On the first day of the Year of the Monkey, Nick Morrison looks at the origins of the Chinese New Year celebrations - and how the year we were born in can influence our character.

ACCORDING to legend, Buddha called all the animals of China to his bedside for a meeting. But only 12 turned up, and to honour those animals for their devotion, Buddha created a year for each one of them.

The rat, who jumped off the back of the ox to be first to arrive, was thus the first to be honoured, and after the ox came the tiger, the rabbit, the dragon and the snake. The horse arrived with the sheep, also known as the goat, with the monkey and the rooster not far behind, the dog and the pig bringing up the rear.

Each animal gave distinctive characteristics to their year, and Chinese astrology believes that the year someone is born is the main factor, not only in determining their personality, but also their chances of success and happiness.

Celebrations for the Chinese New Year, known in China as the Spring Festival, actually start several days before New Year itself, which begins with the second new moon after the winter solstice, putting it any time between January 21 and February 19.

The New Year festival, the most important in China, includes a number of rituals, one of the most well-known of which is based on the legend of Nien, a cruel beast which is said to eat people on New Year's Eve. But Nien is said to fear the colour red, fire and loud noises, so, to keep this monster away, red paper is pasted onto doors, torches are lit and fireworks set off through the night.

The celebrations traditionally last for around three weeks, finishing with the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the lunar month, when houses are decorated with lanterns.

Today is the first day of the Year of the Monkey, an animal known for its wit, intelligence and popularity. As well as the animal sign, Chinese astrology also takes into account the elements of Water, Wood, Metal and Fire, and balancing the Yin-Yang.

The Rat

A bit of a charmer, the rat is gregarious but often has few close friends. Something of an opportunist who lives for the moment, the rat is intelligent, quick-witted and ambitious, but also has a tendency to be frivolous and easily bored. The rat is said to be insecure but strongly family orientated. The rat has greatest rapport with the dragon and the monkey, and greatest hostility with the horse.

The Ox

Patient, meticulous, and strong, the ox is symbolised by both balance and endurance and often makes a good worker. But the ox can also be stubborn, reluctant to ask for help and critical of others. The ox is a born leader and family minded. Greatest affinity is with the rooster and the snake, greatest ill-will towards the sheep.

The Tiger

The tiger is both brave and powerful, full of adventure, confidence and enthusiasm. This often makes tigers successful in their careers, but they can be headstrong and impetuous, rushing in when it would be better to wait. Tigers are always trying to prove themselves, and like to be noticed, but they are also generous. Tigers have a close bond with dogs and horses, but are enemies with the monkey.

The Rabbit

The rabbit is a creature of routine, and shuns acting on impulse, but is also sensitive and smart. Rabbits put great store on creating a beautiful home and have a nose for a bargain, and often prefer to retreat to the comfort of their home to avoid the cruelties of the world. The rabbit is a good listener and is discreet, and is a good shoulder to cry on. Rabbits are compatible with sheep and pigs, but not with roosters.

The Dragon

Self-assured, confident and honest, dragons have strong personalities and are charismatic and enthusiastic. The downside is, they do not suffer fools gladly. Dragons are larger-than-life and determined, even if this means they are sometimes foolhardy. Dragons see eye to eye with rats and monkeys, but are on poor terms with dogs.

The Snake

Snakes are full of wisdom and charm, and are great thinkers, although they sometimes act on intuition and like to rely on their own wits, shunning advice from others. The snake has a good sense of humour and strong sense of responsibility, but also hates to spend money. Snakes like the finer things in life. The snake has a kinship with the ox and the rooster, and an enmity with the pig.

The Horse

Independent, individual and hardworking, the horse is admired as well as liked. Horses are laid back as well as direct, and are not slow to give their opinion. But while horses are calm, if they are roused to anger it can be a fearsome sight and they take a while to calm down. Horses are likely to pay as much attention to work as to relationships. Horses get on well with tigers and dogs, but dislike rats.

The Sheep/Goat

The sheep is gentle and caring, and peaceful by nature, only becoming angry to restore order. Sheep are compassionate, and quiet when upset, but are also natural performers. Sheep love the good life, but can need guidance to control their natural tendency to wander off. Sheep are fond of rabbits and pigs, but feel ill-disposed towards the ox.

The Monkey

Charming and cheeky, the mischievous monkey has no respect for authority and often ends up in trouble. The nearest sign to mankind, the monkey is intelligent and can solve any problem, but can also be an opportunist, relying on their wits rather than following a clear strategy. Monkeys are always looking for new experiences but are cool under pressure. The monkey connects with the dragon and the rat, but clashes with the tiger.

The Rooster

Roosters are good time-keepers and hard workers, and are outwardly showy, although at heart they are insecure. Trustworthy and methodical, the rooster is also outspoken and offers advice, even when it is not needed. Roosters can be lacking in initiative but are very organised and family orientated. The rooster has a liking for the ox and the snake, but is unfriendly to the rabbit.

The Dog

The dog will never let you down. Loyal and caring, dogs hate injustice and do not flinch from danger. A dog's trust may be elusive, but once it is won it can be relied upon. Stubborn and defensive, dogs are also anxious and have a sharp tongue, but their main ambition is to please. Dogs have a fondness for tigers and horses, but not for dragons.

The Pig

Bright and sociable, the pig loves company, and is big-hearted, tending not to bear grudges. Pigs like harmony and are straight-forward and honest, quick to lose their temper but quick to forgive. Pigs are great talkers and are oblivious to what others think, but also can be nave and can be taken in when others are less honest. Pigs have a good relationship with rabbits and sheep, but are not so keen on snakes.

Which sign are you?

The Rat: 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996

The Ox: 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997

The Tiger: 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998

The Rabbit: 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999

The Dragon: 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000

The Snake: 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001

The Horse: 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002

The Sheep: 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003

The Monkey: 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004

The Rooster: 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993

The Dog: 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994

The Pig: 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995