The Chinese Zodiac, 12 Zodiac Animals, Find Your Zodiac Sign The Chinese animal zodiac, or shengxiao (/shnng-sshyaoww/ ‘born resembling’), is a repeating cycle of 12 years, with each year being represented by an animal and its reputed attributes. Traditionally these zodiac animals were used to date the years. The 12 Animals of the Chinese Zodiac In order, the 12 animals are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig. What Your Chinese Zodiac Animal Sign Is Your Chinese Zodiac sign is derived from your birth year, according to the Chinese lunar calendar. See the years of each animal below or use the calculator on the right to determine your own sign.

Rat: 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960 Ox: 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961 Tiger: 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962 Rabbit: 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963 Dragon: 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964 Snake: 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965 Horse: 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966 Goat: 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967 Monkey: 2016

, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968 Rooster: 2017 , 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969 Dog: 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970 Pig: 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971 Find Your Chinese Zodiac Sign Choose your date of birth and find out about your Chinese zodiac sign.

You are a: Love: Health: Those born in January and February take care: Chinese (Lunar) New Year moves between 21 January and February 20. If you were born in January or February, check whether your birth date falls before or after Chinese New Year to know what your Chinese zodiac year is. Chinese Zodiac Love Compatibility — Is He/She Right for You? People born in a certain animal year are believed to have attributes of that animal, which could either help or hinder a relationship. An important use of Chinese Zodiac is to determine if two people are compatible, in a romantic relationship or any kind of relationship. In ancient times people were faithful to Chinese Zodiac compatibility and often referred to it before a romantic relationship began. Even nowadays some people still refer to it. Take our online test on the right and find how suitable you and your partner are. See our Chinese Zodiac Love Compatibility Charts Chinese Zodiac Love Compatibility Test Is she/he compatible with you? Take the test and see... Boy's Name: Date of Birth: It’s BAD LUCK When Your Zodiac Year Comes Around!

As the Chinese zodiac recurs every 12 years, your animal year will come around when you are 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, etc. According to ancient Chinese superstition, in your birth sign year, he will offend the God of Age, and will have bad luck during that year. The best way to avoid bad luck during this year is by wearing something red given by an elder (relative), such as socks, a neck cord, underwear, a waistband, a bracelet, or an anklet. Read more on How to be Lucky in Your Zodiac Year . Chinese Zodiac Years Have Two Different Starts! There are two dates a Chinese zodiac year could be said to start on, and neither is January 1! China traditionally uses two calendars: the solar calendar and the lunar calendar. The traditional solar calendar has 24 fifteen-day solar terms, and the first, called ‘Start of Spring’, falls on February 4 (or 5). The lunar calendar has 12 or 13 months and starts on Chinese New Year, which is somewhere in the period January 21 to February 20.

Most Chinese people use lunar New Year as the start of the zodiac year. But for fortune telling and astrology, people believe ‘Start of Spring’ is the beginning of the zodiac year. Chinese Zodiac Origins — Why 12 Animals The 12 animals were chosen deliberately, after many revisions. The zodiac animals are either closely related to ancient Chinese people’s daily lives, or have lucky meanings. The ox, horse, goat, rooster, pig, and dog are six of the main domestic animals raised by Chinese people. The other six animals: rat, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, and monkey are all loved by the Chinese people. Why the 12 Zodiac Animals Are in That Order The 12 Chinese Zodiac animals are in a fixed order according to Chinese Yin and Yang Theory and perceived attributes. The yin or the yang of the animals is defined based on the odd or even number of their claws (or toes, hoofs). The animals are then arranged in an alternating (complementary) yin-yang sequence. Usually an animal has is the same number of claws on its front and rear legs. However the rat has four toes on its fore legs and five on its hind legs.

As the old saying goes, “a thing is valued in proportion to its rarity”, so the Rat ranks first of the 12 zodiac animals. It uniquely combines the attributes of odd (yang) and even (yin). 4+5=9, and yang is dominant, so the Rat is classified as odd (yang) overall. Zodiac Animal Amiability without fidelity leads to immorality. Chinese Zodiac Hours — Each Hour is Associated with a Zodiac Animal Chinese zodiac hours It is widely known that each year is associated with a Chinese zodiac animal, but in Chinese culture the 12 zodiac animals are also associated with hours of a day. In ancient times, in order to tell the time, people divided a day into twelve 2-hour periods, and designated an animal to represent each period, according to each animal’s “special time”. According to Chinese astrology, though not popularly used, a person’s personality and life is more decided by his/her birth hour than year. The zodiac hour is widely used for character and destiny analysis.

