There are 12 different animals: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, ram, monkey, rooster, dog and boar. Each has its own distinctive set of characteristics.
According to Chinese legend, Buddha called all the animals to him before he left the earth.
Only 12 turned up so as a reward he named a year after each one in the order they arrived.
Rat
1924 1936 1948 1960 1972 1984 1996
People born in the Year of the Rat are said to be charming, creative and very generous to family and friends.
Famous rats include: Hugh Grant and Ursula Andress
Ox
1925 1937 1949 1961 1973 1985 1997
People born in the Year of the Ox are said to be good leaders, methodical and good at making things
Famous oxen include: Shirley Bassey and Jack Nicholson
Tiger
1926 1938 1950 1962 1974 1986 1998 2010
People born in the Year of the Tiger are said to be risk takers with plenty of initiative.
Famous tigers include: Matt Lucas (Little Britain) and Cybil Shepherd
Rabbit
1927 1939 1951 1963 1975 1987 1999 2011
People born in the Year of the Rabbit are said to be affectionate and have lots of friends.
Famous rabbits include: Jose Mourinho and Elle Macpherson
Dragon
1928 1940 1952 1964 1976 1988 2000
People born in the Year of the Dragon are said to be popular and full of fun.
Famous dragons include: Al Pacino and David Baddiel
Snake
1929 1941 1953 1965 1977 1989 2001
People born in the Year of the Snake are said to be wise and romantic.
Famous snakes include: Vinnie Jones and Vivienne Westwood
Horse
1930 1942 1954 1966 1978 1990 2002
People born in the Year of the Horse are said to be hard working and independent
Famous horses include: Rolf Harris and Aretha Franklin
Ram
1931 1943 1955 1967 1979 1991 2003
People born in the Year of the Ram are said to be elegant and artistic
Famous sheep include: Catherine Deneuve and Sharleen Spiteri
Monkey
1932 1944 1956 1968 1980 1992 2004
People born in the Year of the Monkey are said to be intelligent and well-liked.
Famous monkeys include: Omar Sharif and George Lucas
Rooster
1933 1945 1957 1969 1981 1993 2005
People born in the Year of the Rooster are said to be decisive and hard working.
Famous Roosters include:Μύ Jennifer Aniston and Rod Stewart
Dog
1934 1946 1958 1970 1982 1994 2006
People born in the Year of the Dog are said to be honest and faithful
Famous dogs include: Jools Holland and Tamara Beckwith
Pig
1935 1947 1959 1971 1983 1995 2007
People born in the Year of the Pig are said to be tolerant and friendly.
Famous boars include: David Bowie and Elton John
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