The Chinese New Year is one of the most colourful and vibrant events in the calendar.
Its date is decided by the Chinese lunar calendar so it changes every year, but typically it falls between January 21 and February 20.
This year it will be celebrated tomorrow, Friday, 16 February.
In traditional Chinese culture a different animal is associated to each lunar year.
2018 is the Year of the Dog, here is everything you need to know about it.
Why is it the Year of the Dog?
This relates to the Chinese zodiac sign, which moves in 12-year cycles, those born in 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, and 2018 are in the Year of the Dog.
According to astrology, your year of birth - and the animal that represents it - says a lot about your personality traits.
Those born in the Year of the Dog are communicative, serious and responsible in the workplace.
The dog is the eleventh zodiac sign.
What does the dog symbolise?
The dog is considered to be a lucky animal, this is because it's believed they are caring and reasonable due to their loyalty towards humans.
In ancient China, people were able to predict if good luck or bad luck was on its way if their dog began to bark.
A Poodle is considered to be lucky and will bring great fortune to its master, dogs with yellow coats and light eyebrows are also thought to be lucky, while ones with dark eyebrows are unlucky.
How are the animals decided?
The Chinese zodiac animal signs include the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.
It was formed according to the Chinese lunar calendar, which also defines the dates of festivals and is used for horoscopes. The calendar has a very long history going back to the Xia (21st century BC - 16th century BC) and Shang Dynasties (16th century BC - 11th century BC).
The calendar is also referred to as the Lunar, Yin, Xia or the old Chinese calendar.
Which Chinese zodiac animal do I belong to?
The animal changes at the beginning of the Chinese New Year, see which one is yours below.
- Rat: 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960
- Ox: 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961
- Tiger: 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962
- Rabbit: 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963
- Dragon: 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964
- Snake: 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965
- Horse: 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966
- Goat: 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967
- Monkey: 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968
- Rooster: 2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969
- Dog: 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, 1958
- Pig: 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971, 1959
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