The Chinese Zodiac is a twelve-year cycle. It started from Buddhism.   According to the story, As Buddha lay dying, he called all the animals of China to his bedside, but only twelve animals came.  Because he wanted to honor the animals for their devotion, he dedicated a year for each animal. The animals that appeared were the Rat, Ox (or Buffalo), Tiger, Rabbit (or Hare), Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat (or Sheep), Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig (or Boar).

    Each animal has its own special characteristics. Many people believe that these characteristics affect events that happen during the year. In addition, some people believe that people born in a certain year will have qualities of that year's animal.  As with the more common zodiac, the  Chinese zodiac is expressed in extremes and very seldom will someone fit the whole description. In fact, most people will find that they have milder components than what is stated below, or those that were born close to the beginning or the end of a year may have characteristics of the previous or next animal as well.

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RAT (1924 1936 1948 1960 1972 1984 1996 2008)  Go-getting, charming and fun loving. Rats are natural leaders whom people respect.  Rather than get straight to the point, the rat will take a more round about route to get to what they want, and when they have it they won't let go! Privately, Rats are a jumble of opposites.  Confidant outside, fretful and anxious inside, they can be picky and mean over the smallest issue, and yet gush over a mere trinket. Rats are very level headed and are also very alert. Their intuition is strong and are always on the lookout for opportunities to better themselves. Rats will get well along with Dragons and Monkeys, however they should avoid Horses.

OX (or Buffalo) (1925 1937 1949 1961 1973 1985 1997 2009) When you have an Ox on the team, you can be sure they will be there at the end, but at there own speed.  They project a quiet, confidant air of authority and when required can be eloquent.  Underneath that thick hide, they are a little eccentric, conservation and somewhat grumpy.  Slushy romantic gestures are not characteristics of the Ox, but deep profound love certainly is.  Ox gets along with Snakes and Roosters but not Sheep.

TIGER (1926 1938 1950 1962 1974 1986 1998 2010)  Dynamic, hardworking and idealistic types that are somewhat egotistical, Tigers lead their lives at a pace few can keep up with.  There is always a cause to fight for, and the greater the battle, the more ferocious and courageous they become. Being a hothead, and jumping in with both feet will always be your undoing.  Look to a horse or Dog to pledge loyalty to, but not a Monkey.

RABBIT (or Hare) (1927 1939 1951 1963 1975 1987 1999 2011) Discreet and cultured, the Rabbit is a born diplomat.  They would rather back down in a fight in order to seek a third way.  Rabbits are acquisitive, have wealth without being flashy and tend towards a traditional lifestyle.  A sensitive soul, a bit of a hypochondriac and not known for impulsive behavior.  Rabbits prefer a well planned, orderly life and would do well to choose a Sheep or Pig, and should avoid Roosters.

DRAGON (1928 1940 1952 1964 1976 1988 2000 2012) The leader of the Pack!  Life and soul of the party, always the first one on the dance floor.  Larger than life and tough in business- and it's all camouflage for Dragon's sentimental inner-self.  Dragons are a soft touch for a sob-story and flattering a Dragons ego never fails those who want something from them. Ever loyal to family and friends, a Dragon's love life will most likely resemble a series of romantic episodes. A Snake or Rooster may be able to tame a Dragon but a Sheep never could.

SNAKE (1929 1941 1953 1965 1977 1989 2001 2013) Oh wise and wonderful one! A fantastic combination of wisdom and beauty.  Snakes are smart AND sexy, they dress well and somehow know in advance the course of events.  Those seeking advice or counseling will definitely be seeking a Snake.  A snake's vanity is bearable but their penny pinching is not, unless of course, when spending money on themselves.  Beware of those snakes who are self righteous and judgmental.  An Ox or Rooster will make the best companion, but pigs should be avoided.

HORSE (1930 1942 1954 1966 1978 1990 2002 2014) Determined and somewhat stubborn at times, the Horse is always in with the crowd but doesn't lead it.  They are headstrong and will not hesitate to trample over those who get in the way of their objective.  Horses are movers and shakers but there lack of sentiment will often see them turn their back on family and friends in order to pursue a new love with unqualified devotion. Horses get along well with Tigers and Dogs but generally don't get along with Rats.

GOAT (or Sheep) (1919 1931 1943 1955 1967 1979 1991 2003 2015) Creatively gifted, intuitive and laid back, Goats are well mannered and charming.  They are known to be eccentric and cranky and are quite likely to be in sympathy with conservation issues.  However, Goats are delicate little things that need to be treated with kidd gloves.  To achieve anything they need to be organized and have clear targets to aim at but someone else will have to tell them what to do. They are compatible with Rabbits or Pigs but seldom with Ox.   

MONKEY (1920 1932 1944 1956 1968 1980 1992 2004 2016) Quick witted, they Monkey is everybody's friend.  Forever young, Monkeys make great effort with their looks to stay that way.  Look out for a mid-life crisis. always in demand as part of the team, this sign will always be near the top of any organization.  They can be tricky and cunning and are quite often managing events behind the scenes so watch your back!  Monkeys are most compatible with Dragons and Rats, but not Tigers.

ROOSTER (1921 1933 1945 1957 1969 1981 1993 2005 2017) Roosters are courageous, hardworking, shrewd, arrogant, reckless, selfish and eccentric. They are thirsty for knowledge, devoted to work and definite involved in decision-making. They are skilled at what they do and attentive to details. However, they tend to seem boastful to others. Roosters will be happy as a restaurant owner, publicist, soldier or world traveler. The sign promises harmony with Snakes and Ox and trouble with Rabbits.

DOG (1922 1934 1946 1958 1970 1982 1994 2006 2018) Those born under this sign are honest, quiet, intelligent, generous, stubborn, loyal and faithful to those they love. They are introverted listeners, dedicated but also cynical and prone to letting their external anxieties get the better of them. Constant worry, a sharp tongue, and a tendency to be a faultfinder will always plague  them. However, they are born to be successful. Dogs will be excellent businessmen, activists, teachers, or secret agents. Tigers and Horses are deemed as best matches, and Dragons need to be handled with care.

PIG (or Boar) (1923 1935 1947 1959 1971 1983 1995 2007 2019) Pigs are honest, reliable, sincere, tolerant, shy, affectionate, kind, impulsive and short tempered. They are splendid companions, intellectuals with a very strong need to set difficult goals and carry them out. In addition they are extraordinarily naive. Their unquenchable thirst for knowledge will facilitate their success whereas their quest for material comfort will frustrate it. Pigs also will sacrifice their lives for good causes. The Pig will be successful in financial affairs, or as an entertainer, or possibly a lawyer. Pigs should beware of other Pigs and compatible with Sheep and Rabbits.