ABOUT
Heavenly Stem: Xin è¾›
Earthly Branch: YÇ’u é…‰
Energy: Yin
In Chinese culture, the rooster is usually regarded as a symbol of diligence, trustworthiness, auspiciousness, perseverance, hard work, punctuality, timekeeping, and being alert.
Every morning, it crows punctually, rousing people from their slumber and heralding the start of a new day. In certain traditional customs, the rooster serves as a sacrifice tribute, through which people pray for peace and good fortune. Notably, the rooster's comb, being homophonic with “official” in Chinese, carries the beautiful connotation of promotion.
People born in the year of Rooster are usually self-assured, confident, and ambitious. They display dedication and discipline towards their tasks, often striving for excellence in whatever they do. Typically exhibit traits of diligence, courage, confidence, and enthusiasm. Rooster is a capable and serious organizer, characterized by the ability to quickly come to the right decision. They’re outspoken, especially against any injustice or amoral behavior they perceive, as well as perfectionist and rule-abiding.
Why is Rooster the tenth zodiac sign?
The Rooster is the tenth animal in the Chinese zodiac and the only non-mammal among the twelve. According to legend, the Jade Emperor held a race across a celestial river to choose the zodiac animals. Although the Rooster couldn’t swim, it cleverly used a piece of driftwood to float across the finish line and earn its spot.
Another story tells how the Jade Emperor initially chose animals that had helped humans. The Rooster, being a poultry animal, was not first considered. However, it wanted the honor badly. Inspired by the Horse’s advice to prove its worth, the Rooster began waking people at dawn with its loud crowing, helping them start their day.
Impressed by its dedication, the Jade Emperor gave the Rooster a red flower for its head and allowed it to compete. The Rooster’s efforts won it a place among the twelve zodiac animals.
As for why it’s tenth, the Chinese divided the day into twelve two-hour periods. The tenth period (5–7 PM), called “You,” is when roosters return to their nests. Because this time matches the Rooster’s habits, it was placed in the tenth position.
ROOSTER YEARS
When is the Year of Rooster?
Rooster ranks tenth among twelve Chinese zodiac signs. The Years of the Rooster include 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029...
If you were born in one of the above calendar years, your Chinese zodiac sign is probably the Rooster, and in China you would be known as a Rooster.
However, the Chinese zodiac year is usually said to start from Chinese New Year, which ranges from late January to mid-February. Therefore, if you were born in January or February in one of the above years, you might be a Rooster, or possibly a Monkey.
To confirm your zodiac sign, it’s best to use a Chinese zodiac chart or an online calculator that matches your full birthdate to the correct zodiac year.
PERSONALITY
Understanding the Rooster Zodiac Sign
People born in the Year of the Rooster are confident, hardworking, and love to stand out. They’re outgoing, enjoy social events, and easily make friends. Roosters are sharp, determined, and never give up when faced with challenges. They care deeply about improving themselves and doing things well.
Roosters like to be in the spotlight and are often stylish and well-organized. They enjoy being admired and aren't afraid to speak their minds—even if it means being a bit too honest. While they can be bossy or seem arrogant, they’re also loyal and protective of those they care about.
They work hard, think fast in emergencies, and take pride in doing things perfectly. Their attention to detail and strong sense of justice make them natural leaders. Deep down, they want to feel appreciated and respected.
In short, Roosters are bold, bright, and sometimes a little extra—but always reliable and full of heart.
Strengths of the Roosters
Roosters are outgoing, funny, smart, and independent. They don’t wait for others—they take the lead and are confident in their decisions, making them great leaders.
They’re stylish, bold, and love being social. Roosters are honest and direct, often complimenting others but also not afraid to call out bad behavior. They’re persuasive speakers, quick thinkers, and hardworking.
They’re also thoughtful, responsible, disciplined, and dislike laziness. Roosters love standing out and often wear unique, colorful outfits that somehow always work for them.
Weaknesses of the Roosters
Roosters can be impatient, boastful, and overly proud. Sometimes they seek attention or act just to impress others. When things don’t go their way, they may become moody, overly critical, or act like they know everything—even if they don’t.
They can be bossy, quick-tempered, picky, and too focused on appearances. Roosters may talk a lot about what they’ll do but not always follow through. They prefer giving advice over taking it and can come off as arrogant or overly blunt.
Rooster Men
Men born in the Year of the Rooster are ambitious and driven, rarely content with staying in one place. They constantly aim to improve and excel, often showing strong business sense that can lead to great success, especially in middle age.
These men are smart, capable, serious, honest, and decisive, with strong organizational skills. They pay close attention to detail and aren’t afraid to call out wrongdoing or speak bluntly. Rooster men strive for perfection in everything they do and strictly follow rules, often struggling to relate to those who don’t. Despite their high standards, they are always willing to lend a hand to others.
