In order: 1.Rat 2.Ox 3.Tiger 4.Rabbit 5.Dragon 6.Snake 7.Horse 8.Goat 9.Monkey 10.Chicken 11.Dog 12.Pig The Rat is the 1 st of the zodiac signs The Pig is the last

The Chinese calendar is made up of 12 years Each year is named after an animal, like our signs of the zodiac. February 7 th 2008 is the start of the Year of the Rat. On the Chinese calendar the new year will be 4706 Year of the rat

What is your Chinese zodiac? , – – – – – – – –

The order of the Zodiac signs On the Jade Emperor’s birthday he told the animals to have a swimming race The first twelve animals across river would each have a zodiac year named after them. All the animals lined up along the river bank

The rat and the cat, who were best friends, asked the ox for a lift on his back They had almost reached the other bank when the rat pushed the cat into the river. Just before the ox was about to win the race the rat leapt off his back and finished first. The rat cheated his way into being the 1 st of the zodiac signs. Year of the Ox became the 2 nd sign

The 3 rd year was named after the tiger The rabbit came 4 th by hopping over rocks The dragon came in 5 th place despite being late The dragon told the Emperor how he spent all morning making rain for thirsty villagers and when he arrived at the river, he saw the rabbit struggling so he blew some drift wood in the rabbit’s direction

Just as the horse was coming in 6 th place, a snake startled the horse, making him jump back. 6 th year was name Year of the Snake The goat, monkey and rooster shared a raft. The Emperor was impressed at their team work and named the 8 th, 9 th and 10 th year after them 7 th year was named Year of the Horse

The pig stopped for a snack along the way and made it in time to claim the last zodiac sign The cat, who had been pushed into the river by the rat, finally crawled out of the water. The dog came 11 th as he was busy cleaning himself in the river He was too late to claim a year. Cats have been hunting rats ever since

Since that day, the Chinese calendar has been following the 12 signs of the Zodiac

What characteristics does your zodiac represent? RAT: Ambitious Both charming and aggressive. Calm and on the surface Little nervous underneath it all Hard working They have a good memory Tigers Rebels Love attention Impatient Generous & affectionate Great sense of humour OX: A leader Extremely determined & stubborn. Trustworthy & responsible Punctual and honest Have quite a temper Can hold a grudge

Rabbits: Gracious and soft spoken. Peace-makers Good scholars Sensitive to others’ feelings Rarely get into trouble Well mannered Strong willed Dragons: Full of vitality and love of life Proud and direct Loyal to friends and family Dragons are not sentimental or even romantic Snakes Romantic and charming. Deep thinkers and always mysterious. Graceful and well-mannered Private Elegant dressers Snakes make good politicians

Horses: Warm and friendly Self-reliant and energetic Want things their way Good problem solver Gets right to the point Goats: Gentle and shy Understanding Quick to forgive. Gullible Cannot work well under pressure Needs looking after Monkeys: Clever and master most things. Charming manners Problem solver Quick-witted Self confident Do not care about the opinions of others

Dogs: Honest and friendly Protective & loyal to loved ones Value fair play and justice Quite private Good judges of character Hard workers Do not forgive very easily if you break their trust Pigs: Self-reliant Very sociable Dependable Determined. Peace lovers Don't hold grudges. Hate arguments Roosters: Dreamers Romantic Quite proud of themselves Great self-control Blunt and brutal Perfectionists