A complete Chinese Zodiac cycle takes 60 years and is made of five simple cycles of twelve years each, where twelve animal signs are assigned to each of the 12 years in combination with the five main elements of gold, wood, water, fire, and earth.

The Rooster, the tenth zodiac animal in the cycle, is featured in this series of stamps, capturing a time when the optimism of the Year of the Monkey overlaps the Year of the Rooster. It is believed that in the Year of the Rooster, one would have to expend maximum effort for minimum gain, yet it remains a buoyant year.

Those born in the Year of the Rooster are deep thinkers, capable, and talented individuals who are highly observant, accurate, and precise. The Rooster personality has a broad circle of friends, excels in speaking and convincing in debates, and as a born organizer, takes great pride in working hard and following the rules.

In the year 2005, the Year of the Rooster is ruled by the element of Wood; the Wood Rooster is a progress-oriented person who will excel in performance when matched with the virtuous qualities of honesty and integrity. Famous persons born in the Year of the Rooster include Pope Paul IV, Elton John, Goldie Hawn, Katharine Hepburn, and Britney Spears, and these stamp designs are graphic illustrations of this colorful and capable creature.

The stamp designs are graphic illustrations of this colourful and capable creature.