Rat chinese zodiac new year animal signs symbols | The Old Farmer's Almanac xu = dog hai - boar/pig So, putting the stem and branch terms together, the first year in a 60-year cycle is called jia-zi (Year of the Rat) as jia is the celestial stem and zi (rat) is the terrestrial branch. The next year is yi-chou (Year of the Ox), and son on. The 11th year is jia-xu, etc., until a new cycle starts over with jia-zi. 2016 is bing-shen (Year of the Monkey). Which Chinese Zodiac Are You? Below are the 12 animal designations of the Chinese zodiac: Rat (Zi) Ambitious and sincere, you can be generous with your money. Compatible with the dragon and the monkey. Your opposite is the horse.

1900, 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020 Ox or Buffalo (Chou) A leader, you are bright, patient, and cheerful. Compatible with the snake and the rooster. Your opposite is the sheep. 1901, 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021 Tiger (Yin) Forthright and sensitive, you possess great courage. You have the ability to be a strong leader capable of great sympathy. Compatible with the horse and the dog. Your opposite is the monkey.

1902, 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022 Rabbit or Hare (Mao) Talented and affectionate, you are a seeker of tranquility. Compatible with the sheep and the pig. Your opposite is the rooster. 1903, 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023 Dragon (Chen) Robust and passionate, your life is filled with complexity. Compatible with the monkey and the rat. Your opposite is the dog.

1904, 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024 Snake (Si) Strong-willed and intense, you display great wisdom. Compatible with the rooster and the ox. Your opposite is the pig. 1905, 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025 Horse (Wu) Physically attractive and popular, you like the company of others. Compatible with the tiger and the dog. Your opposite is the rat.

1906, 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026 Sheep or Goat (Wei) Aesthetic and stylish, you enjoy being a private person. Compatible with the pig and the rabbit. Your opposite is the ox. 1907, 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027 Monkey (Shen) Persuasive, skillful, and intelligent, you strive to excel. Compatible with the dragon and the rat. Your opposite is the tiger.

1908, 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028 Rooster or Cock (You) Seeking wisdom and truth, you have a pioneering spirit. Compatible with the snake and the ox. Your opposite is the rabbit. 1909, 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029 Dog (Xu) Generous and loyal, you have the ability to work well with others. Compatible with the horse and the tiger. Your opposite is the dragon.

1910, 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030 Pig or Boar (Hai) Gallant and noble, your friends will remain at your side. Compatible with the rabbit and the sheep. Your opposite is the snake. 1911, 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031 Chinese Calendar Society and Culture > Calendar & Holidays > Calendars The Chinese Calendar The Chinese lunisolar calendar is divided into 12 months of 29 or 30 days. The calendar is adjusted to the length of the solar year by the addition of extra months at regular intervals. The years are arranged in major cycles of 60 years. Each successive year is named after one of 12 animals.

(Learn more about the Chinese Zodiac .) These 12-year cycles are continuously repeated. The Chinese New Year is celebrated at the second new moon after the winter solstice and falls between January 21 and February 19 on the Gregorian calendar . The year 2010 translates to the Chinese year 4707–4708. The year 2011 translates to the Chinese year 4708–4709. Rat Chinese Horoscopes and New Year FIND YOUR BIRTH YEAR ANIMAL! According to the Chinese calendar, the year you were born may determine your personality. Every year is represented by an animal, and legend has it that people born under that animal have certain personality traits. So just for fun, find your birth year and that year's animal, and see what some people believe it says about you. Do the same for your friends, parents, relatives, and teachers! Sheep Can Recognize Faces Year of the Sheep/Goat The Real Thing Timid sheep graze in flocks to guard against predators. Sheep have good memories; they can recognize many other sheep faces and remember them for two years. They can also remember human faces.

Most are raised for their wool. Born a Sheep/Goat? At your best when people who admire you flock to your side, you stick by your friends. You are artistic, creative, and like to look good. If you were born in any of these years, you're a Sheep/Goat! 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015 Year of the Rat The Real Thing Most rats are highly adaptable. They can live just about anywhere and eat just about anything. Before brown rats leave their underground burrows, these clever creatures send one rat ahead to make sure danger isn't lurking outside. Born a Rat? You welcome challenges and enjoy learning about new things. Funny and smart, you are generous and will protect your pack of friends. If you were born in any of these years, you're a Rat!

