Years of the Animals

Shop the full Zodiac New Year Collections below — and — knock out your gift lists early. Choose your animal by year to celebrate or favorite original art below, then browse the tees, notebooks, candles, and other items for each sign — or choose Notebook Sets and Mug Sets

  • Year of the Horse (2026, 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954)
  • Year of the Snake (2025, 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953)
  • Year of the Dragon (2024, 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, 1952)
  • Year of the Rabbit (2023, 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951)
  • Year of the Tiger (2022, 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, 1950)
  • Year of the Ox (2021, 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, 1949)
  • Year of the Rat (2020, 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, 1948)
  • Year of the Pig (2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971, 1959, 1947)
  • Year of the Dog (2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, 1958, 1946)
  • Year of the Rooster (2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969, 1957, 1945)
  • Year of the Monkey (2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968, 1956, 1944)
  • Year of the Sheep (2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967, 1955, 1943)

Wear Local. Feed Local. Stay Classic.

Product FAQs

How does your sizing work?

Because items are made to order, we can’t accept returns for sizing or color choices. We do accept returns for defects, misprints, or shipping damage. Please review the detailed photos and descriptions before purchasing. Women’s fitted tees run small; if you prefer a looser fit on that or any item, consider sizing up.

How do I send gifts?

All items ship without prices and include a simple packing slip for easy gifting. Enter the recipient’s shipping address and your billing address at checkout. Use your contact info to receive tracking updates. Orders typically arrive within 6–11 business days—please allow extra time for time-sensitive gifts.

How do I care for my item?

For apparel: wash cold, inside-out, with like colors; avoid bleach and high heat; tumble dry low or hang dry. For embroidery, iron inside-out to protect the stitching. See specific care instructions in product descriptions and also follow general best practices in caring for your items for long term enjoyment.

How are items made and when will they arrive?

We make each item on demand using premium blanks, embroidery, and soft-hand prints. Production usually takes 2–5 business days (excluding weekends and holidays). You’ll receive tracking once shipped. We currently ship to U.S. addresses via USPS, UPS, or FedEx. Most orders arrive within 6–11 business days.

What’s the return/exchange policy?

We accept returns for defects, misprints, or damage on arrival. Report issues within 14 days with photos and your order number, and we’ll replace or refund. Size or color changes aren’t supported after purchase, so please consult size charts before ordering if you are at all unsure.

Who are we?

Merlin Classics is a volunteer-run, AI-assisted apparel project celebrating timeless local style. Every item is made to order, and profits (revenue minus external product/marketing cost) support hunger-relief programs in the communities our collections spotlight. Classic looks, real local impact—every purchase helps.

Zodiac Year of the Animals — Retro Vintage History

 

12 SIGNS • MEANING + HISTORY • OUR ORIGINAL LANTERN-NIGHT ART

The Chinese zodiac (Shēngxiào) is a 12-animal cycle that pairs timekeeping with symbolism—often shared through the famous “Great Race” folk tale. This page brings every sign into one scrollable guide with meaning, a quick origin note, a fun fact, and a description of our original lantern-lit, star-filled art style—made to look bold on American favorites like tees, mugs, candles, and notebooks.

Rat Ox Tiger Rabbit Dragon Snake Horse Sheep Monkey Rooster Dog Pig
Explore Year of the Animals Collection

Rat (鼠) — Clever Start, Quick Luck

The Rat symbolizes sharp instincts, adaptability, and “hustle-smart” confidence—great energy for new beginnings and fresh goals. In the classic Great Race legend, the Rat wins through strategy, not size, becoming the first sign in the 12-year cycle. Fun fact: rats are associated with prosperity in many folk traditions. Our art shows a warm, friendly rat framed like a lantern-night poster, perfect on mugs, notebooks, and everyday tees.

Gift idea: a “new chapter” notebook or first-month-of-the-year candle with Rat energy.

Ox (牛) — Steady Strength, Earned Success

The Ox stands for reliability, patience, and quiet power—the kind of “show up and do the work” confidence people respect. Historically, oxen represent agriculture and stability, the muscle behind traditional life and harvest cycles. Fun fact: in the Great Race, the Ox leads almost the whole way. Our original art turns that steady force into a bold, charging icon under glowing lanterns, designed to read strong on tees and look rich on candle labels.

Gift idea: “workhorse” vibes on a durable mug for the early-morning grind.

Tiger (虎) — Courage, Protection, Big Presence

The Tiger represents bravery, leadership, and protective energy—classic “guardian” symbolism in East Asian folk culture. Tigers show up on talismans and festival imagery as a way to scare off bad luck and welcome strength. Fun fact: tiger motifs are traditionally used to protect children. Our art captures a roaring tiger stepping forward from a star-packed night, lanterns glowing like stage lights—made to pop on statement tees and oversized prints.

Gift idea: a bold Tiger tee for the friend who always leads the group.

