The Chinese Zodiac: What Animal Are YOU?

Just like in Western astrology the Chinese Zodiac can be used to predict your future - read on to see what Chinese Zodiac sign you were born under and if you have any of the characteristics of your sign!

The Chinese Zodiac assigns animals to each year, unlike the common Western Zodiac that runs from month to month. Each year belongs to a certain animal and people born in that year are considered to be endowed with certain abilities, good and bad, of that animal. 

The legend behind these creatures is that the Jade Emperor decided to hold a great holiday on his birthday and a contest for the animals in his domain. He challenged the animals to race across a fast-flowing river with the winner being the first to walk ashore.

Quickly alliances were built between the different creatures, with the cat and rat convincing the ox to carry them - since neither the cat nor the rat were good swimmers and would probably drown. The pair promised the ox that in exchange for his help they would allow him to set foot first on the land and win the race; allowing the cat and rat to at least keep their dignity. The ox, being good-natured and more than a little gullible, agreed to the deal.

Halfway across the river the cat and the rat began to fight on the back of the ox; with the cat finally being pushed into the river by the rat - thus the exclusion of the cat from the Zodiac and the ongoing hatred between cats and rats to this day. As the ox approached the shore the rat broke their agreement and jumped onto solid ground, securing the first place in the Zodiac with the good-natured ox plodding ashore and taking second place without any ill will towards the rat.

Third place in the Zodiac went to the tiger who struggled across the river, finally dragging himself ashore to the delight of the Emperor.

The rabbit, knowing he was not a strong swimmer, sought out stepping stones and logs, finally finding himself aboard a floating log that drifted quickly towards shore, securing him the fourth spot.