We're also partnering with Twitter in a fortune telling game. Tweet your birth year followed by hashtag #CNYfortune to get your 2016 Chinese zodiac reading!
(ECNS) -- The Chinese zodiac, or shengxiao, refers to the circle of 12 animals that measure the cycles of time. Signs or animals are determined by the lunar year in which you were born.
Legend has it that a god beckoned all animals to bid him farewell before his departure from Earth. Only 12 of them, namely the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig arrived, with each given a place of honor in a year based on the order of arrival.
Why is there no cat?
It's a pity for cat lovers, but here's the story. At that time, the cat and the rat were good friends. The cat said to the rat: "We should arrive early to sign up, but I usually get up late." The rat then promised to give the cat a wakeup call. But on that very morning, the rat was too excited to recall the promise. The result was that the cat was too late for the party.
So the rat was the fastest runner?
Of course not. But he was the smartest. The rat thought up a good idea. He made the ox carry him on condition that he sang for the ox. When the ox was almost at the finishing line, the rat slid in front, and became the first lucky animal of the Chinese zodiac.
The Chinese zodiac remains popular in some East Asian countries such as China, Vietnam, Japan, the Philippines, Thailand and Mongolia.
Here comes the most interesting part:
Different people born under each zodiac sign are believed to have different personalities that represent animals of the year. Sometimes people consult with their zodiac signs for compatibility before getting married.
You can determine your animal sign by referring to the year you were born. Check out the real animal in your heart and the personalities they represent!
Rat:
Partners well with: Dragon Monkey
Characteristics: Intelligent, adaptable, quick-witted, charming, artistic, sociable.
Ox:
Partners well with: Sanke and Rooster
Characteristics: Loyal, reliable, thorough, strong, reasonable, steady, determined
Tiger:
Partners well with: Horse and Dog
Characteristics: Enthusiastic, courageous, ambitious, leadership, confidence, charismatic
Rabbit:
Partners well with: Sheep and Boar
Characteristics: Trustworthy, empathic, modest, diplomatic, sincere, sociable, caretakers.
Dragon:
Partners well with: Rat and Monkey
Characteristics: Lucky, flexible, eccentric, imaginative, artistic, spiritual, charismatic
Snake:
Partners well with: Rooster and Ox
Characteristics: Philosophical, organized, intelligent, intuitive, elegant, attentive, decisive
Horse:
Partners well with: Dog and Tiger
Characteristics: Adaptable, loyal, courageous, ambitious, intelligent, adventurous, strong
Sheep:
Partners well with: Boar and Rabbit
Characteristics: Tasteful, crafty, warm, elegant, charming, intuitive, sensitive, calm
Monkey:
Partners well with: Dragon and Rat
Characteristics: Quick-witted, charming, lucky, adaptable, bright, versatile, lively, smart.
Rooster:
Partners well with: Snake and Ox
Characteristics: Honest, energetic, intelligent, flamboyant, flexible, diverse, confident.
Dog:
Partners well with: Tiger and Horse
Characteristics: Loyal, sociable, courageous, diligent, steady, lively, adaptable, smart
Pig:
Partners well with: Sheep and Rabbit
Characteristics: Honorable, philanthropic, determined, optimistic, sincere, sociable
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We're also partnering with Twitter in a fortune telling game. Tweet your birth year followed by hashtag #CNYfortune to get your 2016 Chinese zodiac reading!
