[What Number is the Snake in the Chinese Zodiac?] - The Snake’s Position in the Zodiac: Why It’s Number 6 of 12

If you’ve ever asked “蛇几号” in English terms, you’re really asking: what number is the snake in the Chinese zodiac? The short answer is that the snake is the 6th animal in the 12-year cycle. That means if someone says “I’m a snake,” they were born in a year marked by the sixth earthly branch, “Si” (巳). This article explains why the snake holds that position, what it means for people born in snake years, and how the order was decided—so you can understand the logic behind that number and impress your friends with your zodiac knowledge.

The Snake Is the Sixth Zodiac Sign—Here’s the Proof

The Chinese zodiac follows a fixed order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig. Snake sits after Dragon and before Horse, making it number 6. Each animal corresponds to a year in a repeating 12-year cycle. For example, 2025 is the Year of the Snake, and the next one will be 2037. If you count from the Rat (which is 1), you’ll land on the Snake at 6. This isn’t random—it mirrors the ancient Chinese system of earthly branches, where the sixth branch is “Si,” associated with the Snake.

Why Did the Snake Get Number 6? The Great Race Story

The most popular folk tale explains the order through a race arranged by the Jade Emperor. The snake originally had legs and was quite competitive. It slithered across rivers and through grass, eventually finishing behind the dragon. But why not 5th? Many versions say the dragon stopped to help some villagers, which briefly delayed him, allowing the snake to fall to 6th. Other versions claim the snake hid in the horse’s hoof, then jumped out just before the finish line to grab 6th place. Either way, the story embeds the snake’s cunning nature into its position.

What Does Being Number 6 Mean for Snake People?

In Chinese numerology, the number 6 is associated with smoothness and flow—think of the word “liù,” which sounds like “smooth” (顺). Snake people are often seen as wise, intuitive, and deep thinkers. Being sixth also places them between the powerful Dragon and the energetic Horse. That position suggests balance: they have the dragon’s charisma but the horse’s restlessness. In personality profiles, snake sign individuals are known for their calm exterior and intense inner focus. They’re not the first to act, but they’re often the most strategic—fitting for an animal that waits patiently before striking.

How to Use “Snake Number” in Daily Life

People search for “蛇几号” or “snake number” for different reasons. Some want to know their birth sign’s rank. Others are checking compatibility—for example, the snake pairs well with the ox and rooster, both of which are also arranged in specific positions. If you’re into Chinese astrology, knowing the snake is 6th helps you calculate your elemental year or your “tai sui” (age cycle). For practical use, if you’re planning a celebration for the Lunar New Year, remember that the snake parade float is always the sixth one in the zodiac procession.

Quick Reference Table for Zodiac Numbers

Here’s a fast list so you