Chinese New Year on the Net - Chinese Zodiac: Year of the Monkey

Chinese Zodiac:
Sign of the Monkey

The Chinese calendar is divided not by numerical years, as is in the Western concept of time, but in a 12-year cycle of animal signs, which continually repeat themselves. According to Chinese legend, these twelve signs are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Ram (Sheep), Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Boar (Pig).

In Chinese folklore, traits and characteristics similar to the Zodiac horoscope have developed around each of these annual animal signs -- some of which are more desirable than others. Here is a look at the qualities of each of them.

Next Year of the Monkey: Feb 08, 2016

Sign of the Monkey

Monkeys are fun-loving, social and energetic animals. So, too, are people born under the sign of the Year of Monkey. Thanks to their curiosity, monkeys are quick to pick up any new skill. Despite their applied intelligence, however, monkeys tend to lack emotional intelligence -- including an inability to empathize. They are also easily distracted -- just like a primate, making follow-through on long-term projects especially challenging. Socially, Monkeys are fun-loving individuals and practical jokes are their forte. But a Monkey will often take it too far, hurting feelings in the process.