Each year in a 12-year cycle is named after a different animal, with distinct characteristics associated with that animal. The Chinese Zodiac is based on years rather months. To make leap year adjustments, the colors of white, black, green, red and brown also are assigned. The Chinese zodiac is based on a centuries-old system based on natural elements, marked by fixed colors and assigned a dozen animals as they correspond to the hour, date, month and year of birth.
