Twelve animals came along – the Rat, the Ox, the Tiger, the Rabbit, the Dragon, the Snake,the Horse, the Sheep, the Monkey, the Rooster, the Dog, and the Pig.

Realted: Mayor pushes boat out in year of the rat, 8 February 2008

So he named each year after them, claiming that a person who was born in that year would have similar characteristics to the animal:

Rat – People born in 1996, 1984, 1972 and 1960. Typical characteristics include being shrewd, compassionate, charismatic and bossy.

Ox – People born in 1997, 1985, 1973 and 1961. Typical characteristics include being assertive, open-minded, industrious and gullible.

Tiger – People born in 1998, 1986, 1974 and 1961. Typical characteristics include being confident, idealistic, versatile and reckless.

Rabbit – People born in 1999, 1987, 1975 and 1962. Typical characteristics include being sensitive, tactful, artistic and timid.

Dragon – People born in 2000, 1988, 1976 and 1963. Typical characteristics include being flamboyant, spontaneous, loyal and ruthless.

Snake – People born in 2001, 1989, 1977 and 1964. Typical characteristics include being profound, clever, logical and lazy.

Horse – People born in 2002, 1990, 1978 and 1965. Typical characteristics include being spontaneous, curious, whimsical and fickle.

Sheep – People born in 2003, 1991, 1979 and 1966. Typical characteristics include being gentle, modest, generous and indecisive.

Monkey – People born in 2004, 1992, 1980 and 1967. Typical characteristics include being inventive, witty, humorous and manipulative.

Rooster – People born in 2005, 1993, 1981 and 1968. Typical characteristics include being hardworking, meticulous, generous and vain.

Dog – People born in 2006, 1994, 1982 and 1969. Typical characteristics include being modest, dependable, patient and pessimistic.

Pig – People born in 2007, 1995, 1983 and 1970. Typical characteristics include being, optimistic, obliging, tolerant and materialistic.