1988 Chinese Zodiac
1988 is the Year of the Yang Earth Dragon.
This Dragon year begins on Chinese New Year, February 17, 1988, and runs until the eve of the next lunar new year.
Born in January or early February 1988?
The zodiac animal changes on Chinese New Year, not January 1. If you were born before February 17, 1988, your sign is actually the Rabbit (the previous lunar year) — not the Dragon.
The element of 1988
⛰️ Yang Earth — Earth is stability, patience, and pragmatism. It grounds an animal, trading flash for reliability and long-term thinking. Earth types are the ones who actually finish things, though they can grow rigid and over-cautious.
People born in the Year of the Dragon
The Dragon is the only mythical animal in the cycle, and it carries that exception like a birthright. Dragons are larger than life — visionary, proud, and electric with self-belief. They aim high, dream loud, and expect the world to make room. Luck seems to follow them, though it is usually the residue of their nerve. A Dragon's presence fills a space; their enthusiasm is contagious and their disappointment seismic. They are generous when admired and impossible when bored.
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Dragon lucky colors & numbers
| Lucky colors | Gold, Silver, Grey |
|---|---|
| Lucky numbers | 1, 6, 7 |
| Native guardian (本命佛) | Samantabhadra Bodhisattva (普贤菩萨) |
Other Years of the Dragon
Frequently asked questions
What Chinese zodiac animal is 1988?
1988 is the year of the Dragon — more precisely the Yang Earth Dragon. The Dragon year begins on Chinese New Year, February 17, 1988.
If I was born in January 1988, what is my sign?
If you were born before February 17, 1988, you are actually a Rabbit (the previous lunar year), not a Dragon. The animal only changes on Chinese New Year's Day.
What element is 1988?
The 1988 year carries the Yang Earth element, drawn from the year's Heavenly Stem in the sexagenary cycle. That makes it a Yang Earth Dragon.