Guardians of Time: A Journey Through the Vietnamese Zodiac

The Vietnamese Zodiac, a captivating 12-year cycle linked to animal signs and stars, has enthralled Vietnamese culture for centuries. Beyond marking your birth year, it shapes personality, career, love, and fortune. What Vietnamese zodiac sign are you, and what does it say about your personality? Read on to explore the Vietnamese Zodiac and learn more about your sign in 2024!"

Written by Trang Nguyen (Local Expert) Updated on 19-07-2024

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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.

In the Vietnamese Zodiac race, the order was determined as follows: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Chicken, Dog, and Pig. The Cat, having bullied the Mouse before, found itself tricked by the Mouse at the race's start, leading to animosity between them. One version suggests the Rat caused the Cat's fall into the river, explaining the cat's fear of water and ongoing rivalry with mice.

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 also takes the place of the ox, reflecting its prominence and significance in Vietnamese culture and agriculture. Unlike the ox, the buffalo is a familiar and essential figure in Vietnamese rural life, playing a crucial role in rice farming and other agricultural activities. This cultural relevance makes the buffalo a more relatable and meaningful symbol for the Vietnamese people.

The Year 2024: The Year of the Dragon

In 2023, it was the Year of the Cat, and in 2024, it will be the Year of the Dragon, spanning from February 10, 2024, to January 28, 2025, based on the Lunar New Year. The dragon symbolizes power, prosperity, and royalty in Asian and Vietnamese cultures, embodying strength and luck. To celebrate each New Year, Vietnam decorates with symbols of the corresponding animal, such as the dragon for the year 2024.

>>> If you want to explore the Tet celebrations in 2024 and valuable tips for travelers, check out: A Traveler’s Handbook for Tet Holiday in 2024

In-Depth Exploration of Vietnamese Signs

Vietnamese signs are represented by 12 animals, symbolizing the 12 earthly branches or "Chi." These animals categorize the years and embody unique attributes of Vietnamese personalities: rat, ox, tiger, cat, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.

The zodiac is more than just a set of symbols; it's a living part of Vietnamese identity. If you're eager to discover more about Vietnam, it's worth visiting our Vietnam Travel Blog!

In ancient times, zodiac signs not only determined individual fates but also influenced agricultural success and national prosperity. Today, Vietnamese zodiac signs continue to shape personalities, behaviors, fortune, and marriage compatibilities. Among the 12 zodiac animals, the dragon is revered as the most powerful. In Lunar New Year-celebrating countries like China, Vietnam, and Singapore, it symbolizes luck and happiness, leading to a high birth rate during Dragon years.

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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 in Vietnamese Zodiac:

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.

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2. Character of the Ox in Vietnamese Zodiac

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 in Vietnamese Zodiac:

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.

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4. Character of the Cat in Vietnamese Zodiac

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:

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 in Vietnamese Zodiac:

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 in Vietnamese Zodiac: 

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.

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8. Character of the Goat in Vietnamese Zodiac:

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 in Vietnamese Zodiac:

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.

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10. Character of the Rooster in Vietnamese Zodiac:

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 in Vietnamese Zodiac

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 Sign in Vietnamese Zodiac

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 the present day, some Vietnamese people attach great importance to the compatibility of signs, especially when it comes to marriage or significant professional aspects such as opening businesses. They believe that perfect compatibility between the signs of two individuals is potent for a happy marriage and a successful collaboration. Conversely, when signs are not compatible, it is perceived as potentially harmful for the couple or professional partnership.

The 12 zodiac animals are grouped into 4 sets, forming compatibility triads. These triads foster harmony among individuals born under compatible signs, nurturing positive relationships, marriages, and friendships while supporting success and health. However, conflicting signs of the zodiac may face tensions and difficulties due to opposing personalities.

Sacred Animals in Vietnamese Culture and Architecture

In Vietnamese belief, the four sacred animals—the dragon, unicorn, tortoise, and phoenix—symbolize power, intellect, longevity, and nobility. These animals feature prominently in Vietnamese architecture due to their cultural significance.

• The Dragon

Symbolizing power, the dragon appears in decorations of royal palaces, temples, pagodas, and tombs. The Vietnamese dragon is characterized by its slender, flowing form with essential S-shaped curves. Depicted with heads raised, mouths holding jade, and flame-like crests, dragons reflect a desire for freedom and strength.

• The Ky Lan Unicorn

The unicorn - Ky Lan represents prestige, peace, and good luck. This creature, with its half-dragon, half-mammal appearance and a single horn, symbolizes mercy. Unicorns are seen as strong and faithful guardians for pagodas and places of worship.

• The Tortoise

Symbolizing strength and longevity, the tortoise is a significant figure in Vietnamese mythology and architecture. Tortoise images are found in pagodas, temples, and shrines. The Temple of Literature features 82 doctors' steles on stone tortoises, highlighting the importance of learning and endurance. 

In the third century BC, a Tortoise God is said to have assisted King An Dương Vương in constructing the Cổ Loa Citadel near Hanoi. Another legend recounts that King Lê Lợi used an enchanted golden sword given to him by a magical tortoise from Hanoi’s Hoàn Kiếm Lake to defeat foreign invaders. For generations, Hanoians regarded sightings of the giant turtles in Hoàn Kiếm Lake as auspicious. Unfortunately, an ancient turtle from the lake, weighing over 170kg, passed away in January 2016. The small temple at the center of the lake is known as Tháp Rùa, or the Tortoise Tower.

• The Phoenix

The phoenix symbolizes beauty and nobility, believed to bring good fortune where it settles. Combined with the dragon, it represents happiness, good luck, and success. These sacred animals are integral to Vietnamese culture, embodying the nation's aspirations for peace, prosperity, and happiness. 

Some researchers believe the Lac bird on Đông Sơn bronze drums is an early form of the Phoenix. In Vietnam, Phoenixes, represented as the female “Phượng” and the male “Hoàng,” often appeared facing each other. Later, the Phoenix symbolized love and prosperity alongside the Dragon.

In Hue Vietnam, Phoenix images decorate palace roofs, walls, and gates. The 2000-kg bell at Thiên Mụ Pagoda, forged in 1710, is engraved with Phoenix and Dragon imagery. Today, Phoenix motifs remain popular on Vietnam’s traditional áo dài tunics, symbolizing luxury and femininity.

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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