Rabbit (兔) — Grace, Calm Luck, Refined Style

The Rabbit symbolizes kindness, tact, and elegant luck—an easygoing sign with a “good taste” reputation. It’s also tied to the Moon Rabbit legend, a beloved story that links the rabbit with longevity and gentle magic. Fun fact: many cultures “see” a rabbit in the moon. Our art shows a sleek rabbit in motion across a glittering sky, framed by lanterns and warm clouds, ideal for cozy candles, notebooks, and clean, wearable tees.

Gift idea: a calm-night candle + Rabbit mug for a soft, relaxing ritual.

Dragon (龙) — Auspicious Power, Vitality, Momentum

The Dragon is the classic symbol of good fortune, confidence, and life force—often viewed as the most auspicious sign. In Chinese tradition, dragons are linked to rain and water (life-giving power), not “evil monsters,” and were historically connected with authority. Fun fact: dragon imagery often celebrates renewal and seasonal change. Our original dragon coils in a bold S-curve, blazing through lantern light and stars, built for premium tees, wall prints, and “wow” mugs.

Gift idea: a Dragon tee for milestone years, promotions, and big “level-up” moments.

Snake (蛇) — Wisdom, Strategy, Transformation

The Snake represents intuition, patience, and strategic thinking—quiet confidence with sharp timing. Snakes are widely associated with transformation because they shed their skin, a natural symbol of renewal and reinvention. Fun fact: in traditional symbolism, the Snake can represent hidden knowledge and calm decision-making. Our art keeps the snake sleek and iconic—an elegant red-gold curve in a lantern-night sky—so it reads clean on tees and looks luxe on candles and notebooks.

Gift idea: “new era” notebook for fresh plans and smarter habits.

Horse (马) — Freedom, Drive, Charisma

The Horse symbolizes independence, speed, and magnetic energy—great for doers, travelers, and big-goal chasers. Historically, horses shaped trade, mobility, and culture, making them a natural emblem of forward motion. Fun fact: “horse spirit” is often linked with adventure and stamina. Our art shows a rearing horse with flowing, flame-like mane and festival-lantern glow, giving a cinematic poster look that hits hard on tees and oversized mugs.

Gift idea: a Horse mug for the “always moving” friend who runs on coffee and ambition.

Sheep / Goat / Ram (羊) — Harmony, Artistry, Gentle Strength

“羊” can be read as sheep, goat, or ram depending on region, but the theme is consistent: compassion, creativity, and harmony. In many traditions, this sign suggests soft strength—community-minded, aesthetic, and calm under pressure. Fun fact: 羊 is often associated with “goodness” and auspicious warmth. Our art is a bold, graphic red ram with curling horns and stylized clouds, designed like a modern screenprint—perfect for tees, notebooks, and giftable candles.

Gift idea: a Ram notebook for artists, designers, and thoughtful planners.

Monkey (猴) — Wit, Play, Problem-Solving

The Monkey stands for clever creativity, adaptability, and playful confidence—great energy for builders and improvisers. Monkey symbolism grew even more famous through stories like the Monkey King, celebrating brains, humor, and fearless curiosity. Fun fact: monkeys are often linked with ingenuity and “making something from nothing.” Our art features a friendly, wide-eyed monkey holding a golden ingot (wealth luck), framed by lanterns and stars—made for fun tees, mugs, and desk-friendly notebooks.

Gift idea: a Monkey mug for the funniest person in the group chat.

Rooster (鸡) — Confidence, Clarity, Fresh Starts

The Rooster symbolizes bold self-expression, punctuality, and sharp standards—“say it straight” energy. Historically, the rooster’s crow marks dawn and is often seen as a sign of protection, chasing away darkness and bad luck. Fun fact: roosters are classic timekeepers in folk culture. Our art shows a regal rooster with layered golden feathers under lantern glow and a starry sky, built to look rich on tees and striking on mugs.

Gift idea: a Rooster candle for morning people and early risers.

Dog (狗) — Loyalty, Heart, Protective Spirit

The Dog represents loyalty, honesty, and protective friendship—the “ride-or-die” sign with a big heart. Dogs have long been guardians in daily life and folklore, tied to safety, trust, and duty. Fun fact: dog symbolism often celebrates fairness and steadfastness. Our art captures a joyful, fluffy dog mid-leap with a curled tail and bright expression, flying through lantern light and stars—perfect for cozy mugs, gifts, and tees that feel friendly and upbeat.

Gift idea: a Dog tee for the dependable friend who always shows up.

Pig (猪) — Abundance, Comfort, Generosity

The Pig symbolizes prosperity, generosity, and enjoying life’s good things—warm “abundance” energy to close the 12-year cycle. Historically, pigs represented stored food and household wealth, so they became a natural sign of plenty and celebration. Fun fact: the Pig often carries “lucky year” associations in modern pop culture too. Our art turns the pig/boar into a dynamic, heroic leap with dramatic fiery motion, giving a powerful poster look for tees, mugs, and candles.

Gift idea: a Pig mug for the friend who hosts, cooks, and makes everyone feel at home.


Explore Year of the Animals Collection

Shopping + gifting tip: choose your own sign (or a loved one’s), then match the product to the vibe—tees for statement style, mugs for daily ritual, candles for mood, and notebooks for fresh goals.