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To understand the Chinese New Year, you must understand Chinese astrology. The Chinese Zodiac features 12 animals who each have their own traits and personalities. Each zodiac is ruled by an element, water, fire, wind, and Earth. Each year your Chinese zodiac changes, unlike Western astrology which changes every month. To understand how the animals rank, you have to go back to the mythical race that was held by the Jade Emperor. All the animals raced with the rat cheating and coming first. To be a Tiger, means you are powerful, rebellious, and dynamic. A zodiac sign returns every 12 years, the last year of the Tiger was 2010. This year is the year of the Water-Tiger. The Water Tiger is less aggressive but highly driven. There is a deep concentration on family and all of humanity. The Year of the Tiger is a great time to take risks, go on adventures, and many changes are emotional or creative. Consequently, most changes will likely be cerebral, not physical.