Chinese Zodiac: 2013 - Happy new year

Did you know that a Scorpio could also be a Rabbit, a Leo could also be a Pig, and a Taurian Bull could also be a Rat?

Banish those merely monthly zodiac signs, for the Chinese New Year is upon us! As the new moon ascends, houses around the world have lit up with brightly coloured lanterns, dragons of silk and bamboo are being paraded in the streets by dancing young men, and families have gathered for feasts, firecrackers and fortune cookies. Also known as the Spring Festival, the Chinese New Year is one of the richest of all holidays in its customs and traditions. It begins on the first day of the lunar calendar (Feb 10) and lasts until the first day of the full moon (Feb 24). At the heart of the Chinese Zodiac are twelve different animals representing the rotating 12-year cycle. And this year is the year of the Snake.

Snake

Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Snake are contemplative, introverted, possessive and generally poor communicators. They are also described as very cunning and manipulative — they will most certainly plot to get what they want! Whilst being smart, seductive, and charming, they are also insecure, jealous and slightly dangerous. They rely on gut feelings and can also be hard-working and intelligent. Compatible with Rooster or Ox.

Years: 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953, 1941, 1929, 1917, 1905

Famous Pakistanis: Shahzad Roy (1977),Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman (1953)

Ox

A powerful Chinese Zodiac sign, the Ox is steadfast and solid, both goal as well as process oriented. They are hard-working, stubborn, serious and introverted.  Often they feel lonely and insecure. They love the comfort of friends and family and can be reliable companions. Compatible with Snake or Rooster.

Years: 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, 1949, 1937, 1925, 1913, 1901

Famous Pakistanis: Mian Nawaz Sharif (1949)

Rat

Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Rat are quick-witted, curious, clever and charming. They have excellent taste and are loyal friends. They can be greedy and motivated by money. They love seeking knowledge and embracing challenges. Compatible with Dragon or Monkey.

Years: 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, 1948, 1936, 1924, 1912, 1900

Famous Pakistanis: Veena Malik (1984)

Tiger

Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Tiger are authoritative, self-possessed, and have strong leadership qualities. They are charming, ambitious, courageous and warm-hearted as well as highly seductive and intense. Prone to mood swings, they can be ready to pounce on you at any time. Compatible with Horse or Dog.

Years: 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, 1950, 1938, 1926, 1914, 1902

Famous Pakistanis: Nargis (1974)

Rabbit

Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Rabbit enjoy being surrounded by family and friends. They are popular, compassionate and sincere. They like to avoid conflict and are sometimes seen as pushovers. Rabbits enjoy spending time at home and entertaining others in their comfort zone. Compatible with Goat or Pig.

Years: 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951, 1939, 1927, 1915, 1903

Famous Pakistanis: Rehman Malik (1951)

Dragon

Those born under this powerful sign are energetic, warm-hearted and charismatic. They are lucky at love and slightly egotistic. They are natural leaders and they will do all that is necessary to remain on top. Compatible with Monkey and Rat.

Years: 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, 1952, 1940, 1928, 1916, 1904

Famous Pakistanis: Imran Khan (1952), Abdul Sattar Edhi (1928)

Horse

Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Horse love to roam free. They’re energetic, sharp witted and self-reliant. Although they love traveling, they are wise with money matters. Also they are great seducers. On the downside, they can be impatient and sometimes come across as wanderers. Compatible with Dog or Tiger.

Years: 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, 1942, 1930, 1918, 1906

Famous Pakistanis: Wasim Akram (1966)

Goat

Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Goat enjoy being alone in the company of their own thoughts. They are imaginative and creative.  But they can also be unorganized, insecure, and anxiety-ridden. They need lots of love, support and reassurance. For them, appearance matters a lot.  Compatible with Pig or Rabbit.

Years: 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967, 1955, 1943, 1931, 1919, 1907

Famous Pakistanis: Pervez Musharraf (1943)

Monkey

Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Monkey love to have some fun. They are energetic, upbeat, and good listeners. But they can lack self-control and often prioritize the self over others. A word of caution: they can be heart-breakers, and are usually bad at long-term relationships. Compatible with Rat or Dragon.

Years: 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968, 1956, 1944, 1932, 1920, 1908

Famous Pakistanis: Asif Ali Zardari (1956); Ali Zafar (1980); Shahid Afridi (1980)

Rooster

Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Rooster are practical and resourceful, observant and analytical. They are honest and trusting. Many are perfectionists and neat freaks. Compatible with Ox or Snake.

Years: 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969, 1957, 1945, 1933, 1921, 1909

Dog

Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Dog are loyal and faithful.  At times, they can be guilty of telling white lies. They can be temperamental, moody, dogmatic and sensitive. They excel in business but have trouble finding mates. Compatible with Tiger or Horse.

Years: 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, 1958, 1946, 1934, 1922, 1910

Famous Pakistanis: Mahira  Khan (1982)

Pig

Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Pig are extremely nice, good-mannered and tasteful. They are perfectionists who love to indulge in aesthetics and to seek knowledge.  They enjoy helping others. Although they are not snobs, they can be exclusive in their friendships. But if you annoy them, then beware their wrath! Compatible with Rabbit or Goat.

Years: 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971, 1959, 1947, 1935, 1923, 1911

Famous Pakistanis: Atif Aslam (1983),  Reema Khan (1971)

Published in The Express Tribune, Sunday Magazine, February 17^th, 2013.

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