By Rachael, Robyn & Lauren Chinese Zodiac By Rachael, Robyn & Lauren

History The Chinese animal zodiac, is a repeating cycle of 12 years, with each year being represented by an animal. Traditionally these zodiac animals were used to date the years.The 12 animals were chosen deliberately. The zodiac animals are either closely related to ancient Chinese people’s daily lives, or have lucky meanings. Everybody has different animal signs depending on the year of your birth. People under different signs have unique characters and fortune. 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, when it is your birth zodiac year, you 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 elderly relative.

Rat The rat is the first animal in the 12-year cycle of Chinese zodiac. The rat represents Personality traits of people born in the year of the rat are quick-witted, resourceful, versatile kind, smart and lovely. Rats have a lack of courage and command skills, therefore they don’t make good leaders. Rats also sleep in late as they are nocturnal animals. Lucky colours: Blue, gold, green Lucky numbers: 2, 3 鼠 Shǔ 鼠 (Shǔ) = Rat

Ox The year of the Ox is the second year in the Chinese Zodiac cycle. The years of the Ox are 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021 etc. Oxen symbolise diligence, persistence and honesty. Lucky Colors: White, yellow, green Lucky Numbers: 1, 4. Personality traits: Diligent, reliable, honest, determined and ambitious. Niú

Tiger The year of the Tiger is the third in the Chinese Zodiac cycle. The years of the Tiger are 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022 etc. They are very charming and well-liked by others. Lucky Colors: blue, grey, orange, white Lucky Numbers: 1, 3, 4 Personality traits: Brave, competitive, confident, adventurous, open and independent, sometimes irritable and overindulged. Hû

Rabbit The rabbit is the fourth animal in the 12- year cycle of Chinese zodiac. The rabbit represents Personality traits of people born in the year of the rabbit are gentle, quiet, clever, elegant, alert, kind and patient. Rabbits are reluctant to reveal their minds to others. They are too cautious and conservative Lucky colours: Red, pink, purple, blue Lucky numbers: 3, 4, 6 兔 (Tù) = Rabbit

Dragon The year of the Dragon is fifth year in the Chinese zodiac cycle. The years of the Dragon include 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024, 2036 etc. The Dragon is a prominent figure in Chinese culture. It is regarded as a powerful and benevolent symbol. Lucky Colors: Gold, silver and grayish white. Lucky Numbers: 1, 6, 7. Personality traits: Enthusiastic, confident, intelligent, ambitious and hardworking. Lóng

Snake The year of the Snake is the sixth in the 12-year cycle of Chinese zodiac sign. The years of the Snake include 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025 etc. The Snake carries the meanings of malevolence and mystery, as well as acumen and divination. Lucky Colors: Black, red and yellow. Lucky Numbers: 2, 8, 9 Personality traits: Calm, courageous, lively, intelligent and communicative. Shé

Horse The year of the Horse is the seventh in the 12 year Chinese Zodiac cycle. The years of the Horse include 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026 etc. Horses symbolises enthusiasm and energy, and gives people an impression of independence and integrity. Its spirit is recognised to be the Chinese people's ethos,- making efforts to improve themselves with passion and diligence. Lucky Colors: Yellow and green. Lucky Numbers: 2, 3, 7, Personality traits: Energetic, kind, rational, sentimental and optimistic. Mâ

Goat The year of the Goat (or sheep/ram) is the eighth in the Chinese zodiac cycle. The years of the Goat include 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027 etc. The Goat/Sheep/Ram is among the animals that people like most. It is gentle and calm, and often reminds people of beautiful things. Lucky Colors: Green, red and purple. Lucky Numbers: 2, 7 Personality traits: Creative, thoughtful, calm, gentle, honest and amicable. Shānyáng

Monkey The year of the Monkey is the ninth year in the Chinese Zodiac cycle. The years of the Monkey are 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022 The monkey is a clever animal. It is usually compared to a smart person. This year is the year of the Monkey, and is an unlucky year. Must be aware of road accidents, not good health expectations. Lucky Colors: Blue, grey, orange and white. Lucky Numbers: 1, 3, 4. Personality traits: Fast learners, crafty, Hóu

Rooster 鸡 (Jī) = Rooster The rooster is the tenth animal in the 12-year cycle in the Chinese zodiac. The rooster represents Personality traits of people born in the year of the rooster are observant, hardworking, confident, courageous, talented and honest. Roosters expect others to listen to them while they speak. Vain and boastful roosters like to brag about themselves and their accomplishments. Roosters are always seeking the attention of others, this annoys people around them at times. Lucky colours: Gold, brown, yellow Lucky numbers: 5, 7, 8 鸡 (Jī) = Rooster

Dog The dog is the eleventh animal in the 12- year cycle of the Chinese zodiac. The dog represents Personality traits of people born in the year of the dog are honest, kind, cautious, loyal and sincere. Dogs will do everything for the person they think is most important. Dogs are not good at communication, it is difficult for them to convey their minds to others. Therefore Dogs tend to leave others the impression of a stubborn personality. Lucky colors: Red, green & purple Lucky numbers: 3, 4, 6 狗 (Gǒu) = Dog

Pig The Pig is the twelfth and final year in the Chinese Zodiac cycle. The years of the Pig are 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028 etc. Pig is not thought to be a smart animal in China, it likes sleeping and eating and thus usually symbolises laziness and clumsiness. On the positive side, it behaves itself, and can bring affluence to people, so it has been regarded as wealth. Lucky numbers: 2, 5, 8, and numbers containing them (like 25 and 58) Lucky colors: yellow, gray, brown, gold. Personality traits: Impatient, ambitious, caring, gentle, good natured. Zhū