The Chinese Zodiac Year of Birth
From Wiki China org cn
The Chinese Zodiac Year of Birth (本命年 Běn Mìng Niǎn) refers to the year of zodiac animal in which one was born. As there are 12 animals (Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig), one undergoes a 12-year cycle to reach his Zodiac Year of Birth. Take the coming Chinese Year of the Rabbit (which begins on Feb. 3), for example. Those who were born in the Year of the Rabbit (1975, 1987 and 1999 in the Gregorian calendar) will soon reach their Zodiac Year of Birth. In line with traditional custom, those who meet with their Zodiac Year will wear red to avoid ill fortune.
