What animal is 1996 in the Chinese zodiac?
In the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle, 1996 is the Year of the Rat. More precisely, the 1996 lunar zodiac year runs from February 19, 1996 to February 6, 1997. People born before February 19, 1996 are usually counted under the previous sign, the Pig.
The 1996 Chinese zodiac is also connected with the Fire element. In traditional interpretation, Fire adds themes of visibility, passion, confidence, expression, and fast momentum to the natural Rat qualities. This is why the 1996 Rat is not read exactly the same as every other Rat year.