Learning More about the Chinese Zodiac

Anyone that knows me has probably heard me talk about my love for Chinese food. From the hand rolled sushi to the sweet and sour chicken, the taste of a good buffet is hard to replace. Some people ask if I like going to places like Mark Pi’s or Panda Express, and while I won’t argue with a lunch or dinner at one of these one stop shops, I prefer going to buffets. You pay one low price and get as many trips through the line as you wish. Plus, drinks are usually included and some of the nicer places even have a hibachi grill where you can create your own combinations. Your options are somewhat endless at a buffet.

Most of these places are pretty similar too. They are roughly the same price, have the same items to choose from, and end your meal with a stale fortune cookie. But some places, like the Super 8 China Buffet make your experience educational. At this Chinese buffet your placemat is actually a description of the Chinese Zodiac breaking down each animal and their corresponding years. Seeing as how obsessed I am with Chinese food, I wanted to break down all of these animals and educate myself as well as my readers on the Chinese Zodiac.

Below you will find a brief description of all twelve of the animals found on the Chinese Zodiac. I also have listed the year in which these animals are celebrated and even a brief description of how these folks will typically act and relate with other creatures. Even who they will be most likely attracted to and who to avoid in marriage. Find your year and see if the description fits your personality!

(Note that there is a lot more information out there about the Chinese zodiac calendar. I just wanted to introduce you to it and give you some brief introductory information. If you wish to explore further, the link on the image just above will give you all you need to know about the calendar in much greater detail.)

Rabbit – 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999

This is the luckiest of all signs. Rabbits tend to be talented and articulate. They also are affectionate, yet shy, and seek peace throughout their lives. Rabbits should focus on being with a sheep or a boar. Rabbits are opposite of the cock.

Dragon – 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000

Just like the animal, you are eccentric and your life will be complex in many ways. However, you are very passionate by nature and have abundant health. Dragons should marry a monkey or a rat but not seal the deal until later in life. Dragons should avoid the dog.

Snake – 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001

The snake is wise and intense with a tendency towards physical beauty. Snakes are known to be vain and very high tempered. The boar is the snake’s ultimate enemy while the cock and the ox are a snake’s best sign.

Horse – 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002

The horse will be popular and very attractive to the opposite sex. The horse is also known to be attractive and ostentatious as well as impatient. The horse will need people in his or her life to succeed. A horse should marry a tiger or a dog but doing so rather early in life. Never marry a rat.

Sheep – 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003

The sheep is elegant and creative. You are also quite timid and prefer anonymity. You are most compatible with and should marry a boar or rabbit. However, never marry an ox.

Monkey – 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004

The monkey is very intelligent and is able to influence people. A monkey is also an enthusiastic achiever and is easily discouraged. A monkey is also easily annoyed and often confused. You should avoid tigers and seek a dragon or a rat.

Cock – 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005

A cock has a pioneer spirit and is devoted to work and an absolute quest for knowledge. The cock is often times selfish and eccentric in nature. Rabbits will cause the cock a bit of trouble and snakes and the oxen is a cock’s best match.

Dog – 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006

The dog is loyal and honest. A man’s best friend if you will. You work well with others and are typically generous. However, you can be stubborn and often times selfish. Look to the horse or the tiger for a mate. Make sure to watch out for dragons.

Boar – 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007

The boar is noble and chivalrous. You will have many friends and most of these friendships will last a lifetime. However, you are prone to marital strife. You should avoid other boars and marry a rabbit or a sheep.

Rat – 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996

The rat is a very ambitious create, yet honest in his or her ways. The rat is prone to spend money freely and has few lasting friendships. The rat will be most compatible with a dragon or a monkey. The rat should stay away from the horse.

Ox – 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997

The ox will be a bright and patient person. You will be inspiring to others and will make an outstanding parent if you so choose. You should marry a snake or a cock. However, the sheep will bring you nothing but trouble.

Tiger – 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998

Tigers are people who are aggressive by nature yet are candid in spirit and are sensitive when need be. The tiger should look to the horse and the dog for comfort and happiness. But, beware of the monkey at all costs.

As you can see, the Chinese Zodiac calendar is taken quite serious and pegs people just how they are. And as you were reading through this, I imagine that you found some people who fit these molds to a “T”. For instance, I am a boar. I cannot tell you how accurate even that short little description above is for me. And my girlfriend is a sheep and as the calendar states I should be involved with a sheep or a rabbit. Perhaps these Chinese folks have something here. In which year were you born and what zodiac sign do you fall under? Is it accurate?