Year of the Goat 2027: Dates, Meaning and Who Is a Goat

When does the Year of the Goat start?

The zodiac year turns over on Lunar New Year, not January 1. Lunar New Year follows the moon, so its date moves between late January and mid-February. In 2027 it falls on February 6.

That means the Year of the Horse carries on through February 5, 2027. If you're not sure about a birthday near the turn of the year, our sign finder checks it against the Lunar New Year date for that year.

What does a Fire Goat year mean?

The Goat is the eighth animal in the twelve-year cycle, and it's known for being creative, gentle and caring. Each year also pairs its animal with one of five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal or water. Together they make a 60-year cycle, so each pairing comes around once every six decades.

Fire is traditionally linked with warmth and energy, which gives the quiet, thoughtful Goat a little more spark. These are traditional associations to enjoy, not predictions.

Is it a goat, a sheep or a ram?

All three. The Chinese character for this sign can mean any of them, so translations vary. You'll see Year of the Sheep and Year of the Ram used for the same year. We call it the Goat.

Which years are Goat years?

Goat years come every twelve years. If you were born in January or early February of one of these years, check the exact date, since you may belong to the year before.

• 1955
• 1967
• 1979
• 1991
• 2003
• 2015
• 2027

How do people celebrate the new year?

Traditions differ between families and countries, but many include cleaning the house before the new year, sharing a big family dinner, giving red envelopes and decorating in red and gold.

People born in Goat years are entering their own zodiac year in 2027. Wearing red for luck during your own year is a long-standing tradition. See everything for the new year on our Year of the Goat page.