In traditional China, dating methods were cyclical, cyclical meaning something that is repeated time after time according to a pattern. A popular method of recording years is the Twelve Animal Signs. Every year is assigned an animal name or "sign" according to a repeating cycle: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Boar. Therefore, every twelve years the same animal or "sign" would reappear.

The Year of the Rat   |   The Year of the Ox   |  The Year of the Tiger  |  The Year of the Rabbit

The Year of the Dragon | The Year of the Snake | The Year of the Horse | The Year of the Sheep

The Year of the Monkey | The Year of the Rooster | The Year of the Dog | The Year of the Pig

(Photo Source: papercut.wx-e.com)