Lunar Signs: Twelve Animals of the Chinese Zodiac

The Chinese lunar calendar dates back around five thousands years. It is one of the oldest forms of recording the days, lunar months and seasons of the year and certainly the oldest still in use.
The years of the calendar are grouped series of sixty, sub-divided into five twelve-year cycles based on the so-called “twelve terrestrial branches.” The terrestrial branches are also given more popular names that correspond to the following animals: Rat, Buffalo, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Cock, Dog and Pig.