Chinese zodiac
The 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac are symbolised by 12 animals. It is believed that a person takes the characteristics of the animal in whose year they were born.
Legend has it that the Lord Buddha summoned all the animals to come to him before he departed from Earth. Only 12 of the animals came to bid him farewell, so Buddha honoured them each with a year.
The order was taken from the sequences that they appeared to him; first the Rat, then the Ox, the Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.
2012 is the Year of the Dragon. People born in the Year of the Dragon are said to be passionate people who put a great deal of energy into all that they do. However, this enthusiasm can leave dragons feeling exhausted! If you were born in 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988 or 2000, then you are a dragon, and this is your year.