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The Chinese are firm believers in astrology. They would prefer to begin any new task -- be it work-related or personal -- at an auspicious time. In fact, like Indians, many Chinese will not finalise a deal or fix on the date of a marriage or any other important occasion until they consult an astrologer.

Chinese astrology is based on the cycle of the moon, which is why each new year begins on a different date. The year of the sheep began on February 1, 2003, while the year of the monkey will begin on January 22, 2004.

A person's date of birth is a very important factor in Chinese astrology.

The Chinese zodiac is a 12-year cycle, with each year being represented by one animal.

Legend has it that, on the new year, Buddha called all the animals to come before him. Only 12 of them did so. First came the rat, followed by the ox, the tiger, the rabbit, the dragon, the snake, the horse, the sheep, the monkey, the rooster, dog and finally the pig. Buddha rewarded them by naming a year in their honour and decreed that each year, and the persons born in that year, would have the characteristics of the animal it represented. Thus, the Chinese zodiac was established.

2004 is the Year of the Monkey.

Based on your date of birth, find out which sign you belong to.

The Rat: 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996

The Ox: 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997

The Tiger: 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998

The Rabbit: 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999

The Dragon: 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000

The Snake: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001

The Horse: 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002

The Sheep: 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003

The Monkey: 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004

The Rooster: 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993

The Dog: 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994

The Pig: 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995

ALSO SEE
Happy Indian Chinese New Year
A feast for the soul



TEXT: Manisha Dudaney
DESIGN: Uttam Ghosh


 
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