Let's celebrate the Chinese New Year
Monday, February 8th kicks off a week of celebrations for the Chinese New Year. This year, 2016, is the year of the monkey! We updated The Monsters to celebrate. You'll find new monsters, including a goat, a dragon, and of course, a monkey.
The Chinese New Year is a centuries-old tradition that falls on the new moon between January 21st and February 20th. Traditionally, families might gather for dinner, to clean the house, or decorate doors and windows with red paper cutouts to bring good fortune, health, and happiness in the coming year.
Each year is characterized by one of 12 animals from the Chinese zodiac. For fun, we pulled together the years and some qualities associated with each animal. Which year were you born?
Rat
Years: 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Characteristics: intelligent, adaptable, smart, charming, artistic, sociable
Ox
Years: 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
Characteristics: loyal, reliable, patient, strong, reasonable, honest, determined
Tiger
Years: 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
Characteristics: loyal, courageous, ambitious, confident, charismatic
Rabbit
Years: 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
Characteristics: trustworthy, empathic, modest, diplomatic, sensitive
Dragon
Years: 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
Characteristics: inspiring, flexible, eccentric, imaginative, artistic, charismatic
Snake
Years: 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
Characteristics: philosophical, intelligent, intuitive, humorous, soft-spoken, decisive
Horse
Years: 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
Characteristics: dynamic, loyal, courageous, generous, intelligent, adventurous
Sheep
Years: 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
Characteristics: gentle, warm, hard-working, thrifty, charming, intuitive
Monkey
Years: 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
Characteristics: smart, charming, lucky, adaptable, bright, enthusiastic
Rooster
Years: 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
Characteristics: honest, energetic, intelligent, independent, flexible, kind
Dog
Years: 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
Characteristics: loyal, sociable, courageous, responsible, clever, lively
Pig
Years: 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
Characteristics: honorable, warm-hearted, determined, optimistic, honest, gentle
Can you make a monster in The Monsters for each animal in the Chinese zodiac?
