Happy Chinese New Year: 2013 is the Year of the Snake

Sunday marks the first day of the Chinese New Year.

It is year 4711, according to the Chinese calendar, which is based on moon phases and the timing of the solar year. 

The celebration lasts 15 days, making it the longest and most significant holiday in China. While each day has its own theme and significance, the New Year generally serves as a time to honor deities and ancestors.

The New Year also means a shift in the Chinese Zodiac, which makes it the Year of the Snake. The Chinese Zodiac is based on a 12-year cycle and is represented by 12 different animals: the mouse, buffalo, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.

Each zodiac sign exhibits certain character traits that are believed to dictate the personality traits of those born under it.

According to chinatoday.com, if you were born in 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001 or 2013 you are a snake. Snakes are described as wise, charming and romantic.

Other zodiac signs and traits:

Mouse (born in 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008)
Traits: imaginative, charming, generous

Buffalo (born in 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009)
Traits: born leader, conservative, methodical

Tiger (born in 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010)
Traits: sensitive, emotional, rebel

Rabbit (born in 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011)
Traits: affectionate, obliging, pleasant

Dragon (born in 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012)
Traits: enthusiastic, intelligent, perfectionist

Horse (born in 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954,1966, 1978, 1990, 2002)
Traits: hard worker, independent, friendly

Goat (born in 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003)
Traits: elegant, artistic, charming

Monkey (born in 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004)
Traits: clever, intelligent, magnetic

Rooster (born in 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005)
Traits: shrewd, dreamer, extravagant

Dog (born in 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006)
Traits: honest, loyal, worrisome

Pig (born in 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007)
Traits: sincere, tolerant, honest