The Chinese Zodiac, known as Sheng Xiao in Chinese, is a vital part of the Chinese calendar and culture. It consists of twelve animals that represent different years in a twelve-year cycle. These animals are the Rat, Ox (or Cow), Tiger, Rabbit (or Hare), Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat (or Sheep), Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig (or Boar). Each animal is associated with certain characteristics and attributes that are believed to influence the destinies of individuals born in their respective years.