It is an essential part of Chinese culture and serves as a bridge between the past and the present, connecting generations and promoting cultural exchange and understanding. Today, the Chinese zodiac is widely recognized and celebrated worldwide, and many people follow its predictions and customs. The zodiac signs are also associated with the five elements - Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water, which further add to the complexity of the system. It dates back to the Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE) and has been used in China for thousands of years as a tool for fortune-telling, matchmaking, and personal and social guidance. The Chinese zodiac is based on a combination of astronomy, astrology, and mythology. Each animal has its unique characteristics, symbolism, and cultural significance, which have been passed down through generations. The 12 animals in the zodiac cycle are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each animal sign is believed to represent different personality traits, fortunes, and prospects for the people born in that year.

The Chinese zodiac is a system that assigns an animal to each year in a repeating 12-year cycle.