Welcome to Samurai Sam's ZODIAC page!

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

Chinese Zodiac History

 

Background and Concept

The Chinese animal signs are a 12-year cycle used for dating the years. They represent a cyclical concept of time, rather than the Western linear concept of time. The Chinese Lunar Calendar is based on the cycles of the moon, and is constructed in a different fashion than the Western solar calendar. In the Chinese calendar, the beginning of the year falls somewhere between late January and early February. The Chinese have adopted the Western calendar since 1911, but the lunar calendar is still used for festive occasions such as the Chinese New Year. Many Chinese calendars will print both the solar dates and the Chinese lunar dates.
The Chinese Lunar New Year is the longest chronological record in history, dating from 2600BC, when the Emperor Huang Ti introduced the first cycle of the zodiac. Like the Western calendar, The Chinese Lunar Calendar is a yearly one, with the start of the lunar year being based on the cycles of the moon. Therefore, because of this cyclical dating, the beginning of the year can fall anywhere between late January and the middle of February. This year, 2003, falls on February 12th. A complete cycle takes 60 years and is made up of five cycles of 12 years each.


Legend

According to one Chinese legend, the twelve animals quarreled one day as to who was to head the cycle of years. The gods were asked to decide and they held a contest: whoever was to reach the opposite bank of the river would be first, and the rest of the animals would receive their years according to their finish.

All the twelve animals gathered at the river bank and jumped in. Unknown to the ox, the rat had jumped upon his back. As the ox was about to jump ashore, the rat jumped off the ox's back, and won the race. The pig, who was very lazy, ended up last. That is why the rat is the first year of the animal cycle, the ox second, and the pig last.

Another legend has it that the Lord Buddha summoned all the animals to come to him before he departed from earth. Only twelve came to bid him farewell and as a reward he named a year after each one in the order they arrived.

The Chinese believe the animal ruling the year in which a person is born has a profound influence on personality, saying: "This is the animal that hides in your heart."

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So What Sign Are you?

Find the year you were born then trace it to the left then click on the corresponding animal. We will put that image on a:

  • White 50/50 Teeshirt
  • 16 oz Washable Stein!
  • MousePad


  • If you would prefer to have the image on the front of the teeshirt replacing the Samurai Sam pocket logo, just let us know!
    NOTE: Those born in January or early Febuary may have to do a little RESEARCH to locate your true sign. Because the Chinese new year does NOT start on January first each year, your sign may differ. Those born after Febuary can use the chart below.
    1924
    1925
    1926
    1927
    1928
    1929
    1930
    1931
    1932
    1933
    1934
    1935
    1936
    1937
    1938
    1939
    1940
    1941
    1942
    1943
    1944
    1945
    1946
    1947
    1948
    1949
    1950
    1951
    1952
    1953
    1954
    1955
    1956
    1957
    1958
    1959
    1960
    1961
    1962
    1963
    1964
    1965
    1966
    1967
    1968
    1969
    1970
    1971
    1972
    1973
    1974
    1975
    1976
    1977
    1978
    1979
    1980
    1981
    1982
    1983
    1984
    1985
    1986
    1987
    1988
    1989
    1990
    1991
    1992
    1993
    1994
    1995
    1996
    1997
    1998
    1999
    2000
    2001
    2002
    2003
    2004
    2005
    2006
    2007

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    Steins

    We are also offering these fine Zodiac representations in 16 oz steins that are washable as well as durable!

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    Mousepad

    We can create a 9"X 7 1/2" MousePad with your special Chinese Zodiac character and saying!

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    Animals of the Zodiac







    Rat

    You enjoy life’s pleasures, are a gourmet and connoisseur of good wine, curious about everything and an opportunist. Faithful in love and friendship, your circle of close friends is small because you have chosen them carefully.
    Order a Rat Stein     Order a Rat TeeShirt
            Order a Rat Mousepad


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    Goat

    Goat people are elegant, charming, artistic, gifted and fond of nature. People born under this sign are also the most creative. They are also very delicate, their good manners and charms always bring many admirers and friends.




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            Order a Goat Mousepad


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    Horse

    From the fiery Horse, symbol of all happiness in China, you have inherited vivacity, loyalty, and the elegance of a thoroughbred. You are worldly, love to move around, and your dynamic spirit is never dampened.
    Order a Horse Stein     Order a Horse TeeShirt
            Order a Horse Mousepad


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    Dog

    The Dog's loyalty and sense of smell make him a sure friend with brilliant intuition. You are very human and warm and people count on that. A philosopher, you love to spend an evening by the fire with your nose in a book.




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            Order a Dog Mousepad


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    Dragon

    Like the mythic, fiery Dragon, you love to confront the enemy in battle. An impetuous energy animates every one of your actions: you are ready to take on any challenge, go off on a conquest of power, and tear down any obstacle. You like to see life as a big adventure.


    Order a Dragon Stein    Order a Dragon TeeShirt
            Order a Dragon Mousepad


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    Snake

    Like the Snake that enchanted Eve, you know how to make more than one person lose their head! Refined, funny and gifted in seduction, you shine in society with your intelligence and vivacious spirit. A cold-blooded animal, you love intrigue and playfulness in life, but preserve large periods of time for idleness. You're not afraid of responsibility and efficiency is your forte.
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            Order a Snake Mousepad


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    Rabbit

    Lively yet tranquil, peaceful yet realistic, you use your intelligence to create a burrow made just for you, where everything you hate is banished forever. You are a diplomat in society: highly courteous and with an elegance that charms those around you.
    Order a Rabbit Stein     Order a Rabbit TeeShirt
            Order a Rabbit Mousepad


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    Tiger

    You have a rage to live and the teeth to sink into a plank of wood. Fortune doesn't motivate you but your desire for passionate adventure and impossible challenges does! If someone tries to put you in a cage, you become crazed and roar loud enough to dislocate your jaw!






    Order a Tiger Stein     Order a Tiger TeeShirt
            Order a Tiger Mousepad


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    Ox

    A Chinese proverb says, "The ox is slow but the earth is patient". You go through life with determination and common sense. You are solid, with a quiet interior force that people can count on. You also have a great sense of humanity, are loyal, honest, upright, faithful, and have integrity.


    Order a Ox Stein     Order a Ox TeeShirt
            Order a Ox Mousepad


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    Monkey

    Of all the animals of the Chinese zodiac, you are the most intelligent. Your pranks, finesse, and craftiness get you out of the most delicate situations without a scratch. You are charming, surprising, and entertaining while swinging from problem to problem. Behind your mimics and gestures hides an old monkey that the Chinese name The Wise One.
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            Order a Monkey Mousepad


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    Rooster

    Your bright red comb frightens bad spirits away in Chinese tradition. You love to be recognized for your talents at their just value. Your best quality is your frankness. A loyal and courageous friend, you don't hesitate attacking if you need to defend them.


    Order a Rooster Stein    Order a Rooster TeeShirt
            Order a Rooster Mousepad


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    Pig

    Honest and upright, you advance in life like a tranquil bulldozer. You hate lies, hypocrites, and artifice. If you do something bad you feel terrible and guilty about it for a long time after the fact. If your back is against the wall with no escape possible you become a daunting and violent adversary.
    Order a Pig Stein     Order a Pig TeeShirt
            Order a Pig Mousepad


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