The most popular interpretation of the origin of the Chinese zodiac is the legendary animal race hosted by the Jade Emperor sometime in sixth century B.C. The ranking of the 12 animals is based on the order in which they finished the race. The rat came in first by hitching a ride off the ox and jumping off its head at the last minute. The list continues, and the cat is left out due to being tricked by the rat into sleeping late and thus forever swears vengeance on rats. However, the more credible and academic explanation is that the idea of the zodiacs was born from ancient Chinese philosophies of the Twelve Earthly Branches (which provide a system for time), and the Wu Xing five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal and water).

Those familiar with the western zodiacs will notice that both the eastern and western zodiac consists of 12 animals and symbols. However, the Chinese zodiac is based on the lunar year and the animal representation changes yearly, with 2009 as the year of the Ox. On the other hand, the western zodiac is based on the solar calendar and the symbols are called sun signs. In addition, the symbols change monthly instead of yearly.

Each Chinese zodiac is accredited with personality traits:

Rat (1984): Disciplined, charismatic. Can be manipulative and over-ambitious.

Ox (1985): Dependable, logical, resolute. Can be stubborn and materialistic.

Tiger (1986): Impulsive, affectionate, generous. Can be reckless and quick-tempered.

Rabbit (1987): Sensitive, cautious, artistic. Can be moody, detached, superficial and lazy.

Dragon (1988): Proud, passionate, ambitious. Can be arrogant, prejudiced and brash.

Snake (1989): Wise, creative, purposeful. Can be loner, bad communicator and possessive.

Horse (1990): Cheerful, popular, changeable, open-minded. Can be fickle, gullible and stubborn.

Ram (1991): Creative, understanding, determined. Can be moody, indecisive and pessimistic.

Monkey (1992): Inventor, motivator, problem solver, competitive. Can be egotistical and reckless.

Rooster (1993): Acute, organized, conservative, perfectionist. Can be overzealous, abrasive and opinionated.

Dog (1994): Intelligent, sense of justice and fair play, idealistic. Can be cynical, lazy and judgmental.

Pig (1995): Honest, trusting, intelligent. Can be naive, over-reliant, self-indulgent and gullible.