1981 Chinese Zodiac: Metal Rooster
People born in 1981 are Yin Metal Roosters, with one important exception: the first weeks of the year.
Quick answer
The 1981 zodiac year ran from February 5, 1981 to January 24, 1982. If you were born on or after February 5, 1981, your sign is the Metal Rooster. If you were born earlier in 1981, you belong to the Metal Monkey of 1980.
Metal Rooster personality
Observant, hard-working and confident.
The Rooster is the tenth animal of the zodiac and stands for punctuality, pride and attention to detail. Roosters are organized, observant and proud, often the first to rise and the last to leave.
Metal years add determination, discipline and focus. Metal people tend to be organized, ambitious and self-reliant.
Strengths: Hard-working and organized, Honest, Observant, Confident, Courageous. Watch for: Critical, Perfectionist, Boastful, Rigid, Can be nosy.
Read the full Rooster guide for love, career and compatibility.
Born early in 1981?
The Chinese zodiac follows the lunisolar calendar, so a January or February birth often belongs to the previous animal. In 1981, Chinese New Year fell on February 5, 1981. Anyone born before that date is a Metal Monkey instead. See the Monkey guide.
1981 zodiac year facts
- Chinese New Year 1981 fell on a Thursday, February 5, 1981.
- The Rooster year lasted 354 days, slightly shorter than a calendar year.
- Anyone born in the first 35 days of 1981 (January 1 to February 5, 1981) belongs to the previous sign.
- People born in 1981 turn 45 or 44 during 2026, depending on their birthday.
Other Rooster years: 1957, 1969, 1993, 2005. Each has a different element, which colors the animal's traits.
Rooster compatibility
The Rooster is traditionally most harmonious with Ox and Snake, and tends to clash with the Rabbit.
Near 1981, the Rooster's harmonious partners were born in: Ox: 1985; Snake: 1977.
The Chinese zodiac is a cultural tradition offered for reflection and entertainment.