The Chinese Zodiac animal signs are a 12-year cycle used for dating the years. They represent a cyclical concept of time rather than the Western linear concept of time. The Chinese Lunar Calendar is based on the cycles of the moon and is constructed differently than the Western solar calendar. In the Chinese calendar the beginning of the year falls somewhere between late January and early February.

According to Chinese legend the twelve animals quarreled one day as to who was to head the cycle of years. The gods were asked to decide and they held a contest: whoever was to reach the opposite bank of the river would be first and the rest of the animals would receive their years according to their finish.

All the twelve animals gathered at the river bank and jumped in. Unknown to the ox the rat had jumped upon his back. As the ox was about to jump ashore the rat jumped off the ox's back and won the race. The pig, who was very lazy, ended up last. That is why the rat is the first year of the animal cycle, the ox second, and the pig last.

Learn what the uncannily accurate Chinese Zodiac can tell you about your personality. Discover who your most compatible signs are in your quest for romance and happiness. Put this ancient Chinese wisdom to work for your love life.