The year you were born can tell a great deal about your personality, likes, dislikes and even who you will be compatible  with as a mate.

When thinking of a rat, ox, horse, snake or tiger, are they animals or calendar designations? Actually, they are both. In fact there are twelve animals that comprise the Chinese calendar, each with their own particular personality traits, strengths and weaknesses.

The Chinese calendar can be traced as far back as 14 B.C. but legend has it that the Emperor Huangdi in or about 2637 B.C began the calendar! Unlike the commonly used Gregorian (Christian) calendar, the Chinese calendar is based upon lunar happenings with the beginning of each new month occurring on whatever day the "new moon" is in place. The Chinese calendar also repeats itself in cycles; it doesn't have an infinite number of years such as the Gregorian.

The following are the signs (similar to the zodiac) of the Chinese calendar, their years, some of their personality traits and mate compatibilities.

The Rat:

1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996

Rat people are notorious for being quick witted. They usually are slow to make true, lasting friendships but once they do, they guard them closely. Rats are normally very loyal, loving and charming. They can hide an aggressive streak as well as stubbornness hard to match.

Female rats fall in love easily and have a tendency to over indulge their children. They can also be worriers over the smallest details becoming impatient with others who don't see the possible problems.

Male rats may appear social but are actually very protective of their privacy. They are slow to open up to their mates and have an independent streak that may exclude them. It is part of their nature, not a sign of a lack of love. Male rats actually make exceptional fathers although in a no-nonsense fashion. He is ambitious and has high expectations for those around him but he is willing to help loved ones achieve their goals.

Best matches are rat to dragon, monkey, rat or ox.

Beware of rat to rabbit, goat, rooster or horse.

The Ox:

1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985. 1997

Ox people often make the best of friends. They are known to be patient, loyal and very caring. They can often live up to the old fashioned saying of, "Stubborn as an ox." Normally quiet homebodies, they often make excellent spouses.

The female ox loves to be with her family in the comfort of her home. Favorite activities often include reading quietly, cooking, gardening or crafts. Down to earth, the female ox is easy going, agreeable but with great organizational skills. Seldom is the ox a "clothes horse," instead preferring simple clothes with little jewelry.

The male ox may take a long time to make up his mind but once he does, he is in for the long haul. Usually quiet of nature but confident, he is usually happiest puttering around the house. If your mate is an ox, he will almost assuredly be loyal and faithful.

Best matches are ox to rat, snake, rooster or rabbit.

Beware of rat to tiger, horse, dragon or goat.

The Tiger:

1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998

Tigers are known to be born leaders, not followers. They can show great depths of love or jealousy. Charismatic, they are usually courageous, fearless fighters but also warm-hearted.

The female tiger is a friendly, outgoing sort but with a streak of ambition that is hard to miss. She is a born leader, brave and strong. She enjoys expensive, fashionable clothing and takes pride in her appearance.

The male tiger is also a born leader who thrives on competition. Often changing jobs as one becomes boring. Headstrong the male tiger shows his independence from an early age insisting on doing things HIS way.

Best matches are tiger to horse, dog, pig or dragon.

Beware of rat to monkey, ox, snake or goat.

The Rabbit:

1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999

Rabbit people usually hate confrontations or arguments. They are normally sweet natured people that are hard to provoke with many friends. Sociable, the rabbit enjoys parties. They are also born diplomats.

The female rabbit is often emotional and sentimental, easily hurt by criticism. Style and personal appearance are important though and she will have a flair for decorating.

The male rabbit seldom makes a quick decision. Dignified, appearance is as important to the male rabbit as it is to the female. He is prudent with money and while slow to settle down, once he does is happy his home and family.

Best Matches are rabbit to rabbit, ox, pig, goat and tiger.

Beware of rabbit to rat, monkey or rooster.

The Dragon:

1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000

Dragons are often very self-assured, gifted and natural leaders. In fact they often can loose their tempers when their "orders" are not followed. Full of energy, vibrant and flamboyant are all descriptions often used when describing a dragon.

The female dragon is highly attractive to the opposite sex. She is independent, loves to entertain, trendy and most definitely an extrovert.

The male dragon likes to break the rules. They are creative and become restless in a "hum-drum" job as they are lovers of the adrenalin rush. The male dragon is also happy to be a bachelor playing the field

Best matches are dragon to rat, tiger or monkey.

Beware of dragon to dragon, ox, goat dog or rabbit.

The Snake:

1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001

Snakes have magnetic personalities. Charming and sophisticated in a sexy way, they usually have a good sense of humor but can be jealous and overly possessive. The snake seldom lets anyone know what he or she are truly thinking and are known to be secretive.

