The Chinese lunisolar calendar begins later than the Gregorian calendar. So, in any one year, Gregorian time, there will be two possible Chinese zodiac signs, depending on when one was born. In 1953, the Chinese New Year began on February 14 (according to the Gregorian calendar); for that Chinese calendar year, the sign was the Snake. However, those born before February 14 in 1953 would still be in the previous Chinese year, which was the Dragon. (So in 1953, January 1 through February 13 = Dragon.) Thank you for bringing this to our attention; we will revise our article so that this is clearer.
The Chinese lunisolar calendar begins later than the Gregorian calendar. So, in any one year, Gregorian time, there will be two possible Chinese zodiac signs, depending on when one was born. In 1953, the Chinese New Year began on February 14 (according to the Gregorian calendar); for that Chinese calendar year, the sign was the Snake. However, those born before February 14 in 1953 would still be in the previous Chinese year, which was the Dragon. (So in 1953, January 1 through February 13 = Dragon.) Thank you for bringing this to our attention; we will revise our article so that this is clearer.