--Ox

A cartoon image of ox, the Beijing Paralympic Mascot Funiu Lele [photo source: beijing2008.cn]

Years of the Ox: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997

1. Ox people are hardworking and persistent; they can stick to a task longer and go at it harder than anybody. They believe in themselves, and tend to classify almost everything into two basic categories, good and bad. They use their high standards as a model and severely judge those who don't aspire to maintain these same ideals.

2. Ox people are not party animals; they tend to be quiet at social gatherings. Although they initially appear tranquil, usually ponderous oxen become impulsive when angry. They are capable of fearsome rages, so it is better not to cross an ox unless you have to.

3. Ox people are observant. They have remarkable memories and are good at recounting everything they observe. If you ask an ox who was at a party eight months ago, most likely, he will recite the entire guest list.

 4. At home, the ox is a great guy to have around. In business, the ox can succeed in the arts, contracting, or real estate, thanks to his creative nature. And since the ox is intelligent and good with his hands, he could be a talented surgeon, as well.

5. Although oxen don't ask to be put in the limelight, they do like to be in charge. These quietly dominant types enjoy being in positions of power. Oxen try to instill their own vigor and determination in others, and are always open to dialogue. Though they don't broadcast their virtues to the world, they will rise to the top with their steady, conscientious attitude.

6. Oxen make solid, steady, reliable partners. They can be tender, devoted, and even sensual -- but they are never romantic. Though very affectionate to those close to their hearts, they are cool and distant to anyone outside their emotional circle. Getting close to an ox is difficult to do, for they hold all but a chosen few at arm's length. However, once they have committed themselves, they make loyal lovers and are the least likely of all the signs to possess a roving eye. Casual love affairs are definitely not the ox's style.

Compatibility

The rooster, rat and serpent get on very well with the ox. Oxen experience struggles and problems with the monkey, and a lack of understanding with the ram and the boar. According to popular belief, the ox should not set up house with the tiger, under any circumstances. Such a partnership would inevitably lead to a battle that ends with the departure or disappearance of the tiger. The ox, the stronger of the two, would keep on charging until the tiger was destroyed. An ox mother could never manage with a tiger child �C it would be better for the latter to leave home!

Celebrity born on oxen year:

Bach, German composer

Handel, German-born Baroque composer

Van Gogh, Dutch post-Impressionist painter

Walt Disney, visionary filmmaker who brought his film library, his love of technology, and his business sense to American television in the mid-1950's

Charlie Chaplin

--Tiger

Tiger [photo source: harbindaily.com]

Years of the Tiger: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998

1. Tigers are born leaders. They are always in the lead and are the ones most likely to cry out "Let's go"! Noble and fearless, tigers are respected for their courage, even by those working against them.

2.Tigers are confident to a fault. Although they love adventure and are addicted to excitement, tigers don't like to have their confidence challenged. They like being obeyed, not the other way around.

3. Tigers are filled with urgency and are always in a hurry to get things done right, so they usually choose to operate alone. Tigers are hardworking and dynamic. A tiger will undertake any tack and accomplish it with enthusiasm and efficiency.

4.Tigers are sensitive and emotional, yet territorial and possessive. A tiger often tests loyalty by asking you to choose sides, and because he is so adorable, you often do. As lovers, tigers are passionate and romantic, but they have difficulty grasping the true meaning of moderation.

5.Chinese say the life of a tiger born at night will be less hectic than those of tigers born after dawn and above all, of those born around midday. The tiger will lead a dangerous, stormy life, but he will never be bored. Neither the night tiger nor the day tiger will have an easy life. The Western term for a particularly fierce woman may be "dragon lady," but the Chinese call her an "old tiger lady." For this reason, some Chinese avoid having children in Tiger Years -- for fear of having a daughter.

Compatibility

Tiger encounters with the horse and the dragon should be especially interesting. Tigers will feel a definite affinity with the rat and the boar, but they should avoid the rabbit. A tiger should be wary of the ox, who is stronger and will attack him until he is destroyed. If a tiger and an ox live under the same roof, the tiger will have to give up before he is annihilated.

Celebrity of tigers:

Queen Elizabeth II

Marilyn Monroe, American actress

Beethoven, German composer

--Rabbit

A little white rabbit [photo source: kepu.gov.cn]

Years of the Rabbit: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999.

1. The rabbit is the happiest sign of the zodiac -- gifted, nice to be with, discreet, refined, reserved, ambitious (but not too much so), and virtuous in the bargain. No one ignores a rabbit, for he is good company and knows how to make the best of himself.

2. A rabbit's home is always beautiful, because rabbits are famous for their artistic sense and good taste. They are also usually well-dressed.

3. Rabbits can make great partners in relationships. Romantic, sweet and faithful, rabbits never lack suitors. A male rabbit is often picky, and is perhaps not a family man. Female rabbits should probably spend less time preening in front of the mirror and spend more time with friends.

Compatibility

The honest dog and scrupulous boar get on well with the rabbit. The rabbit will settle down well with the ram, whose artistic sense he appreciates. The horse and tiger do not suit the rabbit, but he tends to have positive interactions with the ox. The rabbit should avoid the rat like the plague!

How to deal with rabbits

-- Rabbits are difficult to provoke; they don't like to argue, and enjoy quiet, peaceful lives.

-- Rabbits can be moved by shared personal problems. If you work as a salesman, you will have good luck with rabbits. Nine out of ten rabbit people will buy your products!

--Call them cautious or call them timid, but rabbits will not undertake anything before weighing the pros and cons from every angle. This is probably why rabbit people do well at work.

Celebrity of rabbits:

Walt Whitman, American poet, journalist and essayist

Marie Curie, Polish scientist

Hu Shi, Chinese philosopher and essayist

Michelangelo Buonarroti, painter and sculpture, great leader in the Italian Renaissance.

Napoleon Bonaparte, soldier, tactician and administrator. Albert Einstein, twentieth century scientist