The so-called shengxiao or shuxiang (meaning resembling animals) zodiac signs are 12 symbolic animals.

They are mouse, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig, each symbolizing a lunar year.

Shengxiao, an important part of traditional Chinese culture, has long been used to represent calendric cycles based on astronomy and ancient Chinese religion.

It is the source of many traditions and customs and the animals are popular images seen everywhere, even today.

Ancient Chinese believed one's lunar sign would exercise an influence on his or her life.

For example, those who were previously born in the Year of the Mouse, will have an unlucky 2008. The year is their ben ming nian, or year of bad luck.

People may check the traditional almanac or consult with soothsayers to find out how their zodiac animal goes with the new year.

Ancient Chinese would also check how the zodiac system affects their physical condition, marriage or family life, and even career prospects, in a new year.

In practice, each of the zodiac animal signs (sometimes referred to as the 12 Earth branches) is combined with the five main elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water to complete 60-year cycle.

The Chinese have adopted the Western calendar since 1911 but the lunar calendar, dating from 2637 BC, when the first cycle of the zodiac was introduced, is still in use for festive occasions such as the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year).

Most Chinese calendars carry both the solar dates and the Chinese lunar dates and holidays.

The beginning of a lunar New Year falls somewhere between late January and early February so it is essential to check the calendar to find the exact date on which a new year actually begins.

The mouse is the first of the 12 symbolic animals, chosen to represent a renewed cyclical span of 12 years in the Chinese lunar calendar.

Being born a mouse is nothing to be ashamed of. Rather, persons born in the Year of the Mouse are respected and considered to be courageous, enterprising and talented, according to traditional Chinese zodiac and horoscope theories.

(China Daily January 31, 2008)