The female snake is bewitching and sophisticated. She dresses well with special attention to the tiny details.

The male snake isn't strong in the communication department. With a Don Juan personality he often finds attractive women hard to resist, even when he already has a mate. In regards to that mate he can be very possessive though.

Best matches are snake to snake, ox, goat or rooster.

Beware of snake to tiger, pig, horse or monkey.

The Horse:

1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002

Horse people are said to love travel. They are energetic, intelligent and ambitious. They can also impatient, hotheaded and egotistical. They have a great sense of humor and fall in love easily.

The female horse is often the life of the party although just as happy in their warm, comfortable home. Dignified yet loving of bright, colorful clothes the female horse enjoys working with her hands and creating crafts.

The male horse can be impulsive and erratic. Freedom is a top priority so the male horse is often slow to settle down with one woman. Charming and hard to resist, older males make the better mate if you are looking for a long term, stable relationship.

Best matches are horse to tiger, dog or goat.

Beware of horse to rat, snake, ox, monkey or pig.

The Sheep/goat:

1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003

The sheep is often the most creative and artistic of people. They are charming, well mannered but can at times be lazy. They are intelligent and hate to be rushed or pressured into anything. Often moody, they can also be loving and very sensitive.

The female goat is often impractical, happiest at home working creatively with few distractions. Often volunteering the female has a gentle nature that is appreciated by others. Down to earth, the goat is a wonderful mother and loves having large families.

The male goat can be of a fussy nature but he is almost always gentle and kind. Usually creative by nature, financial success or materialistic goods are seldom of great importance. The male is a loving father who enjoys spending time with his children, softhearted and compassionate. He also has a wide romantic streak.

Best matches are goat to goat, rabbit, horse or pig.

Beware of goat to rat, ox, dog, tiger or rooster.

The Monkey:

1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004

Monkeys are clever, creative and often the center of attention. They are curious sometimes to a fault but have a heightened sense of problem solving ability.

The female monkey is bright and excels easily at anything she puts her mind to. Glib, quick of tongue the female monkey makes for an excellent salesperson. Often flirtatious of nature, the female mother does enjoy her family but don't expect her to give up her social life.

The male monkey is never boring although he becomes bored easily. A social animal the male monkey isn't the type for quiet vacations at a mountain cabin. While he enjoys playing the field, once he decides on a mate, he is a passionate, intense mate.

Best matches are monkey to monkey, rat or dragon.

Beware of monkey to rabbit, rooster, tiger, horse or ox.

The Rooster:

1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005

Roosters are usually forthright people who have no desire to hide their likes or dislikes. They often like flashy clothes, cars and company. Roosters are often the types that are jack-of-all-trades but masters of none. They can be domineering and very difficult to live with but are almost always a devoted partner and good parent.

The female rooster sets high standards for herself and others. Truthful by nature, she finds it hard to lie. Lovers of nice clothes, diamonds and jewelry. While social, the female rooster can be just as happy around her own, very organized home.

The male rooster is proud, cheerful and confident in what he does. Courageous with a good sense of humor, the male rooster isn't the type to run away during bad times. Protective or his mate and children, the male rooster often sees things as right or wrong with no middle ground.

Best matches are rooster to ox, snake or horse.

Beware of rooster to rooster, rabbit, rat, dog or monkey.

The Dog:

1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006

Dog people are intelligent, caring and loyal. They are usually honorable, faithful people but can be both a worrier and a nag.

The female dog is by nature a very giving person and a great listener although quiet about her own problems. Happy and generous to a fault, the female dog makes for a wonderful nurse, counselor, doctor or teacher. Devoted mothers who will go to any lengths to protect their young.

The male dog often thinks he knows best even when he doesn't have a clue as to what is going on. A hard worker, good provider and wise with his money. Happiest in quiet, peaceful surroundings, the male dog doesn't need the adrenalin rush to have a good time. Usually he makes a fine family man.

Best matches are dog to dog, tiger, horse or monkey.

Beware of dog to goat, rooster or dragon.

The Pig:

1911, 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007

The pig is often the trustworthiest, loving and caring of all the signs. While these are admirable traits, it often sets the pig up to be taken advantage of because of their sweet tempers and naiveté.

The female pig is patient, cheerful and outgoing who thrives on peace and quiet. While they make excellent teachers, designers and such, a career seldom wins out over family. The female pig is domestic by nature and often spoils her children.

The male pig is generous and sincere although he can be stubborn to a fault. While dependable he doesn't allow his mate to take him for granted. An engaging host who enjoys cooking, the male pig is also an excellent father.

Best matches are pig to rabbit, goat or rat.

Beware of pig to pig, snake, monkey or tiger.