Rooster Women
Rooster women have sharp judgment, which helps them navigate even the most confusing situations. In their relationships, they are kind, generous, and always ready to offer support.
They are practical, modest, thoughtful, and nurturing. They often prioritize family and are known for being devoted caregivers. Passionate and detail-oriented, they pursue excellence in everything they do. Compared to Rooster men, they tend to be more down-to-earth and humble. They make decisions with confidence and avoid careless actions.
However, they can also be emotional, a bit vain, and sometimes speak without thinking; traits that may create challenges in social settings.
FIVE ELEMENTS
In Chinese culture, each zodiac sign is linked to one of five elements: Metal (Gold), Wood, Water, Fire, or Earth. Each type of Rooster (like a Wood Rooster or Fire Rooster) comes around once every 60 years.
People believe that both your zodiac animal and your element affect your personality. So, there are five kinds of Roosters, each with different traits:
Types of roosters and their traits:
Metal Rooster: Strong-willed, brave, and hard-working
Water Rooster: Smart, quick-thinking, kind, and caring
Wood Rooster: Full of energy, but can be overconfident and a bit moody
Fire Rooster: Responsible and reliable, especially with time and work
Earth Rooster: Kind, generous, and well-liked by friends
CAREER
Roosters are some of the most driven and career-focused people in the Chinese zodiac. They work hard, have many talents, and can handle different kinds of jobs.
They’re great at understanding both obvious and hidden details, and they like to stay organized and solve problems step by step. While others may get stressed, Roosters stay calm and do well under pressure.
Roosters also get along easily with people and are quick thinkers. They often come up with smart, creative solutions thanks to their wide knowledge.
They enjoy recognition and like being noticed for their work. Jobs with little reward or attention aren’t a good fit for them.
Roosters are often outspoken and passionate about big topics. They make great politicians, diplomats, or public speakers. Those who aren’t into politics might enjoy being tour guides or actors, since they’re confident and comfortable in front of people. Some Roosters also have a good eye for fashion and art, making them great designers.
Ideal careers for Roosters
- Entrepreneur
- Public relation
- Journalist
- Investor
- Data Scientist
- Realtor
- Athlete
- Politician
- Diplomat
- Tour guides
- Actor / Actress
- Fashion designer
Less Suitable Careers for Roosters
- Publishing
- Academic Researcher
- Copywriter
- Psychologist
❗Note: These job suggestions are general guidelines. Your best career fit also depends on other factors in your full birth chart.
COMPATIBILITY
Love Compatibility for Roosters
Roosters are just as active and determined in love as they are at work. They try hard to make their relationships happy, but they should remember that real love comes from the heart, not just effort.
At first, Roosters can be bold and exciting when dating. But once they commit, they are usually very loyal. Still, they should be careful not to expect too much or be too picky with their partner, as this can cause problems in the relationship.
❤️ Best Matches for Roosters
Rooster and Ox
The Rooster and the Ox are both hardworking animals in the zodiac. Once they set their sights on a goal, they will stop at nothing to achieve it. These two can accomplish almost anything together because their personalities balance each other out. The Rooster may be a bit high-strung, but the Ox is kind and forgiving, which helps keep their relationship running smoothly.
Rooster and Snake
Rooster and Snake are like yin and yang, the perfect example of opposites attracting. Rooster is bold and straightforward, while Snake is enigmatic and mysterious. Surprisingly, instead of clashing, they complement each other beautifully. Rooster's strong personality is balanced by Snake's gentle and understated nature. Snake, in turn, feels secure and safe in Rooster's honest and honorable presence. They truly bring out the best in each other.
Rooster and Dragon
When it comes to relationships, Rooster and Dragon are a true power couple! Despite their strong personalities, they both value justice and have a solid moral compass. This means they can work through any differences that may arise. In love, they are both willing to listen to their partner's feedback and make positive changes. This results in a strong and successful relationship that is filled with love and understanding.
💔 Bad Matches for Roosters
Rooster and Rabbit
The Rooster and Rabbit often don’t get along because they have very different personalities and values. The Rooster may think the Rabbit is selfish, while the Rabbit may see the Rooster as jealous and unsure of themselves. These differences can lead to a lot of arguing, which isn't good for either of them. To make the relationship better, it might help if they spend some time apart and meet only once in a while. This can help them focus on each other’s good sides instead of fighting. Talking honestly and trying to understand each other is important. Like any relationship, it’s all about balance and respect.
