Chinese Zodiac Signs

Chinese Zodiac sign is based on the traditional Chinese Zodiac and chinese calendar. Chinese astrology does not calculate the positions of the sun, moon and planets at the time of birth.

The development of Chinese Zodiac is tied to that of astronomy, which came to flourish during the Han Dynasty (2nd century BC to 2nd century AD).

Chinese astrology has a close relation with Chinese philosophy (theory of the three harmony, heaven, earth and water) and different "principles" to Western: the wu xing teachings, yin and yang, astronomy: five planet, the 10 Celestial stems, the 12 Earthly Branches, the lunisolar calendar (moon calendar and sun calendar), the time calculation after year, month, day and shichen (時辰).

The 12 Chinese Zodiac Signs

Twelve Signs make up the Chinese Zodiac. Legend has it, the twelve animals were summoned by Buddah to a race. The order in which they completed the race would determine the ranking order of the signs. In order to test the animals, Buddah charted the course across land and sea. The clever rat, knowing there was no chance for victory, surveyed the group of animals and decided that the best option was to climb onto the back of the ox who was capable of moving fast across land, strong enough to move through rough terrain, and could swim across water. Just as they neared the finish line, the Rat jumped off and thus became the first sign! Click on an animal below to learn more about each of the twelve signs.