Chinese zodiac by year

Chinese zodiac 1981: Metal Rooster

辛酉
🐓 RoosterMetal · Yin

If you were born in 1981, your Chinese zodiac sign is the Rooster and your element is Metal (Yin). Precision, pride and discipline. Here you see what that combination means and from which exact date your year counts in Saju.

FactValue
Birth year1981
Year pillar (stem and branch)辛酉 (Xīn Yǒu)
Sign🐓 Rooster
Element of the yearMetal
PolarityYin
Your Saju year startsFebruary 3, 16:56 (UTC−5)

How your year is formed

In Saju every year has a heavenly stem and an earthly branch. 1981 is 辛酉: the stem 辛 is Metal Yin ("The Jewel": the brilliance born of pressure and polish) and the branch 酉 is the Rooster. Together they make the year of the Metal Rooster.

Your element and your animal

The element of the year (Metal) and the animal's own element (Metal) match: the energy is reinforced and the character shows clearly. The challenge is usually not to overdo those same traits.

In Saju, the Metal element is associated with order, precision and determination. It is an image to recognize yourself, not a fixed label: everyone lives it in their own way.

Born in January or February 1981?

Your Saju year starts on February 3, 1981 at 16:56 (UTC−5, approximate). If you were born before that moment, your sign is that of the previous year: 1980: Metal Monkey. If you were born after, it is that of 1981. The free calculator resolves it with your exact date and time.

What the Rooster is like in Saju

The Rooster (酉) symbolizes punctuality, order and careful presentation. It is hardworking, observant and likes to do things well. Its frankness can sound harsh, but it usually comes from wanting the best.

It loves with loyalty and expects reciprocity and order. It helps to soften criticism with appreciation and to thank what does work.

See the full Rooster page →

Other Rooster years

These are the birth years of the Rooster sign in the range of this guide, with their element:

1933 · Water1945 · Wood1957 · Fire1969 · Earth1981 · Metal1993 · Water2005 · Wood

Nearby years

1979 🐐1980 🐒1982 🐕1983 🐖

Frequently asked questions

What Chinese zodiac sign am I if I was born in 1981?

If you were born in 1981 after February 3 16:56, your sign is the Metal Rooster. If you were born before that date, the previous year counts: 1980: Metal Monkey.

What element do I have if I was born in 1981?

The element of the year 1981 is Metal. It combines with your animal (Rooster) to give your symbolic character in Saju.

This content is a philosophical and cultural reading to reflect on yourself, not a prediction or professional advice.

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