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Chinese Zodiac Dragons of 5 Elements: Characters, Destinies

The Dragon is ranked fifth in the 12 Chinese zodiac signs. In Chinese element theory, each zodiac sign is associated with one of the five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Gold (Metal), and Water.It’s believed that people have different characteristics according to their birth year’s zodiac sign and elements.

Years of the Dragon and the Five Elements

A Wood Dragon, for example, comes once in a 60-year cycle. In popular Chinese astrology, zodiac years are believed to begin and end with Chinese New Year, so the zodiac years relate to lunar years.

Dragon Year	Lunar Zodiac Year	Element and Sign
1940	Feb. 8, 1940 – Jan. 26, 1941	Gold Dragon
1952	Jan. 27, 1952 – Feb. 13, 1953	Water Dragon
1964	Feb. 13, 1964 – Feb. 1, 1965	Wood Dragon
1976	Jan. 31, 1976 – Feb. 17, 1977	Fire Dragon
1988	Feb. 17, 1988 – Feb.5, 1989	Earth Dragon
2000	Feb. 5, 2000 – Jan. 23, 2001	Gold Dragon
2012	Jan. 23, 2012 – Feb. 9, 2013	Water Dragon
2024	Feb. 10, 2024 – Jan. 28, 2025	Wood Dragon

Wood Dragons (1904, 1964)

The Character of Wood Dragons: Introverted, Dedicated

People for whom the Wood element and Dragon zodiac sign align for their birth year are introverted and refrain from talking. They are not enthusiastic in dealing with people and therefore don't have many close friends in life.

The Destiny of Wood Dragons:Shiny

Although lacking many good interpersonal relationships, Wood Dragons are rather notable among their peers due to their excellent handling of matters, although they don't like to be in the limelight.

If Wood Dragons are recognized by their supervisors, they shine like stars due to their devotion to work without reservation.

Famous Wood Dragons

Dr. Seuss(born March 2, 1904)
Salvador Dali(born May 11, 1904)
Christian Dior(born January 21, 1905)
Russell Crowe(born April 7, 1964)
Courteney Cox(born June 15, 1964)
Sandra Bullock(born July 26, 1964)
Keanu Reeves(born September 2, 1964)
Stone Cold Steve Austin(born December 18, 1964)

Fire Dragons (1916, 1976)

The Character of Fire Dragons: Smart, Acute

Not all Fire Dragons are very smartbut most of them are able to do the right thing at the correct time by making full use of opportunities.Therefore, they are prone to being successful in both their careers and home lives.

They also give an impression of sailing with every wind as they pay little attention to matters of principle, although they are very capable of adapting themselves quickly to changing conditions.

The Destiny of Fire Dragons: Lucky

Both males and females having the Fire element and Dragon sign for their birth year are rather beautiful, so it's easy for them be loved by others.

They adore Mars and the color red, with south being their lucky direction. Summer is their favorite season and their mascot is a phoenix.

Famous Fire Dragons

Roald Dahl(born September 13, 1916)
Daniel Gillies (born March 14, 1976)
Reese Witherspoon (born March 22, 1976)
Benedict Cumberbatch (born July 19, 1976)
Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima (born September 18, 1976)
Ryan Reynolds (born October 23, 1976)

Earth Dragons (1928, 1988)

The Character of Earth Dragons: Ambitious, Hardworking

People of the Earth element and a Dragon year are very smart, ambitious, and hardworking, doing everything in life positively. Earth Dragons have loving hearts without any trace of priggish behavior, and they are inclined to become philanthropists.

The Destiny of Earth Dragons: Lucky

They will definitely make great achievements if they continue to work hard; however, they have a tendency to do things by halves.

Famous Earth Dragons

Stephen Curry (born March 14, 1988)
Tyler Joseph (born December 1, 1988)
Adele (born May 5, 1988)
Jessie J (born March 27, 1988)
Emma Stone (born November 6, 1988)
Vanessa Hudgens (born December 14, 1988)

Gold Dragons (1940, 2000)

The Character of Gold Dragons: Natural, Straightforward

Dragon sign people with the Gold element are natural and straightforward, and they often change their minds due to their continually changing emotions. They have always been unpredictable to others but they mean no harm.

The Destiny of Gold Dragons: Arduou

They hope they will live a harmonious and peaceful family life and that good events, such as getting promoted and having a baby, will happen to their families.

However, the elders in their families are vulnerable to slight illnesses due to their poor health; therefore, Gold Dragons should care for their elders and pay more attention to their health.

Famous Gold Dragons

Bruce Lee (born November 27, 1940)
Ricky Nelson (born May 8, 1940)
Queen Margrethe II (born April 16, 1940)
Pelé (born October 23, 1940)
Al Pacino (born April 25, 1940)
Michael Gambon (born October 19, 1940)

Water Dragons (1952, 2012)

The Character of Water Dragons: Farsighted, Resilient

Those with the Dragon sign and Water element are farsighted with perseverance but have a lack of individuality, and they often swim with the tide and sail with every wind.

Water Dragons are very vigorous and resilient, paying great attention to every detail to ensure perfection; however, they also get tired easily.

The Destiny of Water Dragons: Romantic

They are very desirable to their friends of the opposite sex due to their prudent and humorous style, so will have many romantic dates. They should make full use of this to search for their true love.