Rooster and Dog
Roosters and Dogs usually don’t get along well in daily life because they think and act very differently. They may struggle even as friends or roommates, so a romantic relationship would be even harder. Roosters are loud and full of energy, while Dogs are calm and prefer a peaceful life. The Dog may find the Rooster too flashy and fake, while the Rooster may think the Dog is too boring.
Summary of Love Compatibility for Roosters
💓Best Matches: Ox, Snake, Dragon
💔Bad Matches: Rabbit, Dog
Each zodiac sign has its own special traits. In Chinese zodiac love compatibility, the traits of each animal are considered. Only signs that match well can be good partners. Below is how the Dragon matches with other signs.
You can check your compatibility using an online Chinese zodiac calculator.
❗Note: Compatibility isn’t determined solely by your zodiac sign—it also depends on the effort you put into the relationship.
How to Get Along with Rooster People
Roosters are loyal and dependable friends. They keep their promises and mean what they say. However, some people may find them hard to be around because Roosters often talk a lot about their achievements, which can make others uncomfortable.
Disagreements happen in any relationship, but don’t expect a Rooster to say sorry first—even if they’re wrong. Instead of blaming them, try suggesting a solution to help fix the problem calmly.
To get along with Roosters, make them feel secure. When they’re going through tough times, your support and encouragement mean a lot. Also, Roosters don’t like people who break promises or just talk without taking action.
HEALTH
Roosters may be weak or often sick as kids, but they usually grow stronger over time—which is good, since their fiery nature can lead to arguments or stress.
Instead of always doing competitive sports, Roosters can try calmer activities like yoga, hiking, or meditation to stay healthy. Since they often work too hard, it's important for them to learn how to handle stress early on.
Rooster kids can be picky eaters, which may lead to poor nutrition or stomach issues. Older Roosters might struggle with tiredness or stress, which can affect their work or school performance. To stay healthy, they should eat well, get enough rest, and find fun hobbies—like jogging, swimming, cooking, or watching movies—to relax. They should also pay attention to any health problems and get regular checkups.
FAMOUS PEOPLE
Rooster Year People
Roosters are naturals when it comes to stealing the spotlight and capturing hearts, which is why you'll often find these feathered celebrities making a name for themselves in the limelight!
Metal Rooster
- William Barnes: Feb 22, 1801 (Poet)
- Julius Plucker: Jul 16, 1801 (Mathematician)
- Joseph Plateau: Oct 14, 1801 (Physicist)
- Gail Borden: Nov 9, 1801 (Inventor)
- Ferdinand I Of Bulgaria: Feb 26, 1861 (Former King of Bulgaria)
- Jose Rizal: June 19, 1861 (Novelist)
- Nettie Stevens: Jul 7, 1861 (Geneticist)
- William C. Durant: Dec 8, 1861 (Entrepreneur)
- Prince Philip: June 10, 1921 (Husband of Queen Elizabeth II)
- Jane Russell: June 21, 1921 (Actress)
- John Glenn: Jul 18, 1921 (Astronaut)
- Iris Apfel: Aug 29, 1921 (Entrepreneur)
- Paris Hilton: Feb 17, 1981 (Reality Star)
- Chris Evans: June 13, 1981 (Actor)
- Meghan Markle: Aug 4, 1981 (Duchess of Sussex)
- Ray William Johnson: Aug 14, 1981 (YouTube Star)
- momlifewithlaura: Sep 3, 1981 (TikTok Star)
- Beyoncé: Sep 4, 1981 (Singer)
- Serena Williams: Sep 26, 1981 (Tennis Player)
- Britney Spears: Dec 2, 1981 (Singer)
Water Rooster
- Phillis Wheatley: May 8, 1753 (Poet)
- Samuel Crompton: Dec 3, 1753 (Entrepreneur)
