1956 Chinese zodiac: year of the Fire Monkey
1956 was the year of the Fire Monkey in the Chinese zodiac. It began on 12 February 1956 and ended on 30 January 1957.
1956 is the year of the Fire Monkey (Yang). The Chinese year of the Monkey ran from 12 February 1956 to 30 January 1957, so anyone born between those dates is a Fire Monkey. Babies born in 1956 before 12 February 1956 belong to the Wood Goat of 1955.
1956 Fire Monkey personality
People born in the year of the Monkey are clever, curious and playful. Their strengths are inventiveness, humour and fast learning; their watch-outs are restlessness and occasional mischief.
The Fire element adds passion, energy and leadership, so the Fire Monkey of 1956 combines the Monkey's nature with fire qualities. Yang years are traditionally seen as outgoing and active.
Careers that suit the Monkey: technology, science, trading, media, engineering.
Born in January or February 1956?
The Chinese year does not start on 1 January. In 1956, Chinese New Year fell on 12 February 1956.
- Born 12 February 1956 or later in 1956: Fire Monkey.
- Born 1 January – 11 February 1956: Wood Goat (1955 sign).
Monkey compatibility
| Match | Signs |
|---|---|
| Best (same triangle) | Rat, Dragon |
| Secret friend | Snake |
| Traditional clash | Tiger |
Other Monkey years
1932, 1944, 1968, 1980, 1992. The Fire Monkey itself returns in 2016.
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Frequently asked questions
What Chinese zodiac is 1956?
The Fire Monkey, for births from 12 February 1956 to 30 January 1957.
What if I was born in January or early February 1956?
If you were born before 12 February 1956, your sign is the Wood Goat of 1955, because the Chinese year had not yet changed.
What element is 1956 in the Chinese zodiac?
Fire (Yang). Fire is linked with passion, energy and leadership; its colour is red.
Which signs are compatible with the Monkey?
Best matches are the Rat and Dragon, plus the Snake as a "secret friend". The traditional clash is with the Tiger.
When is the next Fire Monkey year?
2076. The same animal and element combination returns every 60 years.
How old is someone born in 1956 in 2026?
They turn 70 during 2026.
Source and method
Chinese New Year dates (China Standard Time) were cross-checked against two independent lunar-calendar tables and published listings. Animals and elements follow the traditional 60-year (sexagenary) cycle.