1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008 Rats Are Adaptable Year of the Ox The Real Thing Oxen have been known to pull loads of 11,284 pounds (5,118 kilograms). People value their strength as well as their work ethic. An ox's horns can grow to be more than 20 inches (51 centimeters) long. Born an Ox? You approach projects in a step-by-step manner, wanting to do things right the first time. Shy but dependable, you are caring and trustworthy and never lose sight of your goal. If you were born in any of these years, you're an Oxen! 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009 Year of the Tiger The Real Thing The largest of the big cats, tigers hunt alone. They secretly stalk prey, then leap and attack when the time seems right. Dinner still escapes most of the time. Born a Tiger?

You're a natural leader but often like to do things by yourself. (That's how you stay in charge!) You believe in fighting for what's right, even if you'll lose in the end. If you were born in any of these years, you're a tiger! 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010 Tigers Hunt Alone Year of the Rabbit The Real Thing Rabbits normally give birth to about six babies at once and often live in groups. Their long ears help them cool off by lowering the temperature of the blood that circulates through them. Born a Rabbit? Well-liked and popular, you have a large circle of family and friends. You are very protective of them, and they protect you back. You tend to keep your cool and avoid conflicts. If you were born in any of these years, you're a Rabbit!

1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011 Year of the Dragon The Real Thing The mythical dragon is a symbol of power and good fortune in Chinese culture. One of the most popular figures in Chinese art, the dragon is believed to be a combination of nine animals, including a frog, a tiger, an eagle, and a fish. Born a Dragon? You go out of your way to help your friends, who often seek you out for advice. Your outgoing personality helps you get along with many types of people. If you were born in any of these years, you're a Dragon! 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012 Dragons Are Mythical Year of the Snake The Real Thing Snakes have great instincts. Some "play dead" to fool predators, and most sense prey by detecting ground vibrations.

They can take more than an hour to swallow a meal, and they become inactive for up to two weeks before they shed their skin. Born a Snake? You rely on your instincts before asking others their opinions. At times you want to take a break from the action. It's not that you're lazy—sometimes you just like to think. If you were born in any of these years, you're a Snake! 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013 Year of the Horse The Real Thing A horse sleeps only about three hours a day. Intelligent, most can sense nervousness in people. Born a Horse? You have loads of energy and love adventure. You take charge and understand people, so you know how to work a crowd. If you were born in any of these years, you're a Horse!

1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014 Horses Are Intelligent Year of the Monkey The Real Thing Social and playful, monkeys show affection and friendship by picking bugs and dirt out of each other's fur. These animals use their hands and feet to grip objects and climb trees. Some even have tails that can grab items as small as peanuts. Born a Monkey? Swinging from one group of friends to another, you love to have a good time. You like to entertain your friends by showing off your talents, and they appreciate your cleverness and sense of humor. If you were born in any of these years, you're a Monkey! 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016 Monkeys Are Clever Year of the Rooster The Real Thing The rooster's loud cock-a-doodle-doo attracts females and warns other males to stay away.

The red comb on his head may help other roosters identify him, and it also sets him apart from other bird species. Born a Rooster? You are practical and resourceful, and you use what you have to succeed without taking a lot of risks. A hard worker, you say what's on your mind and have a sense of style that sets you apart. If you were born in any of these years, you're a Rooster! 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017 Year of the Dog The Real Thing A dog's supersensitive ears can hear a noise about 100 yards (91.44 meters) away that a person couldn't hear more than 25 yards (22.86 meters) away. Its strong sense of smell helps it do things like find lost people or sniff out bad guys. Born a Dog? You're a great listener who can keep a secret. Loyal to your friends, you have a keen sense of right and wrong and stick to what you believe in.

