Photo provided by the Kansas City Chinese American Association
Posted: 02/11/2013
Sunday marks the first day of the Chinese New Year.
It is year 4711, according to the Chinese calendar, which is based on moon phases and the timing of the solar year.
The celebration lasts 15 days, making it the longest and most significant holiday in China. While each day has its own theme and significance, the New Year generally serves as a time to honor deities and ancestors.
The New Year also means a shift in the Chinese Zodiac, which makes it the Year of the Snake. The Chinese Zodiac is based on a 12-year cycle and is represented by 12 different animals: the mouse, buffalo, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.
Each zodiac sign exhibits certain character traits that are believed to dictate the personality traits of those born under it.
According to chinatoday.com, if you were born in 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001 or 2013 you are a snake. Snakes are described as wise, charming and romantic.
Other zodiac signs and traits:
Mouse (born in 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008)
Traits: imaginative, charming, generous
Ox (born in 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009)
Traits: born leader, conservative, methodical
Tiger (born in 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010)
Traits: sensitive, emotional, rebel
Rabbit (born in 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011)
Traits: affectionate, obliging, pleasant
Dragon (born in 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012)
Traits: enthusiastic, intelligent, perfectionist
Horse (born in 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954,1966, 1978, 1990, 2002)
Traits: hard worker, independent, friendly
Goat (born in 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003)
Traits: elegant, artistic, charming
Monkey (born in 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004)
Traits: clever, intelligent, magnetic
Rooster (born in 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005)
Traits: shrewd, dreamer, extravagant
Dog (born in 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006)
Traits: honest, loyal, worrisome
Pig (born in 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007)
Traits: sincere, tolerant, honest
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