The Vietnamese zodiac is more than just astrology; it’s a key part of the culture. Each of the 12 animals plays an important role in Vietnam’s rich heritage. Join us at Asia Legend Travel as we explore the Vietnamese zodiac and uncover the unique stories behind each sign. Let’s dive into this fascinating world where the cosmic meets everyday life!
Overview about Vietnamese Zodiac
Let’s go over some basic yet interesting details about the 12 animals in the Vietnam zodiac below.
Origin of Vietnamese Zodiac
The Vietnamese zodiac (or “Mười hai con giáp” in Vietnamese) is a cyclical system where each year is represented by an animal, repeating every 12 years. People believe these animals can affect your personality and luck depending on the year you’re born.
To specific, the Vietnamese zodiac features 12 animals: Rat (Tý), Buffalo (Sửu), Tiger (Dần), Cat (Mão), Dragon (Thìn), Snake (Tỵ), Horse (Ngọ), Goat (Mùi), Monkey (Thân), Rooster (Dậu), Dog (Tuất), and Pig (Hợi). According to legend, the Jade Emperor organized a race to determine the order of the zodiac animals, with each animal taking its place based on when it finished.
In terms of origin, the Vietnamese zodiac has its roots in ancient Chinese culture. It made its way to Vietnam during the long periods of Chinese influence, especially when China ruled over Vietnam for over a thousand years.
Distinction in the Vietnamese Zodiac vs Chinese Zodiac
While the Vietnamese zodiac started in China, it has developed its own unique traits over time.
- Buffalo instead of Ox: In the Vietnamese zodiac, the second animal is the Buffalo instead of the Ox, which is found in the Chinese zodiac.
- Vietnamese zodiac Cat instead of Rabbit: One of the biggest differences is that the Vietnamese zodiac has the Cat, while the Chinese zodiac has the Rabbit.
There are several reasons for these differences between Vietnamese zodiac vs Chinese. The most practical explanation is that buffaloes and cats are more familiar to Vietnamese people compared to oxen and rabbits. Buffaloes play a vital role in Vietnamese agriculture, while cats are important for controlling pests and protecting crops.
System of Can – Chi (Heavenly Stems – Earthly Branches)
In addition to the Vietnamese zodiac signs, there’s also the Can-Chi system, widely used in Vietnam. Known as the Heavenly Stems (Can) and Earthly Branches (Chi), this system is popular for astrology, horoscopes, architecture, and naming time units like years, months, days, and hours, to name but a few. In detail:
Heavenly Stems (Can):
The Heavenly Stems consist of ten elements, each paired with one of the five classical elements in East Asian philosophy: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. These elements appear in both their Yang (positive) and Yin (negative) forms, creating ten unique Stems.
- Giáp (Yang Wood): years ending in 4, e.g., 1994, 2004, 2014, 2024
- Ất (Yin Wood): year ending in 5
- Bính (Yang Fire): year ending in 6
- Đinh (Yin Fire): year ending in 7
- Mậu (Yang Earth): year ending in 8
- Kỷ (Yin Earth): year ending in 9
- Canh (Yang Metal): year ending in 0
- Tân (Yin Metal): year ending in 1
- Nhâm (Yang Water): year ending in 2
- Quý (Yin Water): year ending in 3
Earthly Branches (Chi):
The Earthly Branches match up with the twelve zodiac animals, with each branch linked to a specific animal and element. Here are the twelve Branches:
- Tý (Rat): Years with a remainder of 4 when divided by 12
- Sửu (Buffalo/Ox): Years with a remainder of 5 when divided by 12
- Dần (Tiger): Years with a remainder of 6 when divided by 12
- Mão (Cat/Rabbit): Years with a remainder of 7 when divided by 12
- Thìn (Dragon): Years with a remainder of 8 when divided by 12
- Tỵ (Snake): Years with a remainder of 9 when divided by 12
- Ngọ (Horse): Years with a remainder of 10 when divided by 12
- Mùi (Goat): Years with a remainder of 11 when divided by 12
- Thân (Monkey): Years divisible by 12
- Dậu (Rooster): Years with a remainder of 1 when divided by 12
- Tuất (Dog): Years with a remainder of 2 when divided by 12
- Hợi (Pig): Years with a remainder of 3 when divided by 12
In terms of naming years, the combination of 10 stems and 12 branches creates a 60-year cycle. For instance, in the Vietnamese zodiac, 2024 is Giap Thin (Yang Wood + Dragon), and 2025 is At Ty (Yin Wood + Snake).
