<P> Nevertheless, there are major differences which render the term inaccurate: the animals of the Chinese zodiac are not associated with constellations spanned by the ecliptic plane . The Chinese 12 - part cycle corresponds to years, rather than months . The Chinese zodiac is represented by 12 animals, whereas some of the signs in the Western zodiac are not animals, despite the implication of the etymology of the word zodiac . </P> <P> The zodiac traditionally begins with the sign of the Rat . The following are the twelve zodiac signs (each with its associated Earthly Branch) in order and their characteristics . Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water as nature five elements . </P> <Ol> <Li> Rat--鼠 (子) (Yang, 1st Trine, Fixed Element Water) </Li> <Li> Ox--牛 (丑) (Yin, 2nd Trine, Fixed Element Earth) </Li> <Li> Tiger--虎 (寅) (Yang, 3rd Trine, Fixed Element Wood) </Li> <Li> Rabbit--兔 (卯) (Yin, 4th Trine, Fixed Element Wood) </Li> <Li> Dragon--龍 (辰) (Yang, 1st Trine, Fixed Element Earth) </Li> <Li> Snake--蛇 (巳) (Yin, 2nd Trine, Fixed Element Fire) </Li> <Li> Horse--馬 (午) (Yang, 3rd Trine, Fixed Element Fire) </Li> <Li> Goat--羊 (未) (Yin, 4th Trine, Fixed Element Earth) </Li> <Li> Monkey--猴 (申) (Yang, 1st Trine, Fixed Element Metal) </Li> <Li> Rooster--雞 (酉) (Yin, 2nd Trine, Fixed Element Metal) </Li> <Li> Dog--狗 (戌) (Yang, 3rd Trine, Fixed Element Earth) </Li> <Li> Pig--豬 (亥) (Yin, 4th Trine, Fixed Element Water) </Li> </Ol> <Li> Rat--鼠 (子) (Yang, 1st Trine, Fixed Element Water) </Li>

What are all the chinese new year animals
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