If you were born in any of these years, you're a Dog! 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006 Dogs Have Super-Sensitive Ears Chinese New Year Zodiac Animal continue reading below our video Tips for Taking Better Travel Photos Chinese New Year Cow Zodiac Sign. Getty/Stephanie Dalton Cowan 2. Cow Birth Years for the Cow Zodiac Sign: 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997 Patient, reliable and loyal, cows are happiest when their life and relationships are stable. They tend to form strong and long lasting friendships and often have a small but solid circle of friends. While usually relaxed, cows can be apprehensive of change and this fear can make them sensitive to criticism and unwilling to accept other people’s opinions. Chinese New Year Tiger Zodiac Sign. Getty/Stephanie Dalton Cowan 3.

Tiger Birth Years for the Tiger Zodiac Sign: 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998 Passionate about life, Tigers tend to act before they think and throw all their energies into every situation headlong. Supremely confident, they breed confidence in those around them and are natural born leaders and great orators. But their hot and cold emotions mean they are easily bored and change their mind and opinions frequently. They warm to people quickly and usually have a wide circle of friends, but can often be too easily influenced. Chinese New Year Rabbit Zodiac Sign. Getty/Stephanie Dalton Cowan 4. Rabbit Birth Years for the Rabbit Zodiac Sign : 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999 One of the noblest signs, rabbits are considered principled and honorable and often gain the admiration of those around them.

They care deeply about family and friends and their kindness and sympathy for others means they have long and strong relationships. Inscrutability honest and with a talent for dealing with people, they can often rise to positions of influence. Their good intentions can make them a soft target for people to take advantage of their charity and sympathy, and their gullibility can lead them into trouble. Chinese New Year Dragon Zodiac Sign. Getty/Stephanie Dalton Cowan 5. Dragon Birth Years for the Dragon Zodiac Sign: 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000 The red blooded dragon is one of the strongest signs in the Chinese zodiac and their tireless spirit can often bring them success. Their backbone and resolve means they are often turned to in times of crisis, and they can be relied upon to help out others. Their bravery means there are few situations they cannot over come. Driving them is a fiery temperament and it can make them impulsive and impetuous. They dislike routines and are regularly searching for new challenges and opportunities. Chinese New Year Snake Zodiac Sign.

Getty/Stephanie Dalton Cowan 6. Snake Birth Years for the Snake Zodiac Sign: 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001 Naturally intelligent, snakes have a thirst for knowledge and education giving them a wisdom that makes them prudent and rational when it comes to both money and relationships. They rarely make snap decisions, preferring to be patient, weigh up the pros and cons before choosing the right course. Their cool, calm and collected approach to life snakes cope with stress well but it can make them seem emotionally detached and they struggle to express themselves. Chinese New Year Horse Zodiac Sign. Getty/Stephanie Dalton Cowan 7. Horse Birth Years for the Horse Zodiac Sign: 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002 Full of wit and personality, horses revel in being the center of attention, and their outgoing and sociable behavior means they usually have a wide circle of friends.

They usually have little difficulty in attracting the opposite sex but quickly fall in love and relationships can often be intense and short; ending in heartbreak. In a relationship or not, horses like to be independent and their can do attitude and belief in themselves can often drive them to success. Chinese New Year Goat Zodiac Sign. Getty/Stephanie Dalton Cowan 8. Sheep Birth Years for the Sheep Zodiac Sign: 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003 Always thoughtful and kind to those around them, sheep value deep links to family friends and are unselfish in putting other people first. Gentle in their personality, sheep tend to have an affinity for culture and are often creatively gifted. Their sensitivity and concern makes them deep thinkers, but also worriers, and they are easily stressed and often tense. Chinese New Year Monkey Zodiac Sign. Getty/Stephanie Dalton Cowan 9.

Monkey Birth Years for the Monkey Zodiac Sign: 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004 Combining confidence, charisma and a dash of cuteness, monkeys are usually the life and soul of the party and popular with friends and potential partners. Imaginative with an ability to think creatively, adventurous and restless, they can seem rebellious, unwilling to accept authority, but their inquisitive nature, imagination and ability to think outside the box often makes them gifted at overcoming challenges and striving under stress. Their natural talents may sometimes be lost to laziness and they can seem condescending and egotistical. Chinese New Year Chicken Zodiac Sign. Getty/Stephanie Dalton Cowan 10.

