The Chinese Zodiac

A cultural sidelight of the animal signs in Chinese folklore is that horoscopes have developed around the animal signs, much like monthly horoscopes in the West have been developed for the different moon signs, Pisces, Aries, etc. For example, a Chinese horoscope may predict that a person born in the Year of the Horse would be, "cheerful, popular, and loves to compliment others". These horoscopes are amusing, but not regarded seriously by the Chinese people.

The animal signs also serve a useful social function for finding out people's ages. Instead of asking directly how old a person is, people often ask what is his or her animal sign. This would place that person's age within a cycle of 12 years, and with a bit of common sense, we can deduce the exact age. More often, though, people ask for animal signs not to compute a person's exact numerical age, but to simply know who is older among friends and acquaintances.

Legend
According to Chinese legend, the twelve animals quarreled one day as to who was to head the cycle of years. The gods were asked to decide and they held a contest: whoever was to reach the opposite bank of the river would be first, 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.

Zodiac Chart: The rotating cycle of twelve animal signs was a folk method for naming the years in traditional China. The animal signs for one another in an established order, and are repeated every twelve years. 1976 was the Year of the Dragon, and 1977 was the year of the Snake.

 
What sign are you? The Chinese have attributed specific characteristics to those born under the signs of 12 animals. The following is a brief description of the different animal traits and the corresponding birth years.

Year of the Rat
You are noted for your charm, work hard to achieve your goals and are likely to be a driving perfectionist, but easily angered. Although thrifty, but can be generous with someone you love, loves to acquire possessions as well. Usually very sucessful. Compatible with dragons, monkeys and oxen. Those born in the year of the rat are predicted to have a properous year. Birthstone: moonstone and pearl
Famous Rat people: Marlon Brando, William Shakespeare, Gene Kelly.
1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, 1948, 1936

Year of the Ox
A strong leader. Patient and quiet; good listener and inspires confidence in others. Hates to fail or be opposed; angers easily. Tenacity brings great success in life. Compatible with roosters, rats and snakes. The Ox will enjoy a lucky and smooth year with job recognition and less worries all-around as good fortune will abound. Birthstone: Topaz or amber
Famous Ox people: Adolf Hitler, Jack Nicholson, Meryl Streep, Princess Diana, Napoleon, Dustin Hoffman.
1985, 1973, 1961, 1949, 1937, 1925

Year of the Tiger
Courageous, aggressive and adventurous to extremes. Sensitive and generous to loved ones. Admired for playful personality. Compatible with dragons, horses and dogs. The Tiger should take great care in making personal and business choices. Birthstone: Alexandrite
Famous Tiger people: Alec Guiness, Karl Marx, Marilyn Monroe, Natalie Wood, Dwight Eisenhower.
1986, 1974, 1962, 1950, 1938, 1926

Year of the Rabbit
Docile in appearance; Articulate, ambitious and talented. Well-mannered, admired and trustworthy - leading to business success. Wise and conservative nature. Compatible with sheeps, boars, dogs and monkeys. The Rabbit will sail through life without any great upheavals nor big surprises. Good for the Rabbit to embark on future plans and major purchases. Birthstone: Emerald
Famous Rabbit people: Ali MacGraw, Orson Wells, Bob Hope, Ingrid Bergman, George C. Scott.
1987, 1975, 1963, 1951, 1939, 1927

 
Year of the Dragon
Most honored zodiac sign. Displays power and boundless energy. On the outside, short-tempered and confident. Inside, gentle and soft hearted. Symbolizes long-life and good fortune. Compatible with rates, monkeys, snakes and roosters. Romance and business will dominate the Dragon's agenda. Birthstone: garnet or agate
Famous Dragon people: Shirley Temple, Ringo Starr, Pearl Buck, George Bernard Shaw, John Lennon.
1988, 1976, 1964, 1952, 1940, 1928

The year of the Snake
Seductively charming and mysterious, possessing great wisdom. Outwardly calm and quiet; intense and passionate on the inside. Sympathetic, determined and self reliant. Beware, good looks can generate vanity. Compatible with oxen, dragons and roosters. The Snakes will face an abundance of opportunities and activities. Dramatic events, including good and bad are on the horizon. Birthstone: black pearl
Famous Snake people: Henry Fonda, John F. Kennedy, Mae West, Jackie Kennedy.
1989, 1977, 1965, 1953, 1941, 1929

The year of the Horse
Cheerful and gregarious, popular and loves to party. Perceptive warmth, but hot-blooded impatience leads to fiesty anger. Independent, ignores advices, skillful with money. Compatible with tigers, dogs and sheeps. The Horse should steer clear of confrontations and monetary risks, since this may prove to be difficult. Birthstone: Turquoise
Famous Horse people: Pearly Bailey, Barbara Streisand, Rembrandt, Sean Connery, Rita Hayworth.
1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, 1942, 1930

The year of the Sheep
Pacifist at heart; strives for a tranquility and harmony with nature. Elegant, compassionate and kind-spirited. Timidity limits leadership abilities, but will always enjoy comfortable existence. Compatible with rabbits, monkeys, pigs and horses. Business opportunities and gifts grace the Sheep this as business, romance and social success are predicted.Birthstone: coral
Famous Sheep people: John Wayne, Brook Shields, Robert De Niro, Barbara Walters, Pieere Trudeau.
1991, 1979, 1967, 1955, 1943, 1931

The year of the Monkey
Mischievous, inquisitive and adventurous. Quick wit and versatility bring success. Strong-willed and impatient, but temper cools quickly. Inventive, good common sense. Compatible with dragons, rats, rabbits, sheep and dogs. The monkey will find solutions to problems, advancements at work and financial improvements. Birthstone: white coral
Famous Monkey people: Bette Davis, Leonardo Davinci. Omar Shariff, Julius Caesar, Nelson Rockefeller.
1992, 1980, 1968, 1956, 1944, 1932

The year of the Rooster
Deep thinker, determined, busy and talented. A bit eccentric and self-centred, but always interesting and brave. Loner and often moody, but capable of being a loyal friend. Compatible with oxen, snakes and dragons. Roosters should keep a tight rein on finances and should take time out to carefully consider all major decisions before any are made. Birthstone: citrine   
Famous Rooster people: Peter Ustinov, Anne Murray, Carly Simon, Goldie Hawn.
1993, 1981, 1969, 1957, 1945, 1933

The year of the Dog
Born leader, honest, noble, charismatic and loyal. Keeper of secrets. Can be emotionally cold, distant and stubborn. Playful and cares little for money. Compatible with tigers, monkeys and rabbits. Health and business success will fall on the Dog but should avoid making any loans to friends or family. Birthstone: lapis lazuli
Famous Dog people: Harry Houdini, Shirley MacLaine, Judy Garland, Sylvester Stallone, Donald Sutherland, Michael Jackson.
1994, 1982, 1970, 1958, 1946, 1934

The year of the Pig
Studious and gallant with tremendous inner strength. Will not retreat from goals. Quiet, but always well informed. Chooses few friends, but is kind, affectionate and loyal for life. Compatible with rabbits and sheep. The Pig's intuitions if followed will pay off handsomely and he or she will bode well in fortune and luck. Birthstone: ruby
Famous Pig people: Fred Astaire, Henry VIII, Ernest Hemingway, Alfred Hitchcock, Stephen King.
1995, 1983, 1971, 1959, 1947, 1935