Chinese Zodiac Tattoos

It's strange, isn't it, that you could get yourself inked in Chinese, and not be sure that what you were looking for and what you actually found are two different things altogether. By no means do I want to discourage you from getting a tattoo in a language that you probably do not know to read, but it always gets me thinking... Imagine wanting to get the word peace tattooed on you and coming out with a word that means something else instead. You wouldn't even know! Funny thought, isn't it? Let's face it, we've all seen or heard of cases like these. But that's mostly a reason for concern only when you're considering getting tattooed with large amounts of script. A zodiac tattoo however, is easier to work with. It's a single symbol, thus allowing very little space for any erroneous occurrence. So if you are looking to get yourself inked with a Chinese zodiac tattoo, and need ideas regarding the same, why not scroll down further...

Chinese Zodiac Table

We'll get started with the Chinese zodiac tattoos designs in a bit, but how about a brief look at the Chinese zodiac table before that...

The Chinese zodiac, known as Shēngxiào in Chinese, is a table that follows a 12 year cycle, and every one of those 12 years is associated with a certain animal. The 12 animals that represent the years of the Chinese zodiac calendar are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Ram, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig. Every animal is also said to be a representative of certain qualities or personality traits. A close look at it will bring to your notice that the characteristics bestowed upon each zodiac type are fairly up to the mark, and that they do in fact define a person rather well. You'll get a better idea about this when you look at the chart to follow. Read on to find out what your zodiac sign is according to the Chinese zodiac table, and also find out what your symbol looks like, especially if you ever decide to get yourself tattooed with it.

Chinese Zodiac Symbols Tattoos

Whenever considering a tattoo design, you will notice that most people always turn to certain designs as a first thought. Amongst those that are commonly chosen are Chinese symbol tattoos, butterfly designs, tribal art, the peace symbol, to name a few. The Chinese ones are inevitably a popular option though. The best part about Chinese zodiac tattoos is that they're a method to define who you are, along with being a constant reminder of your personality. Very evidently, there is a symbol for every year, and along with the symbol there are characteristics associated too. Here's a chart of all the images associated with every zodiac year, along with certain specific traits...

Year of the Rat
	Years: 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996 Element: Water Polarity: Yang Characteristics: Charming, charismatic, social, outspoken, meticulous, eloquent, persistent, intense, rational, sensitive, artistic, spiteful, astute, covetous, mendacious, obdurate, ruthless, illiberal, excessively ambitious, conniving.

Year of the Ox
	Years: 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997 Element: Water Polarity: Yin Characteristics: Humble, stable, ambitious, reliable, industrious, patient, calm, organized, ceremonious, consistent, resolute, obstinate, assertive, worldly, rigid, narrow-minded, impetuous.

Year of the Tiger
	Years: 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998 Element: Wood Polarity: Yang Characteristics: Impulsive, passionate, affectionate, stimulating, powerful, sincere, generous, humanitarian, unpredictable, rebellious, audacious, wayward, temperamental, aggressive, impatient, foolhardy, selfish, restless, hot-headed.

Year of the Rabbit
	Years: 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999 Element: Wood Polarity: Yin Characteristics: Affable, reserved, shy, cautious, sharp, compassionate, kind, gracious, sensitive, self-assured, flexible, lucky, self-indulgent, moody, isolated, superficial, stubborn, opportunistic.

Year of the Dragon
	Years: 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000 Element: Wood Polarity: Yang Characteristics: Fiery, passionate, generous, strong, loyal, pioneering, proud, stately, noble, dignified, direct, decisive, self-assured, intellectual, outlandish, loyal, authoritative, brash, impulsive, despotic, chesty, disdainful, aggressive.

Year of the Snake
	Years: 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001 Element: Fire Polarity: Yin Characteristics: Responsible, prudent, creative, deep thinker, mysterious, graceful, soft-spoken, sensual, shrewd, elegant, cautious, calm, strong, constant, purposeful, loner, bad communicator, cold, possessive, epicurean, self-doubting, distrustful, mendacious.

Year of the Horse
	Years: 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002 Element: Fire Polarity: Yang Characteristics: Agile, humorous, cheerful, charismatic, intelligent, talkative, popular, earthy, shrewd, incisive, open-minded, flexible, childish, arrogant, erratic, stubborn, gullible.

Year of the Ram
	Years: 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003 Element: Fire Polarity: Yin Characteristics: Virtuous, sincere, sympathetic, timid, shy, creative, gentle, compassionate, peaceful, generous, seeks security, moody, worrier, indecisive, over-passive, pessimistic, over-sensitive, weak-willed.

Year of the Monkey
	Years: 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004 Element: Metal Polarity: Yang Characteristics: Inventor, innovative, improviser, motivator, social, quick-witted, intellectual, inquisitive, flexible, self-assured, artistic, polite, dignified, competitive, objective, factual, egotistical, vain, selfish, reckless, jealous, deceptive, cunning, suspicious.

Year of the Rooster
	Years: 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005 Element: Metal Polarity: Yin Characteristics: Sharp, meticulous, perfectionist, self-assured, decisive, conservative, critical, alert, zealous, practical, scientific, responsible, opinionated, critical, conceited, prudish, abrasive, egotistical.

Year of the Dog
	Years: 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006 Element: Metal Polarity: Yang Characteristics: Honest, intelligent, straightforward, unpretentious, loyal, attractive, friendly, affectionate, sociable, practical, open-minded, idealistic, sensitive, stubborn, easygoing, cynical, lazy, judgmental, quarrelsome.

Year of the Pig
	Years: 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007 Element: Water Polarity: Yin Characteristics: Loyal, honest, peaceful, chivalrous, passionate, sturdy, sociable, conscientious, patient, hard-working, trusting, sincere, calm, understanding, thoughtful, intelligent, naïve, materialistic, self-indulgent.

This was it for the symbols for Chinese zodiac tattoos, along with a low down on certain traits, and other information. Find out if you relate to any of it, and decide getting tattooed if you think it works for you...