The Chinese zodiac has twelve signs and, unlike in our western astrology, in Chinese astrology each sign lasts for a year. Legend has it that as Buddha was about to depart the earth he summoned all the animals to say goodbye. Only twelve turned up so, to show his appreciation of their loyalty, he vowed that from then on each year would bear the name of one of the animals.

Chinese astrology is based on the Lunar Calendar. This means the Chinese New Year does not fall on the same day each year and can vary by as much as 3 weeks. So for babies born in late January/early February it is necessary to consult the charts to determine the correct sign.

You will find a chart of the dates and signs below.

9 February 2005 - 28 January 2006: Rooster
22 January 2004 - 8 February 2005: Monkey
1 February 2003 - 21 January 2004: Goat
12 February 2002 - 31 January 2003: Horse
24 January 2001 - 11 February 2002: Snake
5 February 2000 - 23 January 2001: Dragon
6 February 1999 - 4 February 2000: Rabbit
28 January 1998 - 5 February 1999: Tiger
8 February 1997 - 27 January 1998: Ox
19 February 1996 - 7 February 1997: Rat
31 January 1995 - 18 February 1996: Pig
10 February 1994 - 30 January 1995: Dog
23 January 1993 - 9 February 1994: Rooster
4 February 1992 - 22 January 1993: Monkey
15 February 1991 - 3 February 1992: Goat
27 January 1990 - 14 February 1991: Horse
6 February 1989 - 26 January 1990: Snake
17 February 1988 - 5 February 1989: Dragon
29 January 1987 - 16 February 1988: Rabbit
9 February 1986 - 28 January 1987: Tiger
20 February 1985 - 8 February 1986: Ox
2 February 1984 - 19 February 1985: Rat
13 February 1983 - 1 February 1984: Pig
25 February 1982 - 12 February 1983: Dog

If you were born under the Chinese year sign of the Horse, you're great fun! Horses are usually strong, handsome people with bags of energy, natural athletes often drawn to outdoor sporty activities. Not suited to paperwork, people born under this sign dislike dealing with detail and need plenty of exercise to keep alert.

Horses need to be the centre of attention and need to be liked. However, they can be stubborn and want complete freedom to do as they wish regardless of other's feelings. Instinctive and intuitive, Horses care little for other people's opinions.

People born under this sign like to dress up and they organise great parties. Never dull, they are likeable and great fun, if you're going on holiday and want to take a friend, choose a Horse!

The characteristics of people born under the other Chinese year signs can be found at our web site.