A Happy and Prosperous
Chinese New Year
GONG XI FA CAI
The Year of the Rat begins February 7, 2008
The lunar calendar (also known as the Farmers' Calendar) year cycles every 60 years in perpetuity. The 60-year cycle is divided into five periods of 12 years each. Each year is designated by an animal sign; this New Year is the sign of the Rat. The sign is repeated every twelve years: 2008, 2020, 2032 and so on will also be years of the Rat.
The designated animal signs are used in two ways: they predict what the coming year is likely to bring. and they suggest personality characteristics for matchmaking.
People of each sign can expect certain types of experiences in each year. They often show the character, temperament and mannerisms of the designated for their birth year. They can also share physical traits with the animal of their year of birth. Uncanny similarities such as sleeping habits, strength of character, hyperactivity, honesty or patience can often be identified with one's birth animal.
In the ancient Chinese tradition, these signs are used to find a mate of marriage for example, traditionally someone born in a tiger year would not make a match with a person born in the year of the Monkey.
Prospect for the year – A year of plentiful opportunity and prospects. Fluctuations in the stock market for speculations. A year of conservative venture. A good time to socialize with friends and family.
Characteristics – An explorer. Eager to learn. Dramatic but a reputable person who works systematically. Being curious and intelligent, easy-going, quick witted and well-liked. Takes good care of the family and make good observations in financial matters.
Agreeable with signs of Ox, Dragons or Monkeys, but not the sign of Horses.