The Chinese Year of the Tiger...

If you were born under the Chinese sign of the Tiger, it doesn't pay to argue with you! Tigers are usually larger than life, warm-hearted extroverts. They can't help being noticed and are often very good-looking. However, they can be quick tempered, laughing and joking one moment and angry the next, turning on anyone who annoys them.

Tigers are fearless and will pursue a perceived wrong no matter what. They have a restless spirit and hate to be confined. Tigers need to be free to roam.

Those born under this sign are idealistic but can be rebellious. Strong and tough, they will endure considerable physical hardship. Tigers are individuals who care little for material goods.

There are twelve Chinese year signs in the Chinese Zodiac. Unlike in our western astrology, in Chinese astrology each sign lasts for a year. Legend has it that as Buddha was about to depart the earth he summoned all the animals to say goodbye. Only twelve turned up so, to show his appreciation of their loyalty, he vowed that from then on each year would bear the name of one of the animals. Chinese astrology is based on the Lunar Calendar. This means the Chinese New Year does not fall on the same day each year and can vary by as much as 3 weeks. So for babies born in late January/early February it is necessary to consult the charts to determine the correct sign.

Chinese Years: February 9, 2005 - January 28, 2006: Rooster

January 22, 2004 - February 8, 2005: Monkey

February 1, 2003 - January 21, 2004: Goat

February 12, 2002 - January 31, 2003: Horse

January 24, 2001 - February 11, 2002: Snake

February 5, 2000 - January 23, 2001: Dragon

February 6, 1999 - February 4, 2000: Rabbit

January 28, 1998 - February 5, 1999: Tiger

February 8, 1997 - January 27, 1998: Ox

February 19,1996 - February 7, 1997: Rat

January 31, 1995 - February 18, 1996: Pig

February 10, 1994 - January 30, 1995: Dog

January 23, 1993 - February 9, 1994: Rooster

February 4, 1992 - January 22, 1993: Monkey

February 15, 1991 - February 3,1992: Goat

January 27, 1990 - February 14, 1991: Horse

February 6, 1989 - January 26, 1990: Snake

February 17, 1988 - February 5, 1989: Dragon

January 29, 1987 - February 16, 1988: Rabbit

February 9, 1986 - January 28, 1987: Tiger

February 20, 1985 - February 8, 1986: Ox

February 2, 1984 - February 19,1985: Rat

February 13, 1983 - February 1, 1984: Pig

February 25, 1982 - February 12, 1983: Dog

February 5, 1981 - January 24, 1982: Rooster

February 16, 1980 - February 4, 1981: Monkey

January 28, 1979 - February 15, 1980: Goat

February 7, 1978 - January 27, 1979: Horse

February 18, 1977 - February 6, 1978: Snake

January 31, 1976 - February 17, 1977: Dragon

February 11, 1975 - January 30, 1976: Rabbit

January 23, 1974 - February 10, 1975: Tiger

February 3, 1973 - January 22, 1974: Ox

February 15, 1972 - February 2, 1973: Rat

January 27, 1971 - February 14, 1972: Pig

February 6, 1970 - January 26, 1971: Dog

February 17, 1969 - February 5, 1970: Rooster

January 30, 1968 - February 16, 1969: Monkey

February 9, 1967 - January 29, 1968: Goat

January 21, 1966 - February 8, 1967: Horse

February 2, 1965 - January 20, 1966: Snake

About the Author

Tony Luck runs a site with advice for moms-to-be and new moms. Included is the fascinating chinese pregnancy calendar which is supposed to tell you whether the baby you are expecting will be a boy or girl, and a conception chart to tell you when baby is expected.