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The
Chinese Zodiac is a 12 year cycle. Each year of the 12 year cycle is
named after one of the original 12 animals. Each animal has a different
personality and different characteristics. The animal is believed to be
the main factor in each person's life that gives them their traits,
success, and happiness in their lifetime. A person may not remember the
year he was born, but he definitely what animal he is.
The Chinese zodiac refers to a pure calendar cycle.
The animals are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep (ram or goat), monkey, rooster, dog, and boar.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_astrology
http://rubytuesdaytoo.blogspot.co.nz/