Vietnamese Zodiac 2026: Is the Year of the Horse Lucky for You?

The Myth Behind The Origins of Vietnamese Zodiac

Legend tells of the Jade Emperor assigning names to each animal, representing a year. The Mouse, aided by the Ox, won first place with wit. The Rabbit's agility earned fourth, while the Dragon's altruism delayed it. The Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, and Chicken claimed 6th to 10th. The Dog's love for water placed it 11th. Lastly, the Pig, known for indulgence, arrived last.

The Vietnamese Zodiac follows this order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Chicken, Dog, and Pig. The Cat, who used to pick on the Rat, was left behind after being tricked at the start. One version says the Rat pushed the Cat into a river - why cats hate water and don’t get along with mice.

The Year 2026: The Year of the Horse

The year 2026 corresponds to the Year of the Horse, called Bính Ngọ in Vietnamese. It will start on February 17, 2026, and end on February 5, 2027, according to the Gregorian calendar. The Horse occupies the seventh position in the Vietnamese zodiac and symbolizes speed, strength, and freedom, which are the driving forces that propel one forward relentlessly.

This year will be marked by the combination of Thiên Can Bính (Fire element) and Địa Chi Ngọ (also Fire), a rare combination known as "Lưỡng Hỏa thành Viêm," literally "two Fires that unite in flame." The energy of Fire will therefore be particularly strong.

On a symbolic level, this combination promotes passion, creativity, recognition, and the desire to surpass oneself. It is an ideal time for fields related to art, communication, and energy. However, this intensity can also result in tension, impatience, or increased rivalries. Caution is required in the face of excesses, conflicts, or anything related to fire and electricity.

Numerologically, 2026 is a universal year 1 (2 + 0 + 2 + 6 = 10 → 1), marking the beginning of a new nine-year cycle. It is a time for initiatives, changes, and new directions. The energy of the number 1 aligns perfectly with the spirit of the Horse: bold, free, and forward-looking.

This combination of the Horse's Fire and the vibration of the number 1 heralds a dynamic year, full of momentum, opportunities, and positive transformations.

>>> Explore Tet 2026 and get top travel tips here:: A Traveler’s Handbook for Tet Holiday in 2026

Which Signs Will Be the Luckiest in 2026?

The year 2026, under the element of Fire and the sign of the Horse, will be particularly favorable for certain zodiac signs. Discover which signs will benefit from this year’s exceptional opportunities:

1. The Tiger

The Tiger will have a year filled with success and opportunity. This is the time to act boldly and push your projects forward. However, remain cautious and avoid rushing to ensure lasting success.

2. The Cat

The Cat will experience a dynamic year, full of passion and new possibilities. Thanks to your communication skills, you will be able to seize both professional and personal opportunities. This is an excellent time to move forward.

3. The Dragon

The Dragon will capitalize on the year to turn ambitions into reality. It is essential to be strategic and avoid acting impulsively. Carefully planned projects will lead to great success.

4. The Goat

The year 2026 will bring stability and growth to the Goat. You will make progress in your career and see improvements in your finances. With patience and perseverance, your hard work will be rewarded.

In-Depth Exploration of Vietnamese Signs

To understand a Vietnamese astrological sign, it is important to know that it is represented by 12 animals, each symbolizing one of the 12 terrestrial branches (known as "Chi" in Vietnamese). These branches were created to track the years and the unique characteristics associated with Vietnamese personalities. The 12 animals are: the Rat, the Buffalo, the Tiger, the Cat, the Dragon, the Snake, the Horse, the Goat, the Monkey, the Rooster, the Dog, and the Pig.

In ancient times, it was believed that a person's astrological sign not only determined their fate but also influenced the agricultural success and prosperity of the entire nation. Today, the zodiac signs still play an important role in the lives of Vietnamese people, affecting their personality, mindset, behavior, fortune, and compatibility in relationships and marriage.

To accurately predict a person’s personality, fortune, and future, the Vietnamese take into account several elements: the 12 zodiac animals, the 10 celestial trunks (known as "Can" in Vietnamese), the 2 yin-yang forces (representing good and evil), the 5 elements (metal, wood, fire, water, and earth), as well as the date and time of birth.

