Who Wants A Short Introduction To Chinese Astrology?

This year - 2011 - is the Year of Rabbit, if you follow the Chinese zodiac. It started from Feb. 3, 2011, which is the start of the lunar New year and the spring festival in China. It lasts until Jan. 22, 2012.

The Chinese zodiac is based on a twelve-year cycle and it is calculated according to the Chinese lunar calendar. Each year in that cycle is related to an animal sign. The animal signs are: the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.

The animal signs change each year, in late January or February depending on the new moon.

It is believed that the animal which rules the year of your birth has a strong influence on your life. It is also thought that a person born in a particular year embodies its animal's characteristics, as the Chinese see that animal.

However, Chinese astrology is not just that simple, as the 12 Chinese zodiac signs also denote months of the year, and time periods of the day. Every day is divided into two-hour periods which are represented by one of the 12 Chinese zodiac animal signs, starting at 23.00 with the Rat. When all of these are combined, then the Chinese astrologer can tell you your destiny.

There is a lovely legend about the Chinese zodiac; It is said that the gods ordered that animals were to be chosen as signs for each year and the twelve which arrived first were to be selected. The rat arrived first, because he hitched a lift with the ox and so he became the first sign of the years.

Apparently the rat had promised to wake the cat up, so that they could travel together. But on the fateful day, the rat forgot to wake the cat and this is why cats hate rats to this day. Now, Chinese New Year's Day is when two animal years are divided.

While gifts based on the astrological signs are particularly valued by those who believe in the horoscope, they are also treasured and enjoyed by many, who simply appreciate traditions.

Gifts and good luck go together for so many people. The Chinese particularly value items such as jewellery etc., which are colored red and the good luck depends on its having been received as a gift, rather than being bought for oneself.

Because the Chinese people have special affection for red, redness has become the token of all good things.

The animal signs are used in many ways, to be given as gifts to those born in the corresponding year.