- David Livingstone: Mar 19, 1813 (Explorer)
- Richard Wagner: May 22, 1813 (Composer)
- Barnum Brown: Feb 12, 1873 (Paleontologist)
- Nellie McClung: Oct 20, 1873 (Civil Rights Leader)
- Yoko Ono: Feb 18, 1933 (John Lennon's Wife)
- Quincy Jones: Mar 14, 1933 (Singer)
- Willie Nelson: Apr 29, 1933 (Singer)
- James Brown: May 3, 1933 (Singer)
- Grandad Joe: May 11, 1933 (TikTok Star)
- Karl Lagerfeld: Sep 10, 1933 (Fashion Designer)
- KSI: June 19, 1993 (YouTube Star)
- Kevin Langue: June 23, 1993 (YouTube Star)
- Ariana Grande: June 26, 1993 (Singer)
- Liam Payne: Aug 9, 1993 (Singer)
- Drew Starkey: Nov 4, 1993 (Actor)
Wood Rooster
- Robert Fulton: Nov 14, 1765 (Engineer)
- Eli Whitney: Dec 8, 1765 (Entrepreneur)
- Henry Walter Bates: Feb 8, 1825 (Explorer)
- Harriet E. Wilson: Mar 15, 1825 (Novelist)
- Mary Jane Holmes: Apr 5, 1825 (Novelist)
- Johann Strauss II: Oct 25, 1825 (Composer)
- Hugo Boss: Jul 8, 1885 (Fashion Designer)
- DH Lawrence: Sep 11, 1885 (Poet & Author)
- Niels Bohr: Oct 7, 1885 (Physicist)
- Ezra Pound: Oct 30, 1885 (Poet)
- Rodrigo Duterte: Mar 28, 1945 (16th President of Philippines)
- Eric Clapton: Mar 30, 1945 (Singer)
- Priscilla Presley: May 24, 1945 (Actress)
- Helen Mirren: Jul 26, 1945 (Actress)
- Steve Martin: Aug 14, 1945 (Actor)
- Grandad Frank: Sep 8, 1945 (TikTok Star)
- James Avery: Nov 27, 1945 (Actor)
- Brooklyn Queen: Jul 3, 2005 (Instagram Star)
- Sombr: Jul 5, 2005 (Singer)
- Destiny Mendoza: Sep 26, 2005 (TikTok Star)
- young11ray: Oct 31, 2005 (TikTok Star)
- Hudson Matter: Dec 29, 2005 (YouTube Star)
Fire Rooster
- Carl F. Gauss: Apr 30, 1777 (Mathematician)
- HC Oersted: Aug 14, 1777 (Physicist)
- Alexander I of Russia: Dec 23, 1777 (Former Emperor of Russia)
- Grover Cleveland: Mar 18, 1837 (22nd & 24th US President)
- JP Morgan: Apr 17, 1837 (Entrepreneur)
- Alois Hitler: June 7, 1837 (Adolf Hitler's Father)
- Yohannes IV: Jul 11, 1837 (Former King of Ethiopia)
- Empress Elisabeth of Austria: Dec 24, 1837
- Marian Anderson: Feb 27, 1897 (Opera Singer)
- Jiroemon Kimura: Apr 19, 1897 (Supercentenarian)
- Amelia Earhart: Jul 24, 1897 (Pilot)
- Enid Blyton: Aug 11, 1897 (Author)
- Pope Paul VI: Sep 26, 1897 (Religious Leader)
- Elijah Muhammad: Oct 7, 1897 (Politician)
- Joseph Goebbels: Oct 29, 1897 (Reich Minister of Propaganda)
- Spike Lee: Mar 20, 1957 (Film Director)
- Daniel Day-Lewis: Apr 29, 1957 (Actor)
- Gloria Estefan: Sep 1, 1957 (Singer)
- Bongbong Marcos: Sep 13, 1957 (Politician)
- Bernie Mac: Oct 5, 1957 (Actor)
- Dolph Lundgren: Nov 3, 1957 (Actor)
- Michael Clarke Duncan: Dec 10, 1957 (Actor)
Earth Rooster
- Georg Ohm: Mar 16, 1789 (Physicist)
- Thomas Garrett: Aug 21, 1789 (Activist)
- James Fenimore Cooper: Sep 15, 1789 (Novelist)
- William Turner: Nov 2, 1789 (Painter)
- Hallie Quinn Brown: Mar 10, 1849 (Teacher)
- William Thomas Stead: Jul 5, 1849 (Journalist)
- William Osler: Jul 12, 1849 (Doctor)
- Henry Clay Frick: Dec 19, 1849 (Entrepreneur)
- Ivan Pavlov: Sep 14, 1849 (Biologist)
- Max Black: Feb 24, 1909 (Philosopher)
- Queen Juliana: Apr 30, 1909 (Former Dutch Queen)
- Errol Flynn: June 20, 1909 (Actor)
- Stavros Niarchos: Jul 3, 1909 (Entrepreneur)
- Elizabeth Francis: Jul 25, 1909 (Supercentenarian)
- Leo Fender: Aug 10, 1909 (Entrepreneur)
- Kwame Nkrumah: Sep 21, 1909 (1st President of Ghana)
- Mariah Carey: Mar 27, 1969 (Singer)
- Todd Chrisley: Apr 6, 1969 (Reality Star)
- Renée Zellweger: Apr 25, 1969 (Actor)
- Ice Cube: June 15, 1969 (Rapper & Actor)
- Jennifer Lopez: Jul 24, 1969 (Singer)
- Gwen Stefani: Oct 3, 1969 (Singer)
- Jack Black: Aug 28, 1969 (Actor)
- Jay-Z: Dec 4, 1969 (Rapper)
