Chinese Zodiac sign that's 'destined for bad luck' will have some fortune this year

The Chinese zodiac is represented by 12 animals, each with specific attributes. These narratives often include elements of luck and fortune.

By Phoebe Cornish, Lifestyle Reporter

A European tourist at a Chinese temple at the Chinese Lantern Festival

Chinese Zodiac sign that's 'destined for bad luck' will have some fortune this year (Image: Getty)

The concept of 'lucky' and 'unlucky' Chinese zodiac signs stems from astrology and cultural beliefs.

Of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, the Dragon is traditionally considered the most promising and powerful sign, symbolising strength, success, and good fortune.

Others don't fare so well, like the Goat which is synonymous with a popular folk saying that "only one out of 10 people born in a year of the Goat finds happiness", according to China Highlights.

Despite being known for having desirable traits; the Goat is gentle, kind and peaceful, people born in the year of the Goat don't share the same fortune as typically luckier signs, like the Horse and Pig which are said to be lucky this year.

Chinese folklore even goes as far as to say that the Goat is "destined for bad luck", though 2024 could bring a glimmer of hope.

Chinese zodiac goat symbol

There is a popular Chinese folk saying that 9/10 Goats are inadequate (十羊九不全 '10 Goats 9 incomplete') (Image: GETTY)

Unluckiest Chinese zodiac sign

The Goat

Years of the Goat include 2027, 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967, 1955, 1943, and 1931, with the last cycle being the year of the Wood Goat. Wood is one of the five elements within the Chinese zodiac; wood, fire, earth, metal and water, each of which comes in a specific order, as one creates or controls the next.

These elements are said to not only affect a person's destiny but also keep the universe and its creatures in a constant cycle.

When it comes to the Goat, however, poor luck seems to plague the sign regardless. According to China Highlights, there is a strong belief that most babies born in the year of the Goat are destined for failed marriages, unhappy families, and misfortune.

Chinese Zodiac Dragon motif

The Year of the Dragon is lucky for some Chinese zodiac signs but not all (Image: GETTY)

Chinese travel guide Ruby Zhao claimed that many Chinese couples take steps to avoid having children in a year of the Goat.

Previously, many young Chinese couples tried desperately to conceive in a race against time to have a baby in 2014, which was the year of the Horse and considered far luckier than a Goat year. Though an outdated superstition, it has a real effect on Chinese society.

Like each of the 12 animals, the Goat has unlucky motifs which should generally be avoided by those born in the year of this sign. For Goats, unlucky colours are blue and black, numbers four and nine, and the direction to avoid is the southwest.

In 2024, however, there are some signs of luck to look out for. Ruby urged those born in the year of the Goat: "Fortunately, there will be auspicious stars guiding you, providing support and assistance in your luck. "

She continued: "This will create several opportunities and, to some extent, boost your career development. However, you will also be affected and hindered by inauspicious stars, so it will be important for you to focus on maintaining your social connections." As for lucky charms, the colours pink, lime green and silver-white are worth looking out for.

In the sixth lunar month (July 6 to August 3), Goats should consider investing or devoting energy to things that they enjoy. China Highlights claimed: "By doing so, you could make your life more fulfilling and potentially increase your wealth. Goat people, you should explore new interests, participate in various activities, and also contemplate studying abroad to enhance your skills and abilities."

There is a silver lining for those feeling low on luck - people born in the Year of the Goat should rest assured that health is one area they thrive. These typically calm and gentle people tend to have fewer health problems thanks to being serene and in good spirits.

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