"Most people are interested to find out what sign they are in the Chinese zodiac system , particularly since - like the Western system - each person is supposed to have characteristics similar to those of the sign which relates to their birthdate. True Chinese astrologers, however, eschew the use of the animal symbols in isolation to analyse a person's life, seeing the zodiac signs as mere entertainment. There are twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac, corresponding with one of twelve animals, whose characteristics you'll find listed below. These animal signs have existed in Chinese folk tradition since the sixth century BC, though it wasn't until the third century BC that they were incorporated into a formal study of astrology and astronomy, based around the device of the lunar calendar. Quite why animals emerged as the vehicle for Chinese horoscopy is unclear: one story has it that the animals used are the twelve which appeared before the command of Buddha, who named the years in the order in which the animals arrived. Another says that the Jade Emperor held a race to determine the fastest animals. The first twelve to cross a chosen river would be picked to represent the twelve earthly branches which make up the cyclical order of years in the lunar calendar.
Each lunar year (which starts in late January/early February) is represented by one of the twelve animal symbols. Your sign depends on the year you were born, but beyond that the idea is the same: born under the sign of a particular animal, you will have certain characteristics, ideal partners, lucky and unlucky days. To go into your real Chinese astrological self, you need to take your precise date and time of birth along to a Chinese astrologer - in China, you'll find plenty of amateurs plying their trade around city parks. The animals always appear in the same order so that if you know the current year you can always work out which one is to influence the following Chinese New Year.
The Rat
Characteristics : usually generous, intelligent and hard-working, but can be petty and idle; has lots of friends, but few close ones; may be successful, likes challenges and is good at business, but is insecure; generally diplomatic; tends to get...
The Ox
Characteristics : healthy; obstinate; independent; usually calm and cool, but can get stroppy at times; shy and conservative; likes the outdoors and old-fashioned things; always finishes a task. Partners : best suited to Snake, Rat...
The Tiger
Characteristics : adventurous; creative and idealistic; confident and enthusiastic; can be diplomatic and practical; fearless and forward, aiming at impossible goals, though a realist with a forceful personality. Partners : best...
The Rabbit
Characteristics : peace-loving; sociable but quiet; devoted to family and friends; timid but can be good at business; needs reassurance and affection to avoid being upset; can be vain; long-lived. Partners : best suited to Pig, Dog...
The Dragon
Characteristics : strong, commanding, a leader; popular, athletic; bright, chivalrous and idealistic, though not always consistent; likely to be a believer in equality. Partners : best suited to Snake, Rat, Monkey, Tiger and...
The Snake
Characteristics : charming, but possessive and selfish; private and secretive; strange sense of humour; mysterious and inquisitive; ruthless; likes the nice things in life; a thoughtful person, but superstitious. Partners : best...
The Horse
Characteristics : nice appearance and deft; ambitious and quick-witted; favours bold colours; popular, with a sense of humour, gracious and gentle; can be good at business; fickle and emotional. Partners : best suited to Tiger, Dog...
The Goat
Characteristics : a charmer and a lucky person who likes money; unpunctual and hesitant; too fond of complaining; interested in the supernatural. Partners : best suited to Horse, Pig and Rabbit; avoid Ox and Dog. Famous...
The Monkey
Characteristics : very intelligent and sharp, an opportunist; daring and confident, but unstable and egoistic; entertaining and very attractive to others; inventive; a sense of humour but with little respect for reputations. Partners ...
The Rooster
Characteristics : frank and reckless, and can be tactless; free with advice; punctual and a hard worker; imaginative to the point of dreaming; likes to be noticed; emotional. Partners : best suited to Snake, Dragon and Ox; doesn't...
The Dog
Characteristics : alert, watchful and defensive; can be generous and is patient; very responsible and has good organizational skills; spiritual, home-loving and non-materialistic. Partners : best suited to Rabbit, Pig, Tiger and...
The Pig
Characteristics : honest; vulnerable and not good at business, but still materialistic and ambitious; outgoing and outspoken, but naive; kind and helpful to the point of being taken advantage of; calm and genial. Partners : best...
Calendar chart
Date Of Birth Animal 1.2.1900 - 18.2.1901 Rat 19.2.1901 -бн"
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