The Chinese Zodiac consists of a 12 year cycle, each year of which named after a different animal that imparts distinct characteristics to its year. Many Chinese believe that the year of a person's birth is the primary factor in determining that person's personality traits, physical and metal attributes and degree of success and happiness throughout his or hers lifetime. To learn about your Animal Sign, find the year of your birth among the 12 signs. If born before 1936, add 12 to the year you were born to find your year.