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S ome have even made new traditions as they have spent time with family in semi-seclusion; priorities have shifted. It has been a time of struggle for many and of introspection for others. We can learn from the past—from ancient teachings and beliefs. Not all traditions and teachings have to be serious, they can be fun while at the same time enlightening and thought provoking. Such is the case with Chinese Zodiak signs. The Chinese New Year is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays. It falls on different dates each year. In 2021, it starts on February 12 and is the year of the ox. According to the Chinese calendar, the year you were born may determine your personality. Every year is represented by an animal, and legend has it that people born under that animal have certain personality traits. One important aspect of Chinese culture is the Chinese zodiac, a 12-year astrological cycle in which a zodiac animal is assigned to each year of an ever-repeating rotation. With the passing of each Chinese New Year—itself considered the most important annual Chinese holiday—the given year's zodiac animal progresses to the next in the 12-year lineup. Overview of the Chinese Zodiac The Chinese Zodiac is an ancient belief system considered to be a tool for deciding one's destiny. Following the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar, this scheme is based on a 12-year cycle in which each new year is represented by one of 12 zodiac animals, called 生肖 (shēngxiào) in Chinese. This upcoming spring, families across the Middle Kingdom and throughout the Chinese diaspora will gather to celebrate Spring Festival on February 12, 2021. As they do so, they'll welcome the second animal in the 12-year rotation, the Ox (牛 niú). Chinese Zodiac Origin Story (or rather, stories) Scholars believe the Chinese Zodiac originated during China's Warring States Period (475 BCE to 221 BCE), or 戰國時代 (Zhànguó Shídài). However, it wasn't until the Han Dynasty (202 BCE to 202 CE) that the popularity of the Chinese astrological calendar began to grow. There are several theories and popular stories explaining the origin of China's zodiac animals. As a result, understanding the tradition's origins can be a bit confusing.