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You and your Chinese sign
The Chinese Lunar Calendar is based on the cycles of the moon, and is constructed in a different fashion than the Western solar calendar. In the Chinese calendar, the beginning of the year falls somewhere between late January and early February. The Chinese have adopted the Western calendar since 1911, but the lunar calendar is still used for festive occasions such as the Chinese New Year. Many Chinese calendars will print both the solar dates and the Chinese lunar dates.
In traditional China, cyclical dating methods were used. Cyclical means something that is repeated time after time following a particular pattern. A popular folk method, which reflects this periodic method of recording years, is the Twelve Animal Signs. Every year is assigned an animal name or “sign” according to a repeating cycle: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. Therefore, after every twelve years the same animal name would appear.
According to this legend, the year of a person’s birth is the primary factor in determining that person’s personality traits, physical and mental attributes and degree of success and happiness throughout his lifetime.
Year of the Rat
1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996
People born in the Year of the Rat are noted for their charm and attraction for the opposite sex. They work hard to achieve their goals, acquire possessions, and are likely to be perfectionists. They are basically thrifty with money. Rat people are easily angered and love to gossip. They are most compatible with people born in the years of the Dragon, Monkey, and Ox.
Year of the Ox
1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997
People born in the Year of the Ox are patient, speak little, and inspire confidence in others. They, however, tend to be eccentric, and bigoted, and they anger easily. They have fierce tempers and although they speak little, when they do they are quite eloquent. Ox people are mentally and physically alert. Generally easy-going, they can be remarkably stubborn, and they hate to fail or be opposed. They are most compatible with Snake, Rooster, and Rat people.
Year of the Tiger
1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998
Tiger people are sensitive, given to deep thinking, capable of great sympathy. They can, however, be extremely short-tempered. Other people have great respect for them, but sometimes Tiger people come into conflict with older people or those in authority. Sometimes Tiger people cannot make up their minds, which can result in a poor, hasty decision or a sound decision arrived at too late. Tigers are most compatible with Horses, Dragons, and Dogs
Year of the Rabbit
1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999
People born in the Year of the Rabbit are articulate, talented, and ambitious. They are virtuous, reserved, and have excellent taste. Rabbit people are admired, trusted, and are often financially lucky. They are fond of gossip but are tactful and generally kind. Rabbit people seldom lose their temper. They are clever at business and, being conscientious, never back out of a contract. They are most compatible with those born in the years of the Sheep, Pig, and Dog.
Year of the Dragon
1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000
People born in the Year of the Dragon are healthy, energetic, excitable, short-tempered, and stubborn. They are also honest, sensitive, brave, and they inspire confidence and trust. Dragon people are the most eccentric of any in the eastern zodiac. They neither borrow money nor make flowery speeches, but they tend to be soft-hearted which sometimes give others an advantage over them. They are compatible with Rats, Snakes, Monkeys, and Roosters.
Year of the Snake
1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001
People born in the Year of the Snake are deep. They say little and possess great wisdom. They never have to worry about money; they are financially fortunate. Snake people are often quite vain, selfish, and a bit stingy. Yet they have tremendous sympathy for others and try to help those less fortunate. Snake people tend to overdo since they have doubts about other people’s judgment and prefer to rely on themselves. Snake people are usually good-looking. They are most compatible with the Ox and Rooster.
Year of the Horse
1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002
People born in the Year of the Horse are popular. They are cheerful, skilful with money, and perceptive, although they sometimes talk too much. They are wise, talented and good with their hands. They like entertainment and large crowds. They are very independent and rarely listen to advice. They are most compatible with Tigers, Dogs, and Sheep.
Year of the Ram
1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003
People born in the Year of the Ram are elegant and highly accomplished in the arts. They seem to be, at first glance, better off than those born in the zodiac’s other years. But ram year people are often shy, pessimistic, and puzzled about life. They are usually deeply religious, yet timid by nature. Ram people are wise, gentle, and compassionate. They are compatible with Rabbits, Pigs, and Horses.
Year of the Monkey
1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004
People born in the Year of the Monkey are the erratic geniuses of the cycle. Clever, skilful, and flexible, they are remarkably inventive and original and can solve the most difficult problems with ease. They want to do things now, and if they cannot get started immediately, they become discouraged and sometimes leave their projects. Although good at making decisions, they tend to look down on others. Having common sense, Monkey people have a deep desire for knowledge and have excellent memories. They are most compatible with the Dragon and Rat.
Year of the Rooster
1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005
People born in the Year of the Rooster are deep thinkers, capable, and talented. They like to be busy and are devoted beyond their capabilities and are deeply disappointed if they fail. People born in the Rooster Year are often a bit eccentric, and often have rather difficult relationship with others. They can be selfish and too outspoken, but are always interesting and can be extremely brave. They are most compatible with Ox, Snake, and Dragon.
Year of the Dog
1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006
People born in the Year of the Dog possess the best traits of human nature. They have a deep sense of loyalty. They are trustworthy because they know how to keep secrets. But Dog people are somewhat selfish, terribly stubborn, and eccentric. They can be cold emotionally and sometimes distant at parties. They can find fault with many things and are noted for their sharp tongues. Dog people make good leaders. They are compatible with those born in the Years of the Horse, Tiger, and Rabbit
Year of the Pig
1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007
People born in the Year of the Pig are chivalrous and gallant. Whatever they do, they do with all their strength. They don’t make many friends and don’t talk much but have a great thirst for knowledge. They study a great deal and are generally well informed. These people are quick tempered, yet they hate arguments and quarreling. They are kind to their loved ones. They are most compatible with Rabbits and Sheep.
According to Chinese legend, the twelve animals quarrelled one day as to who was to head the cycle of years. The gods held a contest to settle the dispute. The challenge was to reach the opposite bank of the river. One who would win the race would be the head, and the rest of the animals would receive their years according to their finish.
All the twelve animals gathered at the river bank and jumped in. Unknown to the ox, the rat had jumped upon his back. As the ox was about to jump ashore, the rat jumped off the ox’s back, and won the race. The pig, who was very lazy, ended up last. That is why the rat is the first year of the animal cycle, the ox second, and the pig last.
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