People have been interested in their fortune and explanations of their personalities since the beginning of civilization. Even if you don’t believe in it, it’s fun when your friend reads your weekly horoscope. In China, there are 12 zodiac animals and they are:
1. 鼠 (Shǔ): Mouse 
2. 牛 (Niú): Ox 3. 虎 (Hǔ): Tiger
4. 兔 (Tù): Rabbit 5. 龙 (Lóng): Dragon 6. 蛇 (Shé): Snake
7. 马 (Mǎ): Horse 8. 羊 (Yáng): Goat 9. 猴 (Hóu): Monkey
10. 鸡 (Jī): Rooster 11. 狗 (Gǒu): Dog 12. 猪 (Zhū): Pig
The twelve animals that represent the birth year of the twelve earthly branches in China, are called "生肖 (shēngxiào) zodiac" and it differs from the constellation zodiac that many westerners use to learn about their horoscope. It further reflects the cultural differences between China and Western countries. Understanding your animal’s attributes and shortcomings is an alternative way to understand yourself and other "生肖 (shēngxiào) zodiac" animals. 2018 is the year of the dog.
Learn about the first 6 animals through a summary of their attributes, shortcomings, and best romantic matches.
"鼠 (Shǔ) Mouse" is sometimes called rat but is nonetheless considered spirited, witty, alert, delicate, and flexible on a good day but also timid, unstable, stubborn, picky, and quarrelsome. Mice zodiacs will never have a lack of romance and passion with the ox, dragons, or monkey zodiacs.
"牛 (Niú) Ox" sometimes called cow, is diligent and honest. Their shortcomings include being stubborn, narrow-minded, and hard to get close to. They are quite compatible with rats, roosters, and snakes.
"虎 (Hǔ) Tiger" is considered to be brave yet cruel and forceful. Since tigers are confident and brave they also like showing off. Their best matches are the dragon, horse, and pig but be careful because these lovers can also feel like rivals.
(Tiger Is the Most Ferocious Animal, So Why Does It Being Scared of Foxes?)
"兔 (Tù) Rabbit" is known for tenderness, grace, and sensitivity and they have a special ability to convert an enemy into a friend. They also tend to hesitate which causes them to lose good chances in life. Rabbits are the most romantic with sheep, monkey, dog, and pig.
"龙 (Lóng) Dragon": People with Chinese zodiac dragon sign are usually motivating, generous, sensitive, ambitious, and romantic but that doesn't mean their eccentric, fiery, and intolerant traits don’t get in the way. They build the best families with rat, rooster, and monkey.
"蛇 (Shé) Snake" is a symbol of wisdom and wit and are sensitive and humorous while most of them are gifted in literature and art. Suspicion is their weakness, which makes them hesitant and a bit paranoid. Their relationship with roosters and dragons can develop through the lasting attraction.
(Do You Know What Does "画蛇添足 (Huàshétiānzú)" Mean in China?)
There is a humorous story about how the Chinese zodiac animals were selected out of all the animals in existence. It was a long time ago... Read More
