The new Lunar Year reflects the significance of the 12 zodiac animals deeply rooted in Chinese mythology and culture.
More than their significance in the Chinese timekeeping system, the zodiac animals mean more in Chinese culture.
In this article, learn more about the origins of the 12 zodiac animals and the colors that represent their characteristics.
What are the Chinese Zodiac Animals?
There are many legends as to how the zodiac animals came to be. Some recall the story of the Jade Emperor, who called a swimming race of animals to celebrate his birthday. A version of this story describes it as a race between the guards of the heavenly gate. Based on how these legends go, this race described the 12 animals who were selected, and the result of this race determined the order of the zodiac.
Another popular origin story is about a Chinese poem that recounts the arrival of 12 mythical animals who came down from the heavens to help the people celebrate the coming of spring. In its narrative, these animals appeared every two hours, and the order of their appearance is what identified the order of the zodiac.
Image source: Vecteezy.com
Although the true origin story is lost in Ancient China, no matter how the zodiac animals were originally formed, what makes them important today is their influence in the beliefs and traditions in Chinese culture.
Aside from helping identify the age of a person upon knowing the lunar year they were born, it also serves as a guide for learning about one’s personality, future, and fortune. In China, the zodiac signs are believed to influence a person’s career, love prospects, and life decisions. Although there is no scientific truth to this belief system, it provides us an understanding of its influence on China’s society and culture.
What are the Colors and Traits of the Zodiac?
According to ancient Chinese culture , the zodiac animals are related to power colors that reflect specific personality traits. Chinese people see this as a reference of what embodies a person depending on their zodiac animal.
The list below aspires to describe what power color represents each zodiac animal and what relevant characteristics are revealed by each color.
Discover what your EndlessPens Lucky Find for Lunar New Year is! Find out which of our recommendations reflect the qualities of your power color or zodiac sign this Lunar New Year!
The Rat
Birth Years: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Power Color: White
Characteristics: This color reflects purity and clarity. It can be described as the absence of color, emphasizing a bright and innocent nature.
Lucky Find at EndlessPens: The White LAMY Dialog cc Fountain Pen
This clean and light pocket-size beauty from LAMY blends innovation and sophistication in an expertly crafted, elegant fountain pen. The twist-action mechanism that lets its platinum gold nib easily retract within the white matte lacquered copper body. The LAMY Dialog cc exudes style without forgetting form and function.
The Ox
Birth Years: 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
Power Color: Brown
Characteristics: This color signifies stability and groundedness. It indicates finding balance and security in a constantly changing and evolving world.
Lucky Find at EndlessPens: The Autumn Brown Sailor Shikiori "Kusa Asobi" Ballpoint Pen
Find balance by writing your plans with this twist-type ballpoint pen created by Sailor. The gold clip and trims accent the body’s delightfully smooth texture allowing you to write comfortably and confidently. Let your vision take form on paper with this stately pen that’s sure to make an impression.
The Tiger
Birth Years: 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010
Power Color: Gold
Characteristics: This color highlights wealth and success. Express prosperity and abundance with this color. Seek out and conquer profitable opportunities.
Lucky Find at EndlessPens: The Platinum #3776 Century Kanazawa Gold Leaf Fountain Pen
Be inspired by the beauty and unique craftsmanship of ancient Japan with the Matsu-Tora (“pine tree and tiger”) design on Platinum’s masterful fountain pen. Manifest success with this pen, featuring a stunning one-of-a-kind body of Kanazawa gold leaves preserved in resin and hand-applied using traditional techniques. The slip and seal mechanism prevents ink from drying out and features a 14k gold nib for the truly full golden appeal of this expertly crafted fountain pen.
The Rabbit
Birth Years: 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
Power Color: Silver
Characteristics: This color shows strength and balance. In some ways it is similar to white for its luster and brightness, and in some ways it is similar to gold for signifying wealth and prestige.
Lucky Find at EndlessPens: The Silver Pelikan K40 Pura Ballpoint Pen
Enjoy durability and function with this high-quality aluminum ballpoint pen. Its overall look is simple yet modern and elegant, making it another reliable choice for everyday use and professional functions. The pen’s body is a mix of sumptuous matte and metal, and it has a retractable twist for your quick and easy use. It has a no-nonsense design that allows you to write with no worries and total focus on your creation.
The Dragon
Birth Years: 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
Power Color: Yellow
Characteristics: Among the Chinese lucky colors, yellow represents honor and prosperity. Historically, it is also linked to people in royalty and power. This is a color that fills you with joy and positive energy, inspiring warmth and abundance.
Lucky Find at EndlessPens: The Yellow Radius 1934 Settimo - Sole Fountain Pen
Be enchanted in the warmth of this special Settimo Sole “sun” Italian fountain pen. This vintage-inspired penis a timeless piece that is not only loved for its bright and shiny aesthetic but also for its comfortable grip and convenient cartridge/converter filling mechanism. The steel nib provides reliable and consistent writing, perfect for positive and productive long writing sessions.
