The twelve highly symbolic animals of the Chinese Zodiac were each adopted to represent a different lunar year, making reference to each year easier.

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR (4701)

Year of the Sheep (February 1, 2003)

Once again, a new year is approaching. According to the Chinese Zodiac Calendar, 2003 is the Year of the Sheep. Chinese and Far Eastern people have a zodiac similar to that of the West. Unlike that of the West, the Eastern system has a cycle of twelve years instead of twelve months. Each year of the cycle has its own particular animal symbol with meaning, origin and influence stretching back to the ancient India and China. Many Chinese believe that the year of your birth will determine your personality traits, physical and mental attributes and 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.

"Year of the Sheep": 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003.

Generally speaking, people born in the Year of the Sheep are very adaptable, ideal marriage partner. They are rich, fair and just, and easily captivated by other people or things. Artistically gifted, love fashion. Resolute and shy, sometimes pessimistic and brooding. They are wise, sophisticated, gentle, elegant and prefer anonymity. Best partners: Rabbit, Boar, Horse. Imcompatible: Rat, Ox, Dog. The way to say "Happy New Year" in Chinese is:

GUNG HAY FAT CHOI