In addition, the characteristics of the each sign are tempered by one of the five Chinese elements of metal, water, wood, fire and earth, which overlay a cycle of characteristics on the original 12-year cycle.2011 is the year of the Golden Rabbit, which occurs every 60 years.
Year of the Rat:
1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008
People born in the Year of the Rat are noted for their charm and attraction for the opposite sex. They work hard to achieve their goals, acquire possessions and are likely to be perfectionists. They are basically thrifty with money. Rat people are easily angered and love to gossip. Their ambitions are big, and they are usually very successful. They are most compatible with people born in the years of the Dragon, Monkey and Ox.
Year of the Ox:
1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009
People born in the Year of the Ox are patient, speak little, and inspire confidence in others. They tend, however, to be eccentric and bigoted, and they anger easily. They have fierce tempers and although they speak little, when they do they are quite eloquent. Ox people are mentally and physically alert. Generally easygoing, they can be remarkably stubborn, and they hate to fail or be opposed. They are most compatible with Snake, Rooster and Rat people.
Year of the Tiger:
1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010
Tiger people are sensitive, given to deep thinking, capable of great sympathy. They can be extremely short-tempered, however. Other people have great respect for them, but sometimes Tiger people come into conflict with older people or those in authority. Sometimes Tiger people cannot make up their minds, which can result in a poor, hasty decision or a sound decision arrived at too late. They are suspicious of others, but they are courageous and powerful. Tigers are most compatible with Horses, Dragons and Dogs.
Year of the Rabbit:
1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011
People born in the Year of the Rabbit are articulate, talented and ambitious. They are virtuous and reserved, and have excellent taste. Rabbit people are admired and trusted, and are often financially lucky. They are fond of gossip but are tactful and generally kind. Rabbit people seldom lose their temper. They are clever at business and, being conscientious, never back out of a contract. They would make good gamblers, for they have the uncanny gift of choosing the right thing. However, they seldom gamble, as they are conservative and wise. They are most compatible with those born in the years of the Sheep, Pig and Dog.
Year of the Dragon:
1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000
People born in the Year of the Dragon are healthy, energetic, excitable, short-tempered and stubborn. They are also honest, sensitive, brave, and they inspire confidence and trust. Dragon people are the most eccentric of any in the eastern zodiac. They neither borrow money nor make flowery speeches, but they tend to be soft-hearted, which sometimes gives others an advantage over them. They are compatible with Rats, Snakes, Monkeys and Roosters.
Year of the Snake:
1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001
People born in the Year of the Snake are deep. They say little and possess great wisdom. They never have to worry about money; they are financially fortunate. Snake people are often quite vain, selfish and a bit stingy. Yet they have tremendous sympathy for others and try to help those less fortunate. Although calm on the surface, they are intense and passionate. Snake people are usually good-looking and sometimes have marital problems because they are fickle. They are most compatible with the Ox and Rooster.
Year of the Horse:
1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002
People born in the Year of the Horse are popular. They are cheerful, skillful with money and perceptive, although they sometimes talk too much. The are wise, talented, good with their hands and sometimes have a weakness for members of the opposite sex. They are impatient and hot-blooded about everything except their daily work. They like entertainment and large crowds. They are very independent and rarely listen to advice. They are most compatible with Tigers, Dogs and Sheep.
Year of the Ram:
1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003
People born in the Year of Ram are elegant and highly accomplished in the arts. They seem to be, at first glance, better off than those born in the zodiac's other years. But Ram people are often shy, pessimistic and puzzled about life. They are usually deeply religious, yet timid by nature. Ram people never have to worry about having the best in life, for their abilities make money for them, and they are able to enjoy the creature comforts that they like. Ram people are wise, gentle and compassionate. They are compatible with Rabbits, Pigs and Horses.
Year of the Monkey:
1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004
People born in the Year of the Monkey are the erratic geniuses of the cycle. Clever, skillful and flexible, they are remarkably inventive and original and can solve the most difficult problems with ease. There are few fields in which Monkey people wouldn't be successful, but they have a disconcerting habit of being too agreeable. Although good at making decisions, they tend to look down on others. Having common sense, Monkey people have a deep desire for knowledge and have excellent memories. Monkey people are strong-willed, but their anger cools quickly. They are most compatible with the Dragon and Rat.
Year of the Rooster;
1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005
People born in the Year of the Rooster are deep thinkers, capable and talented. They like to be busy and are devoted beyond their capabilities, and are deeply disappointed if they fail. People born in the Rooster Year are often a bit eccentric, and often have a rather difficult relationship with others. They always think they are right and usually are! Rooster people's emotions, like their fortunes, swing very high to very low. They can be selfish and too outspoken, but are always interesting and can be extremely brave. They are most compatible with Ox, Snake and Dragon.
Year of the Dog;
1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006
People born in the Year of the Dog possess the best traits of human nature. They have a deep sense of loyalty, are honest and inspire other people's confidence because they know how to keep secrets. But Dog people are somewhat selfish, terribly stubborn and eccentric. They care little for wealth, yet somehow always seem to have money. They can be cold emotionally and sometimes distant at parties. They can find fault with many things and are noted for their sharp tongues. Dog people make good leaders. They are compatible with those born in the Years of the Horse, Tiger and Rabbit.
Year of the Pig;
1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007
People born in the Year of the Pig are chivalrous and gallant. Whatever they do, they do it with all their strength. They have tremendous fortitude and great honesty. They don't make many friends, but they make them for life, and anyone having a Boar Year friend is fortunate, for they are extremely loyal. They don't talk much but have a great thirst for knowledge. Boar people are quick tempered yet they hate arguments and quarreling. They are most compatible with Rabbits and Sheep.
