The Chinese Horoscope

More than 3,000 years ago, Chinese people invented the signs to designate the hours, days, months and years. However, since most people at that time were illiterate, the signs were difficult to use. Later, to make things easier to memorize, people used animals to symbolize the 12 Earthly Branches.

According to one legend, during a Chinese New Year celebration, Buddha invited all the animals to his kingdom, but unfortunately, for reasons only known to the animals, a total of 12 turned up. First was the aggressive Rat, second was the hard-working Ox, third was the smiling Tiger. Then came the cautious Rabbit and the showy Dragon. The wise Snake was next, followed by the gifted Horse. Then came the gentle Goat, then the merry Monkey and the proud Rooster. Last came the Faithful Dog and the honest Pig.

Out of gratitude, Buddha decided to name the year after each of the animals in their order of arrival, and people born of that year would inherit the personality traits of that particular animal.

Many Chinese people strongly believe that the time of a person's birth is the primary factor in determining that person's personality. Many fortune-tellers, when telling your fortune, say what they need to know your exact time of birth. Then, whether you are successful in your life and career, or whether you will be happy is clear to the fortune-tellers.