Rooster Birth Years for the Rooster Zodiac Sign: 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005 With high expectations and high standards, roosters demand the best for themselves and are tenacious in doing whatever it takes to achieve their goals. While their ideals may seem impossibly ambitious, their approach to life is practical, disciplined and hard working. Sharp and capable, they conquer the obstacles that face them resolutely and are unflappable in a crisis. Roosters take failure very personally and can be highly critical of themselves and others around them; sometimes showing insensitivity. Chinese New Year Dog Zodiac Sign. Getty/Stephanie Dalton Cowan 11. Dog Birth Years for the Dog Zodiac Sign: 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006 The eternal optimists, dogs always see the best in themselves and others and have a naturally happy disposition.

Their enthusiasm is infectious and can inspire others to look towards them for leadership. While they value loyalty and are trusting of others, they are easily jealous and are unforgiving after disagreements and arguments. An innate stubbornness also means they will rarely admit when they are wrong. Chinese New Year Pig Zodiac Sign. Getty/Stephanie Dalton Cowan 12. Pig Birth Years for the Pig Zodiac Sign: 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007 The down to earth pig is instantly likable and can always be relied upon for their honesty and sense of fair play. Their friendliness and compassion make them excellent at dealing with people and they are an excellent judge of character. Despite their belief in other people they can often underestimate themselves and often --- wrongly --- feel they lack the skills or talent to achieve what they want most in life. Chinese New Year | Chinese Animal Year Zodiac | Chinese New Year Dates Today's Horoscope The Chinese Lunar calendar follows a 12 year cycle and each of the 12 years is represented by 12 Animals which form the Chinese Zodiac.

After every 12 years the Chinese Calendar repeats itself. The animals in the Chinese Zodiac or the animals which constitute the Chinese calendar are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Hare, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. • Chinese New Year Dates - Chinese new year dates as per English calendar Chinese Years - Chinese Animal Years List Given below is a list of all the years starting from the year 1900 to 2100 sorted according to the Chinese Animal they represent. For example, the Years listed under the column rat represent the Chinese Year of the Rat, likewise, Chinese Year of the Tiger, Chinese Year of the Hare etc... Rat 2103 Chinese New Year - Chinese New Year Date When in Chinese New Year 2018 or 2019? What is the English date corresponding to Chinese New Year date? Given below is the Chinese New Year dates of all Years between 2005 and 2020. Chinese New year date in English calendar format and English new year date in Chinese Year Format. Chinese new year date as per English calendar English date corresponding to Chinese new year i.e., first day of first Chinese month of each year.

Chinese New Year 2011 - February 3, 2011 Chinese New Year 2012 - January 23, 2012 Chinese New Year 2013 - February 10, 2013 Chinese New Year 2014 - January 31, 2014 Chinese New Year 2015 - February 19, 2015 Chinese New Year 2016 - February 8, 2016 Chinese New Year 2017 - January 28, 2017 Chinese New Year 2018 - February 16, 2018 Chinese New Year 2019 - February 5, 2019 Chinese New Year 2020 - January 25, 2020 Chinese New Year 2021 - February 12, 2021 Chinese New Year 2022 - February 1, 2022 Chinese New Year 2023 - January 22, 2023 Chinese New Year 2024 - February 10

, 2024 Chinese New Year 2025 - January 29, 2025 Chinese New Year 2026 - February 17, 2026 New year date as per Chinese calendar year Chinese date corresponding to English new year i.e., January 1.

January, 1 2012 is 8-12-4709 January, 1 2013 is 20-11-4710 January, 1 2014 is 1-12-4711 January, 1 2015 is 11-11-4712 January, 1 2016 is 22-11-4713 January, 1 2017 is 4-12-4714 January, 1 2018 is 15-11-4715 January, 1 2019 is 26-11-4716 January, 1 2020 is 7-12-4717 January, 1 2021 is 18-11-4718 January, 1 2022 is 29-11-4719 January, 1 2023 is 10-12-4720 January, 1 202

4 is 20-11-4721 January, 1 2025 is 2-12-4722 January, 1 2026 is 13-11-4723 January, 1 2027 is 24-11-4724 Chinese Calendar is the traditional astrology calendar of the Chinese people.

