How to Determine the Chinese Zodiac by Entering a Date

The Chinese Zodiac system has been in place for more than 3,000 years.

Evidence suggests that the Chinese Zodiac predates Buddhism and originated as early as the Shang Dynasty in the 14th century B.C. It is based on a cycle of twelve signs along the path of the sun through the cosmos, according to the History Channel. Intrigue surrounds the Chinese Zodiac calendar, and finding out the current Zodiac sign, your personal sign and what that sign means is easy.

Instructions

1. Go to the online Travel China Guide and enter today's date, including the year, to find the current Chinese Zodiac and the date according to the Chinese lunar calendar.

2. Repeat the process, this time entering your birth date to find out your Chinese Zodiac sign and your birthday according to the Chinese lunar calendar. The twelve signs are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.

3. Scroll down the page and find out the characteristics the Chinese have attributed to those born under your sign for the last 3,000-plus years.

References

• History Channel

Resources

• Travel China Guide: Chinese Zodiac