The use of animal symbols in the Chinese Zodiac dates back to the 6^th Century. According to legend, Buddha, or the Jade Emperor, invited all the animals in the kingdom to celebrate the New Year, at the end of the first lunar month.

For unknown reasons, only twelve animals came. Buddha was so happy to see them that he decided to name a year after each of them. The animal would have an influence on everyone born in that year and would bestow its main characteristics on them.

These twelve animals formed the Chinese Zodiac, based on the lunar calendar, by order of their arrival :

The Responsible Rat The Tenacious Ox The Courageous Tiger The Creative Hare The Powerful Dragon The Wise Snake The Independent Horse The Friendly Goat The Fanciful Monkey The Perfectionist Rooster The Faithful Dog The Courteous Pig

If you are born...
Rat	Ox	Tiger	Hare	Dragon	Snake	Horse	Goat	Monkey	Rooster	Dog	Pig
1924	1925	1926	1927	1928	1929	1930	1931	1932	1933	1934	1935
1936	1937	1938	1939	1940	1941	1942	1943	1944	1945	1946	1947
1948	1949	1950	1951	1952	1953	1954	1955	1956	1957	1958	1959
1960	1961	1962	1963	1964	1965	1966	1967	1968	1969	1970	1971
1972	1973	1974	1975	1976	1977	1978	1979	1980	1981	1982	1983
1984	1985	1986	1987	1988	1990	1991	1992	1993	1994	1995
1996	1997	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005

According to legend, when the sky and earth were formed, everything was blurry, as though trapped in a large balloon. Then the rat came along and punctured the balloon with its teeth and the sky and earth finally became clear.

People born under the sign of the Rat are well organized, responsible and thrifty. Rats are lucky, ambitious and fond of secrets.

1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996

After the rat had freed the universe, the ox was the first animal to cultivate the earth. It was also the first animal to be domesticated, initially as a source of food and then as a beast of burden. This is a sign that symbolizes longevity. It is also represented as a water buffalo, with its long, curved horns.

People born under the sign of the Ox prefer privacy, not liking to be in the spotlight. They are persevering, calm and sincere. Oxen are also hard workers.

1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973 1985, 1997

The tiger is king of the animals because, according to the Chinese, it bears the character meaning "king" on its forehead: three horizontal lines with a vertical bar. It symbolizes courage, strength and ferocity and inspires fear. The tiger offers protection from demons: hanging its image on a door is enough to chase them away.

People born under the sign of the Tiger are passionate and extroverted. They are energetic and self-confident.

1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998

The hare lives in the moon; the two are so closely associated that when the moon rises people say that "the jade hare is rising." The hare is also a symbol of fertility and long life. The hare is said to be provident, because it is sure to have several exits from its burrow so that it can escape come what may. It is also sometimes called the Rabbit or the Cat.

People born under the sign of the Hare are sensitive and peace-loving. They are known for being imaginative, patient and understanding of others. They are trustworthy.

1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999

The dragon represents union and strength, the supreme power. It is king of the seas and the spirit of the rains and the winds. Because it is so powerful, the five-clawed dragon became the symbol of the emperor.

An imaginary animal, the dragon has features from nine different animal species: it has the head of a camel, the antlers of a stag, the eyes of a rabbit, the neck of a snake, the belly of a frog, the talons of an eagle, the paws of a tiger, the scales of a carp and the ears of an ox.

People born under the sign of the Dragon adapt well to change. Dragons are energetic, generous, valiant and aristocratic. They are leaders and bring good luck to others.

1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000

For the Chinese, the snake is an enigmatic creature. It is not well liked, but it is respected because it is believed to be as powerful as demons. It was once thought that snakes could transform themselves into human being or the souls of the dead. The Xia dynasty, one of the earliest, chose the snake as its emblem.

People born under the sign of the Snake can adapt well to changing conditions. Snakes are brilliant and wise. They rely more on their own judgment than on others' opinions. They are difficult people to comprehend because they keep their thoughts well hidden.

1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001

The horse is a strong animal that is said to be able to cover one thousand li in a day (500 km), but its four hooves never all leave the ground at once. The celestial horse gallops alone across the sky. Someone who acts alone, going against the crowd, is said to be like a celestial horse.

People born under the sign of the Horse are trustworthy and patient. Horses are popular and independent.

1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002

The goat is thought to be a good omen. This sign, which is also represented by the sheep, is especially popular because all the parts of the animal can be used. In cooking, its meat is said to warm the person eating it.

People born under the sign of the Goat are good natured and open hearted. Goats are wise, gentle and friendly.

1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003

According to Xi you ji, or "Record of a Journey to the West", the celebrated novel by Wu Cheng'en, the king of the monkeys was born from a stone. According to popular belief, he was unable to escape the hand of the Buddha Shakyamuni despite his antics and extraordinary powers. Hence the assumption that all creatures are controlled by another more powerful being.

People born under the sign of the Monkey are highly intelligent. Monkeys are fanciful and mischievous. They wear their hearts on their sleeves.

1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004

In Antiquity, the rooster was considered the bird of virtue and five main characteristics were imputed to it: distinction, strength, courage, benevolence and faithfulness. The rooster chases away the nighttime demons with his song.

People born under the sign of the Rooster are original and perfectionists. Roosters are observant, punctual and industrious. They are sure of themselves, and speak their minds. This symbol is associated with prosperity.

1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005

The dog was the golden animal in Antiquity. It was the emblem of the tribe of the emperor Huang Di. During a solar eclipse, the celestial dog is said to be "eating the sun."

People born under the sign of the Dog are watchful, faithful and devoted. They give the best of themselves and have a sense of duty. They are honest and cannot tolerate injustice. They are able to get along with those born under all the other signs.

1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994

For the Chinese, the pig is the most important of the six domesticated animals. All parts of the animal can be used. Because farmers who raise many pigs can make a fortune, the pig is a symbol of wealth.

People born under the sign of the Pig are gentle and calm. They like the good things in life. Pigs are courteous and tolerant. They have few friends, but keep them for life. They are shy and prefer to solve their problems themselves, without seeking help from others.

1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995