Details of 12 Animals in the Vietnamese Zodiac
Let’s take a closer look at the 12 Vietnamese zodiac elements.
Tý (Rat)
Examples of Rat years: 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032
Cultural significance:
- Symbol of Intelligence: Known for quick thinking and cleverness.
- Prosperity and Fertility: Linked to abundance and the ability to reproduce, due to its ties with harvest time and its high reproduction rate.
- Adaptability: Good at surviving in different environments.
- Leadership: As the first in the zodiac, it symbolizes initiative and leadership.
- Resourcefulness: Capable of handling situations effectively.
Character traits for those born in Rat years: Intelligent, adaptable, and ambitious, often with strong business acumen.
Sửu (Buffalo)
Examples of Buffalo years: 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033
Cultural Significance:
- Symbol of Strength: Known for its physical power and endurance.
- Agricultural Importance: Essential in farming, symbolizing hard work and productivity.
- Dependability: Seen as reliable and steady, valued for its consistency.
- Fertility and Prosperity: Linked to fertile land and agricultural abundance.
Character traits for those born in Buffalo years: Patient, reliable, and dependable, often seen as pillars of the community.
Dần (Tiger)
Example of Tiger years: 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034
Cultural Significance:
- Symbol of Power: Represents strength, bravery, and authority.
- Guardian Spirit: Acts as a protector against evil spirits and harmful forces.
- Leadership: Linked to leadership and dominance in nature.
- Courage: Stands for courage and fearlessness, admired by warriors.
- Passion: Signifies strong emotion and dedication.
Character traits for those born in Tiger years: Confident, passionate, and independent, often with a strong personality.
Mão (Cat)
Example of Cat years: 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2035
Cultural Significance:
- Symbol of Elegance: Known for its grace and poise.
- Household Protector: Great for keeping pests at bay and protecting the home.
- Gentleness: Brings a sense of peace and calm.
- Intelligence: Sharp mind and quick learning abilities.
- Curiosity: Always eager to explore and learn new things.
Character traits for those born in Cat years: Calm, observant, and creative, with a strong intuition.
Thìn (Dragon)
Example of Dragon years: 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024, 2036
Cultural Significance:
- Symbol of Power: Stands for strong leadership and influence.
- Prosperity and Good Fortune: Linked to wealth, success, and blessings.
- Royalty and Divine: Connected to emperors and protection.
- Vitality: Tied to water, symbolizing energy, growth, and dynamic force.
Character traits for those born in Dragon years: Charismatic, ambitious, and confident, often destined for greatness.
Tỵ (Snake)
Example of Snake years: 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025, 2037
Cultural Significance:
- Wisdom: Snakes are known for their intelligence and deep knowledge.
- Mystery and Spirituality: They are often linked to the unknown and spiritual forces.
- Protection: Seen as guardians against evil spirits.
- Intuition: Snakes have a keen sense of insight and perception.
- Healing and Transformation: They symbolize renewal and change, much like how they shed their skin.
Character traits for those born in Snake years: Intelligent, enigmatic, and independent, with a strong inner world.
Ngọ (Horse)
Example of Horse years: 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026, 2038
Cultural Significance:
- Freedom: Represents independence and a free spirit.
- Speed and Endurance: Known for being quick and having lots of energy.
- Vitality: Symbolizes strength and liveliness.
- Success and Ambition: Seen as a sign of achievement and progress.
- Loyalty: Appreciated for being dedicated and reliable.
Character Traits for those born in Horse years: Enthusiastic, outgoing, and popular, often with a love for adventure.
Mùi (Goat)
Example of Goat years: 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027, 2039
Cultural Significance:
- Gentleness: Known for being kind and having a gentle nature.
