酉

Tori (Rooster / Bird) is the tenth animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese Zodiac.

Meaning and Symbolism

The character for the Rooster is derived from a pictograph of a wine vessel. It represents the state where fruits have fully matured and fermented into alcohol, symbolizing the peak of harvest time. Roosters, announcing the dawn with their crows, were considered sacred birds that called upon the sun goddess Amaterasu. Because they "take in" (tori-komu) customers, they are heavily associated with business prosperity, famously celebrated during the Tori no Ichi festivals in November.

Personality Traits

People born in the Year of the Rooster are traditionally believed to be:

• Sharp and Visionary: Possessing high information-processing skills and acting rationally with foresight.
• Meticulous: Perfectionists who pay attention to detail and prefer things to go according to plan.
• Stylish: Adept at self-presentation and often caring deeply about their appearance.
• Critical: Their high ideals can make them strict with themselves and others, sometimes resulting in blunt or harsh remarks.