Many of the chinese festivals and Government Holidays are determined based on the Chinese Calendar. The months of the Chinese Calendar is a sixty year cycle. Chinese Animal Year / Chinese Zodiac Calendar Chinese calendar related links Chinese Zodiac: 12 Animal Signs, Calculator, Origin, App Zi Shi: 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. This is the time rats actively seek food. Ox Chou Shi: 1 to 3 a.m. This is the time that oxen ruminate. Tiger Yin Shi: 3 to 5 a.m. Tigers hunt prey and display fiercest nature. Rabbit Mao Shi: 5 to 7 a.m. The Jade Rabbit on the moon is busy pounding medicinal herb with a pestle. Dragon Chen Shi: 7 to 9 a.m. Dragons are hover in the sky at that time to give people rainfall. Snake Si Shi: 9 to 11 a.m. Snakes start to leave their burrows. Horse Wu Shi: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. With the sun high above, other animals are lying down for a noon break while the unconstrained horse is still vigorous. Sheep Wei Shi: 1 to 3 p.m.

It is said that if sheep ate grass at this time, they would grow stronger. Monkey Shen Shi: 3 to 5 p.m. Monkeys become lively. You Shi: 5 to 7 p.m. Roosters return to their roost as it is dark. Dog Xu Shi: 7 to 9 p.m. Dogs begin to carry out their duty to guard entrances. Pig Exploring Chinese History :: Features :: Chinese Lunar Calendar :: Zodiac Animals The Legend of the Animals Many centuries ago, the Chinese had no means to measure time. The Yellow Jade Emperor, the Emperor of Heaven, decided to arrange a contest. He invited all animals to a race on his birthday. The first 12 animals who cross the swift current river and reach the designated shore would be assigned to the 12 Zodiac Years. The cat and the rat, who were once good friends and poor swimmers, convinced the ox to carry them across the river. Being naive, gullible, good-natured, the powerful swimmer ox agreed. As they were crossing the river, the rat was worried that the cat might win the race; so the rat pushed the cat into the river.

This explains why cats hate rats, because they never forgave the rat for the incident. Right before the ox and the rat reached the shore, the rat jumped off the ox's back and took first place in the race. As the Jade Emperor named the ox as the 2nd zodiac animal, the tiger reached the finished line. Panting his way toward the Jade Emperor, the tiger explained that he had difficulty crossing the river because the current kept pushing him down stream. With his powerful strength, he was able to reach the shore safely. The Emperor recorded the tiger as the 3rd zodiac animal. From a distance, the crowd heard a thumping noise. Twitching its pinkish nose, the rabbit told the crowd that he had to hop from one stone to another in order to cross the river. Luckily, he was able to get hold of a floating log which finally washed him to shore. The Emperor named the rabbit, the 4th zodiac animal. In the 5th place came the dragon flying and belching fire in the air. Jade Emperor was very curious as to why the dragon came in late for he can fly and swim.

Because the mighty dragon could not bare to see his people and all the creatures on earth suffer a drought, he had to stop to make rain. When he reached the river, he spotted a helpless little rabbit clutching tightly to a log, so he gave a little puff and blew the log with the rabbit on it to the shore. Just as the Jade Emperor complimented the dragon for his consideration, he heard the horse whining and galloping. From out of the horse's hoof sneaked a shrewd slimy snake. The sudden appearance and the hissing of the snake startled the horse and made him jump backwards, thus forcing the horse to fall in 7th place and the snake to take the 6th place in the race. From a distance, approached the sheep, the monkey, and the rooster. The rooster proudly described how he had spotted a raft from a high ground, picked up the sheep, and the monkey. Along the way, the monkey and the sheep helped clear the weeds, pulled and pushed the raft to the shore.

The Emperor complimented the trios for their combined efforts and named the sheep the 8th of the zodiac animals, the monkey the 9th, and the rooster the 10th. Just as the Emperor was making the record official, next came the dog . The dog was trying to justify to the Emperor why, being one of the best swimmers, he was late. It turned out that the dog hadn't had a bath for a long time. The river water was so clean and fresh that he had to stop. The dog was recorded as the 11th zodiac animal. Jade Emperor was about to dismiss the crowd and retire from the long day when he heard an oink and a squeal from the little pig who was waddling down the path. Needless to explain, the pig was hungry during the race and he stopped for a feast. After the feast, he felt tired and took a little nap. The little pig made it as the last of the 12th zodiac animals. Another Version of the legend The origins of the 12 animals of Chinese astrology are unclear.

One legend holds that Buddha invited all the earth's animals to a gathering before his final departure, and these 12 were the only animals that showed up. As a token of his appreciation, Buddha named a year after each of them in the order in which they arrived.

Question: 19969 was the Chinese year of which creature?
Answer: Rat