Friday, August 31, 2007

The Chinese Zodiac Calendar


The title of the book comes from the Chinese tradition of assigning a certain animal to each year. There are twelve animals: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig--one for each year in a 12-year cycle. The tradition says that you take on the characteristics of the animal for the year you were born. So, for example, I was born in the year of the sheep, so my zodiac sign says I will be "Righteous, sincere, sympathetic, mild-mannered, shy, artistic, creative, gentle, compassionate, understanding, mothering, determined, peaceful, generous, seeks security." Sounds pretty good to me!

What year were you born in the Chinese zodiac calendar? Use the picture to figure out your animal, then if you like, make a "comment" to let us know. Your moms and dads can find their year and animal, too!