To predict personality and future in Vietnamese culture, various elements are considered: the 12 zodiac animals, 10 heavenly stems ("Can"), 2 yin-yang elements, 5 elements (metal, wood, fire, water, and earth), and birth date and time. This complexity may be unfamiliar to non-Asian individuals, particularly the connection between signs and destiny. For further exploration, refer to our article and discover your Vietnamese horoscope by finding your sign in the table below.

The Meaning of Your Vietnamese Sign

Now that you know your Vietnamese zodiac sign, explore below the meaning of your sign and how it can influence your personality:

1. Character of the Rat

Birth year: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032

Thrive on activity and adaptation, Rats are resourceful and clever. They set ambitious goals and bring energy to any situation. While excelling in careers, they can struggle to express emotions. In relationships, Rats find harmony with Monkey and Dragon, but communication with Horse, Cat, and Rooster might be trickier. Opposites attract, as diligent Oxen, who value communication and loyalty, find compatibility with Rats. However, the Ox's reserved nature might clash with the Rat's social butterfly tendencies.

• Rat's strengths: Adaptable, quick-witted, optimistic, considerate, versatile, and extroverted.
• Rat's weaknesses: Stubborn, picky, lack of perseverance.

2. Character of the Ox

Birth year: 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033

Known for their diligence and persistence, Ox individuals are reliable workers who excel at tasks requiring focus and perseverance. Their dedication earns them respect from colleagues, but communication and expressing emotions can be a hurdle. While not the most romantic, they are fiercely loyal partners. Compatibility with Snake and Rooster is high, while Dragon, Dog, and Goat may pose challenges.

• Ox's strengths: Cautious, calm, diligent, persevering, and honest.
• Ox's weaknesses: Too cautious, unsociable, not very good at communicating.

3. Character of the Tiger

Birth year: 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022

Tigers, the bold leaders of the zodiac, radiate confidence and crave control. Their fierce independence and ambition fuel their relentless pursuit of goals. Despite their strong communication skills, impatience can mar their interactions. While Tigers find kinship with the loyal Horse and Dog, the Monkey, Pig, and Snake may present relationship challenges.

• Tiger's strengths: Loyal, brave, loyal.
• Tiger's weaknesses: Impatient, arrogant, dominating.

4. Character of the Cat

Birth year: 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023

Cats, the zodiac's gentle souls, possess a charming tenderness but can be prone to sensitivity and selfishness. They value peace, shying away from conflict, yet exhibit loyalty and dedication in relationships. Responsible and professional at work, they seek harmony, finding it with Pig and Goat, while Rat, Horse, and Rooster may pose challenges.

• Cat's strengths: Gentle, friendly, virtuous.
• Cat's weaknesses: Indecisive, shy, selfish. 

5. Character of the Dragon in Vietnamese Zodiac

Birth year: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024

Dragons, the imperial figures of the zodiac, embody intelligence, ambition, and a fiery enthusiasm for their dreams. Despite their courage, encountering difficulties can deflate their drive. While they find rapport with Monkey and Rat, communication with Dog, Ox, and Goat might be more challenging.

• Dragon's strengths: Energetic, confident, ambitious, romantic, intelligent.
• Dragon's weaknesses: Unstable, lack of perseverance.

6. Character of the Snake

Birth year: 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025

Snake: Calm and reserved, those born in the Year of the Snake show passion among close friends. They adapt easily but approach relationships cautiously due to their natural suspicion. Snakes have their own unique pace and may be misunderstood by others. They get along well with the Ox and the Rooster but may clash with the Tiger, Monkey, and Pig.

• Snake's strengths: Graceful, eloquent, sense of humor, determined.
• Snake's weaknesses: Isolated, jealous, skeptical.

7. Character of the Horse

Birth year: 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026

Horse: Those born in the Year of the Horse are dedicated and sociable, enjoying popularity among peers. They are active, cheerful, and talkative, making many friends easily. With their talents and unstoppable spirit, they often achieve success from a young age. However, they may struggle with saving money for the future. Horses have good compatibility with the Tiger and the Dog but may find challenges in relationships with the Rat, the Cat, and the Rooster.

• Horse's strengths: Warm, patient, stable, independent.
• Horse's weaknesses: Extravagant, inflexible.

