According to Chinese legend, Buddha summoned all the animals to visit him before he departed from earth. As a reward for the first 12 to arrive, he named a year after each one.
Rat
Years: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008
Character: Rats are imaginative and generous, but can be quick tempered and overly-critical.
Famous Rats: Prince Charles, Gwyneth Paltrow, Prince Harry
Ox
Years: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009
Character: Oxen are patient and confident, but very stubborn.
Famous Oxen: Jack Nicholson, George Clooney, Keira Knightley
Tiger
Years: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010
Character: Tigers are said to be strong and adventurous as well as being real risk takers.
Famous Tigers: Tom Cruise, Robbie Williams, Kate Moss
Rabbit
Years: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011
Character: Although affectionate and friendly Rabbits can be a bit vain.
Famous Rabbits: Jamie Oliver, David Beckham, Brad Pitt
Dragon
Years: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1989, 2000
Character: Fun loving and popular, Dragons are the life and soul of the party.
Famous Dragons: Russell Crowe, John Lennon, Elle MacPherson
Snake
Years: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1990, 2001
Character: Although sometimes selfish, Snakes are romantic and wise.
Famous Snakes: Orlando Bloom, Sarah Jessica Parker, Liv Tyler
Horse
Years: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1991, 2002
Character: Horses are hardworking and intelligent but look out for that self absorbed streak!
Famous Horses: Paul McCartney, Mike Tyson, Rita Hayworth
Sheep
Years: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1992, 2003
Character: Sheep are said to be artistic and charming but can't resist a good moan.
Famous Sheep: Jane Austen, George Harrison, Nicole Kidman
Monkey
Years: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1993, 2004
Character: Lucky Monkeys are intelligent and loved by all.
Famous Monkeys: Kylie Minogue, Bob Marley, Jake Gyllenhall
Rooster
Years: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1994, 2005
Character: The hardest working of all the animals, Roosters can come across as bossy.
Famous Roosters: Sienna Miller, Britney Spears, Joan Collins
Dog
Years: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1995, 2006
Character: Faithful is any Dog's middle name but they can sometimes worry too much.
Famous Dogs: Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, Liza Minnelli
Boar
Years: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1996, 2007
Character: Born entertainers, Boars are tolerant of all and make great friends.
Famous Boars: Elton John, Ewan McGregor, Kate Bosworth
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