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Chinese New Years Day is calculated as being the day after the second New (Full) Moon after the Winter Solstice. The Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year (about 21st. December) . Therefore, the date of the Chinese Year New will fluctuate from year to year (usually around late January / early February) because it is determined by the movement of the Moon. The Chinese equivalent of a New Year greeting is "Kung Hei Fat Choy" meaning to be happy and prosperous. It should be accompanied by the traditional gesture - the two hands clasped together and shaken beside the face. Legend has it that the roots of Chinese Astrology began when Buddha summoned all the animals of the earth: only twelve turned up to pay him homage. First came the Rat, and then one by one came the Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Cock, Dog, and Pig. As an eternal thankyou, he offered each a year that would be dedicated to that animal alone, through the ages. This would carry the animal's name, and express the symbolic character and specific psychological traits of that particular animal. Therefore the years are represented by each animal in turn. Each year is also joined by the five elements: metal, water, wood, fire, earth.

I am a Fire Horse. In this century, Fire Horses have only occured in two years: 1906 and 1966, the next being 2026. The Chinese believe that anyone born during a year of the Fire Horse will possess greatly enhanced characteristics in both their positive and negative attitudes and traits; they are the extremes of the astrolgical signs. My first Tai Chi Master was perturbed when he found out my sign, and all he said was "I have only met one other Fire Horse: my daughter - I bet you were a nightmare to your parents as a child." I daren't ask my parents how true this was.