The Snake
Birth Years: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
Power Color: Blue
Characteristics: Feel a sense of calmness and wisdom with this color. In Chinese philosophy, this color signifies the concept of healing, peace, and tranquility. Like the Snake, the depth and allure of this color will enchant you.
Lucky Find at EndlessPens: The Limited Edition Blue Sailor Veilio 3rd Edition Fountain Pen
This limited edition Veilio is a heavenly match for Snakes and those seeking serenity, reflected in a fluid blue and white marbled body. This mysterious and alluring fountain pen features a transparent acrylic barrel with swirls of calming blue, revealing peeks of the cartridge/converter filling mechanism. A 21K gold nib is covered by the same blue marbled transparent screw cap. Wake up, explore, and interpret ideas. Write about your dreams in your special notebook with this limited edition fountain pen.
The Horse
Birth Years: 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
Power Color: Grey
Characteristics: Appreciate the marriage of balance and sophistication in this simple and subdued color. It also symbolizes humility and modesty. It is a color that suggests subtlety and modernity.
Lucky Find at EndlessPens: The Grey Parker Jotter Core Ballpoint Pen
Write with harmony and quiet flow. From thought to ink on paper, this simple yet modern ballpoint pen lets you write with no frills or complication. It is a conservative yet sophisticated piece fit for a serene and minimalist contemporary writer who prefers function and quality over opulent design.
The Goat
Birth Years: 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
Power Color: Khaki
Characteristics: This is another simple color that symbolizes resilience and versatility. Some cultures associate the color khaki with functionality and practicality. It is an earth tone that can be considered relevant to modern aesthetics that favor understated elegance.
Lucky Find at EndlessPens: The Green Kaweco Classic Sport Fountain Pen
A classic versitile fountain pen, the popular Kaweco Sport is specially designed to fit in your pocket. This fountain pen is known for its convenient size and high-quality, functional appeal. You can use it with five nib sizes, ranging from extra fine to double broad. Whether you want to write thin, elegant strokes or large, dramatic fonts, this classic pen makes for a fitting choice.
The Monkey
Birth Years: 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
Power Color: Red
Characteristics: This color prompts passion and vitality. In Chinese culture, it is popular for representing abundant fortune and happiness. The color red inspires motivation and enthusiasm. It ignites energy and confidence when you see it.
Lucky Find at EndlessPens: The Red Cypress Sparkling Colors Arc-Gold Leaf Fountain Pen
This dazzling pen is a bold choice for those who love lively hues and a creative spirit. It deviates from the typical calm and noble classic colors. This special Cypress fountain pen has a luxurious and smooth, bright acrylic body that is pressed with gold leaves for that sleek, shiny look while exuding elegance and good fortune.
The Rooster
Birth Years: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, and 2029
Power Color: Purple
Characteristics: In Chinese culture, the color purple shows spirituality and wisdom. The Taoist religion also associates purple with longevity or immortality. Today, in modern culture, this color represents creativity and clarity, along with positive energy and good fortune.
Lucky Find at EndlessPens: The Purple Opus 88 Omar Fountain Pen
Try your hand with this regal and contemporary eyedropper-style fountain pen from Opus 88. Use it for various functions with the available variety of stainless steel nib sizes, from extra fine to broad. Dabble in creative work like calligraphy or decorative writing with this bright, lively pen to inspire you.
The Dog
Birth Years: 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
Power Color: Green
Characteristics: This color signifies growth and renewal. In Chinese culture, it represents abundance and health, making it another lucky color.
Lucky Find at EndlessPens: The Green Sailor Pro Gear Slim Demonstrator Fountain Pen
Meet precision and quality with this unique and vibrant fountain pen. It was created with technical precision and unique modern design that appeals to discerning customers who prefer a slim pen. The transparent, bright green resin body of the pen features a cartridge/converter filling mechanism. Featuring a 14k gold nib, reflect prosperity, abundance, and positive outcomes whenever you write with this lucky pen.
The Pig
Birth Years: 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
Power Color: Pink
Characteristics: This is a popular color that stands for love and compassion. It is associated with emotions and relationships just as it inspires deeper connections and harmony.
Lucky Find at EndlessPens: The Rose Gold Leonardo Momento Zero Angel Skin Fountain Pen
Catch a glimpse of heaven in this precious coral-hued fountain pen. Its body is made of Bokè pink resin, one of the most refined and precious coral in the world believed to have many healing properties. And just as this pen color also represents the Power Color pink,, it also reflects peace,harmony and protection against negative energy. Shop EndlessPens’ Collection Inspired by the Zodiac Power Colors!
Wear your personality and let your favorite colors identify the best pen that will suit your qualities or the attributes you aspire to have.
Find the best pen that fits your zodiac sign. Shop by color and discover other Lunar New Year inspired pens and ink in our Monthly Promo - Special EndlessPens Lunar New Year Collection!
By Some Folks at EndlessPens
