Year of the Monkey (January 22, 2004)

Once again, a new year is approaching. According to the Chinese Zodiac Calendar, the year is 4702 instead of 2004 and is the Year of the Monkey. Chinese and Far Eastern people have a zodiac similar to those of the West. However, unlike that of the West, the Eastern system has a cycle of twelve years instead of twelve months. Each year of the cycle has it's own particular animal-symbol with meaning, origin and influence stretching back to ancient India and China. Many Chinese believe that the year of your birth will determine your personality traits, physical and mental attributes and the degree of success and happiness in your life. Find out about your zodiac sign the Eastern way by finding the year of your birth among the twelve animals: rat, ox, tiger, hare, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and boar.

"Years of the Monkey": 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004.

Generally speaking, people born in the Year of the Monkey are the erratic geniuses of the cycle. Clever, skillful, and flexible, they are remarkably inventive and original and can solve the most difficult problems with ease. There are few fields in which Monkey people wouldn't be successful but they have a disconcerting habit of being too agreeable. They want to do things now, and if they cannot get started immediately, they become discouraged and sometimes leave their projects. Although good at making decisions, they tend to look down on others. Having common sense, Monkey people have a deep desire for knowledge and have excellent memories. Monkey people are strong willed but their anger cools quickly. Best partners: Rat, Dragen. Imcompatible: Tiger. The way to say "Happy New Year" in Chinese is:

GUNG HAY FAT CHOI