.edu/yinyang/.
Tai Chi is an ancient martial art that began in ancient China and involves slow movements, meditation, and a focus on breathing. For more, see “Tai Chi: What You Need to Know,” National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, accessed January 22, 2026, https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/tai-chi-what-you-need-to-know. For more about Christians and martial arts, see B. J. Oropeza, “Should A Christian Practice the Martial Arts?” Christian Research Journal, updated August 26, 2024, https://www.equip.org/articles/should-a-christian-practice-the-martial-arts/.
For more about qi, see Lindsey Medenwaldt, “Enhancing Your Energy the New Age Way: Understanding Auras, Chakras, and Qi,” Christian Research Journal, updated January 19, 2026, https://www.equip.org/articles/enhancing-your-energy-the-new-age-way-understanding-auras-chakras-and-qi/.
“Chinese Zodiac Love and Hate: The Most Challenging Sign Pairings,” HowStuffWorks, February 19, 2025, https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/horoscopes-astrology/chinese-zodiac-enemy-signs.htm.
See Jiarong Li et al., “Do Corporate Managers Believe in Luck? Evidence of the Chinese Zodiac Effect,” International Review of Financial Analysis 77 (2021), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.irfa.2021.101861; Huixiang Zeng et al., “Does the Effect of the Annual Year Taboo Exist? Empirical Evidence from Senior Managers’ Zodiac Year and Corporate Inefficient Investment,” The British Accounting Review 54, no. 6 (2022), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bar.2022.101114.
A recent study found that astrologers performed no better than guessing, and better outcomes came from more dependable personality tests like the Big 5. For more about the reliability of astrology, see “Can Astrologers Actually Tell Us Anything About Ourselves?” Psychology Today, updated February 6, 2025, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/clearer-thinking-today/202502/can-astrologers-outperform-random-chance.