8. Character of the Goat

Birth year: 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027

Goat: People born in the Year of the Goat are very graceful in public and gentle. Sometimes they tend to be sensitive, pessimistic, and may have a submissive personality. With upright and warm friends, goats are generous in helping them. In some circumstances, goats can become brilliant artists and even creative pioneers. For them, family is precious. Goats harmonize with the Cat and the Pig, yet they do not get along with the Dragon, the Dog, and the Ox.

• Goat's strengths: Gentle, considerate, reliable, hardworking, and economical.
• Goat's weaknesses: Indecisive, shy, pessimistic.

9. Character of the Monkey

Birth year: 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028

Monkey: Those born in the Year of the Monkey are intelligent, inventive, and courageous, resembling humans. They adapt easily, wholeheartedly pursue their interests, and are sincere friends. With a curious nature and a taste for adventure, they seek new experiences. Monkeys have good compatibility with the Rat and the Dragon but may have less compatibility with the Tiger, Snake, and Pig.

• Monkey's strengths: Intelligent, enthusiastic, confident, and adaptable.
• Monkey's weaknesses: Jealous, arrogant, impatient, lack of perseverance, opportunistic.

10. Character of the Rooster

Birth year: 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029

Rooster: In the Vietnamese zodiac, Roosters are flamboyant and expressive, dedicated workers who dislike routine. Highly sociable, they influence others with their warmth and kindness and enjoy travel and adventure. Roosters have a sense of humor and good compatibility with the Snake and the Ox but may struggle to communicate with the Rat, Cat, and Horse.

• Strengths of the Rooster: Ambitious, responsive, confident, extroverted, independent
• Weaknesses of the Rooster: Selfish, impatient, overly critical, and confident

11. The Dog Sign

Birth year: 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030

Dog: In the Vietnamese zodiac, Dogs are loyal and just, known for their loyalty to friends. They prioritize helping others over their own interests but may struggle to express themselves clearly. Dogs have good compatibility with the Tiger and the Horse but may not get along with the Dragon, Ox, and Goat.

• Strengths of the Dog: Courageous, loyal, responsible, reliable, intelligent, perceptive
• Weaknesses of the Dog: Impatient, poor communicator, stubborn, emotional

12. Character of the Pig

Birth year: 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031

Pig: Intelligent and loyal, those born in the Year of the Pig are focused on tasks and have many supportive friends. While trusting, they can be disappointed. Pigs get along well with the Cat and the Goat but may not harmonize with the Tiger, Monkey, and Snake.

• Strengths of the Pig: Warm, sincere, honest, optimistic, generous
• Weaknesses of the Pig: Shy, credulous, jealous 

How Does the Vietnamese Sign Influence Daily Life?

From ancient times to today, many Vietnamese people take zodiac sign compatibility seriously, especially in marriage and important partnerships like starting a business. A strong match between signs is believed to bring happiness, harmony, and success. On the other hand, mismatched signs are thought to bring trouble or bad luck in relationships or work.

The 12 zodiac animals are divided into four compatibility groups, each forming a “harmonious trio.” These trios are believed to support good relationships, marriage, health, and success. Meanwhile, certain signs naturally clash, often leading to tension or conflict due to contrasting personalities.

Why Are Cat and Water Buffalo in Vietnam Zodiac?

According to Megan Bryson, a religious studies professor at the University of Tennessee, one explanation for the discrepancy lies in the Chinese astrological term for rabbit, "mǎo" (卯). In Chinese, these two words differ in tone, but phonetically "mèo" (măo) and "mèo" (máo) sound the same, both being "mao."

In the "Vietnamese Dictionary," the word "mão," which means rabbit, is used to refer to a cat. When ancient Vietnam adopted the Chinese zodiac, this term was misinterpreted as "mèo," which means "cat" in Vietnamese. 

The buffalo replaces the ox in Vietnam, not just because it’s used more often in farming, but because it’s deeply woven into village life and traditions. It’s a symbol people truly connect with.

Conclusion

Here is a traditional overview of Vietnamese signs. Currently, taking reference to the partner's sign is less common among young couples. They increasingly view this custom as outdated and not appropriate to modern society. However, the Vietnamese sign remains an essential element of culture in many aspects of daily life.
Remember that happiness depends on your personal choices, not superstitions. Regardless of your sign, we wish you a happy and healthy life!

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