This year the Chinese New Year falls on February 3^rd.  As per the Chinese Zodiac Calendar, 2011 is the ‘Year of the Rabbit’.  The Rabbit is said to be one of the most fortunate of the twelve animal signs since it is the symbol of longevity.  If you were born in 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999 the Year of the Rabbit, you possess graciousness, good manners, sound counsel kindness and sensitivity to beauty.

The Chinese Calendar runs in 12 year cycles.  Last year was the Tiger, but my favorite is the Dragon.  He is the most impressive as far as looks and beauty goes.  However, each animal of the calendar has its unique characteristics as does each person who is born under each sign.  Listed below are the animals and the years attached to them.

Rat                          1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008

Ox                           1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009

Tiger                       1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010

Rabbit                    1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011

Dragon                   1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000

Snake                     1917, 1929, 1941, 1952, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001

Horse                     1918, 1930, 1942, 1953, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002

Goat                       1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991,2003

Monkey                 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004

Rooster                  1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005

Dog                       1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006

Pig                        1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007

The characteristics of each animal of the zodiac are different, but all have their positive attributes.  To find out the highlights of each one, continue reading below.   

Rats are quick-witted, clever, charming, and funny. They have excellent taste and are generous and loyal to their friends.
                                                                                            

Oxen are steadfast, solid, goal-oriented leaders, detail-oriented, hard-working, stubborn, serious and introverted.

 

Tigers are authoritative, self-possessed, have strong leadership qualities, are charming, ambitious, courageous and warm-hearted.
 

Rabbits are popular, compassionate, sincere, and they like to avoid conflict and are sometimes seen as pushovers. Rabbits enjoy entertaining at home.
 

Dragons are full of vitality and love of life.  Dragons are egotistical, eccentric, demanding, and giving.
 

Snakes are crafty, gregarious, generous, charming and good with money.  They rely on gut feelings and are hard-working and intelligent.

 

Horses love to roam free. They’re energetic, self-reliant, money-wise, and they enjoy traveling. They are sharp-witted, impatient and sometimes seen as a drifter. 

 

Goats are creative, thinkers, wanderers, unorganized, high-strung and insecure, and can be anxiety-ridden. They need lots of love, support and reassurance.

 

Monkeys are  energetic, upbeat, and good at listening but lack self-control. They like being active and stimulated and enjoy pleasing self before pleasing others.
 

Roosters are practical, resourceful, observant, analytical, straightforward, trusting, honest, perfectionists, neat and conservative.
 

Dogs are loyal, faithful, honest and are often guilty of telling white lies.  The can be temperamental, prone to mood swings and are sensitive. 

 

Pigs are extremely nice, good-mannered and tasteful. They’re perfectionists who enjoy finer things. They enjoy helping others and are good.