Ben Ming Nian

Ben Ming Nian (本命年) is the year when the Chinese zodiac animal of your birth year returns — occurring every 12 years at ages 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, etc. Traditional Chinese belief holds that your Ben Ming Nian requires extra caution, as offending Tai Sui (the Year God) can bring obstacles. Wearing red and jade is traditional protection. In BaZi astrology, Ben Ming Nian activates your Year Pillar and the clash or harmony with the year's animal.