| The Chinese Zodiac consists of a 12-year cycle, each year of which is
named after a different animal that imparts distinct characteristics to
its year. According to one myth, a Chinese emperor invited all forest
friends to a Chinese New Year party, but only twelve animals came. The
rat was first, followed by the ox, and so on. The emperor honored the
animals by naming the years after them. Many Chinese believe that the
year of a person's birth is the primary factor in determining that
person's personality traits, physical and mental attributes and degree
of success and happiness throughout his lifetime.
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