This question may have crossed your mind as we approach the new year. Alas, 2023 is not the dog’s year; rather, it is the year of the rabbit. This is a symbol of longevity, peace, and prosperity in Chinese culture. Don’t fret: the dog will have its time to shine again within the next ten years.
When is the Next Year of the Dog?
The next year of the dog will be 2030, about seven years from now. The last year of the dog was 2018. Like all of the animals in the Chinese zodiac, it recurs every 12 years. One important thing to note is that the Chinese New Year falls somewhere in between January 21 and February 20 and does not align with the western new year celebrated on January 1st. This is because the Chinese calendar is lunar, meaning it follows the position of the moon instead of the sun to keep time.
What Do Chinese Zodiac Symbols Mean?
In Chinese culture, the 12 animals in the zodiac are: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. Each recurs every 12 years and is meant to represent a person’s personality and love compatibility, among other things. Those born in the year of the dog are meant to be honest and kind — not unlike real-life canine friends. Their lucky flowers are roses and orchids.