- Compassion: Recognized for empathy and caring for others.
- Art and Beauty: Connected to creativity and a love for beautiful things.
- Prosperity: Seen as a sign of good luck and wealth.
Character Traits for those born in Goat years: Gentle, artistic, and diplomatic, with a strong sense of empathy.
Thân (Monkey)
Example of Monkey years: 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028, 2040
Cultural Significance:
- Symbol of Intelligence: Represents cleverness and quick thinking.
- Playfulness: Associated with humor and light-heartedness.
- Adaptability: Valued for its versatility and ability to thrive in different situations.
- Curiosity: Linked to exploration and a love for learning.
- Sociability: Known for being outgoing and engaging in social interactions.
Character Traits for those born in Monkey years: Witty, charming, and sociable, often with a strong sense of humor.
Dậu (Rooster)
Example of Rooster years: 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029, 2041
Cultural Significance:
- Punctuality: Always wakes up early, making it a symbol of being on time.
- Hard Work: Represents dedication and a strong work ethic.
- Honesty: Known for being straightforward and truthful.
- Confidence: Proud and self-assured in its actions.
- Discipline: Linked to being organized and systematic.
Character Traits for those born in Rooster Vietnamese zodiac years: Confident, practical, and reliable, often with a strong sense of responsibility.
Tuất (Dog)
Example of Dog years: 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030, 2042
Cultural Significance:
- Loyalty: Known for its unwavering faithfulness.
- Protection: Acts as a guardian and a protector.
- Honesty: Values being truthful and sincere.
- Friendship: Symbolizes strong bonds and companionship.
- Justice: Stands for fairness and doing the right thing.
Character Traits for those born in Dog years: Faithful, sincere, and protective, often with a strong sense of justice.
Hợi (Pig)
Example of Pig years: 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031, 2043
Cultural Significance:
- Symbol of Prosperity: Represents wealth and abundance.
- Generosity: Associated with kindness and giving.
- Contentment: Linked to a relaxed and happy disposition.
- Fertility: Seen as a sign of growth and good fortune.
Character Traits for those born in Pig years: Kind, generous, and optimistic, often with a strong sense of empathy.
Vietnamese Zodiac Compatibility & Incompatibility
According to Vietnamese astrology, there is a relationship between people born in each year of the zodiac, including compatibility and incompatibility. They use this to choose their spouse and determine the timing for special events like marriage or construction. They believe that choosing a compatible match will make everything smooth and bring good luck. For details, see the picture:
4 Sets of Vietnamese Zodiac Compatibility
- Rat – Dragon – Monkey
- Buffalo – Snake – Rooster
- Tiger – Horse – Dog
- Cat – Goat – Pig
3 Sets for Vietnamese Zodiac Incompatibility
- Rat – Cat – Horse – Rooster
- Buffalo – Dragon – Goat – Dog
- Tiger – Snake – Monkey – Pig
Vietnamese Zodiac in Modern Daily Life
The Vietnamese zodiac has always been an important part of Vietnamese culture and daily life. Even today, it continues to play a significant role in modern life.
Tet Holiday
The Vietnamese zodiac is a big part of Tet Holiday celebrations. Each year, people decorate and make offerings based on that year’s zodiac animal. For instance, during Pig years, some avoid pork, and in Rooster years, they might skip chicken for offerings.
>> Explore: Tet Vietnamese New Year – All You Need to Know!!!
Daily Life
Vietnamese people often pick jewelry featuring their zodiac animal for good luck. For instance, those born in the Year of the Rat might choose Rat-shaped jewelry. They also look into the zodiac before making big decisions. Whether it’s selecting a wedding date, starting a business, or picking lucky days for events, the zodiac offers helpful advice, like a friendly guide bringing good luck and harmony.
From the vibrant celebrations of Tết to the everyday wisdom in daily customs, the Vietnamese zodiac is woven into the very fabric of life. Learning about the zodiac animals provides a unique way to experience this fascinating country. If you’re interested in Vietnam’s zodiac and culture, don’t wait. Pack your bags, set aside some time, and embark on a Vietnam tour 14 days right away!
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