Rooster (Dậu)

Rooster (Dậu)

Dậu — the tenth sign of the Vietnamese zodiac (con giáp) — is the Rooster, a symbol of confidence, diligence, and punctuality. Born in the year of the Rooster, these individuals are hardworking perfectionists who take pride in everything they do. In Vietnamese tradition, the Rooster (gà trống) heralds the dawn and is a symbol of new beginnings, courage, and honest communication.

Dates
Year of the Rooster: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
Element
Metal
Ruling Planet
Venus
Quality
Cardinal
Strengths
Diligent · Observant · Confident · Organised · Honest
Weaknesses
Critical · Boastful · Inflexible · Blunt · Perfectionist

Personality

Rooster individuals are observant, hardworking, and meticulous. They have high standards for themselves and others, and their attention to detail borders on perfectionism. They are direct communicators who speak their mind openly, which can come across as blunt. Despite their critical nature, they are fiercely loyal friends and dedicated partners who work tirelessly to fulfil their commitments.

Love & Relationships

Roosters are loyal and devoted partners who take relationships very seriously. They show love through acts of service and practical support rather than grand romantic gestures. They need a partner who appreciates their honesty and respects their need for order. Their critical streak can cause friction, but their intentions are always sincere.

Work & Career

Roosters excel in careers requiring precision, organisation, and communication: journalist, doctor, surgeon, chef, military officer, analyst, and public relations professional. They work best with clear structures and measurable outcomes. Their perfectionism can be a strength in detail-oriented work and a challenge in collaborative creative environments.

Health & Wellbeing

Roosters are generally robust and energetic, but their perfectionistic tendencies can lead to stress and overwork. They benefit from scheduled rest periods and should guard against burnout. Their straightforward nature means they usually seek medical advice promptly when needed. Regular outdoor exercise and sufficient sleep are key to their wellbeing.

Mythology & Symbolism

The rooster (gà trống) holds a place of honour in Vietnamese culture as the herald of dawn and the guardian against evil spirits. In Vietnamese folk belief, the crow of the rooster at sunrise drives away demons and ghosts that prowl at night. The image of the rooster crowing at dawn — standing proud and alert — is a beloved motif in traditional Vietnamese art, lacquerware, and woodblock printing. During Tết, the Year of the Rooster is celebrated with particular attention to order, precision, and new beginnings. In the famous Vietnamese folk tale, the rooster boldly challenged the sun and moon, earning his place as the keeper of time. His crow is said to call the sun back each morning.

This Sign in Other Cultures

The Rooster is recognised across East Asian zodiac traditions as a symbol of punctuality, honesty, and hard work. In Chinese astrology (酉), the Rooster is the tenth sign and represents these same virtues; in Japanese (tori) and Korean (유) it carries identical symbolism. In Greek mythology, the rooster was sacred to Apollo and Asclepius, and was believed to announce the sun's return. In ancient Persian culture, the rooster was a symbol of Ahura Mazda and the forces of light against darkness — a role echoed in Vietnamese tradition.

Compatibility

Best with

Sửu (Buffalo), Snake (Tỵ)

Challenging with

Mão (Cat), Monkey (Thân)

Famous People

Rudyard Kipling (1865)Groucho Marx (1890)Yoko Ono (1933)Elton John (1947)Britney Spears (1981)Beyonce (1981)