There are a total of 12 animal signs in the Chinese calendar based on five cycles of 12 years each, with each cycle tempered by one of the five Chinese elements of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth.

According to Chinese astrology and belief, the traits of these zodiac animals not only shape the personalities of people born under the respective sign but also their lives and the events of the year.

The affectionate, generous and attractive Tiger, third in the Zodiac Cycle, starts off yet another New Year on the Chinese zodiac calendar in 2010. Those born in the year of the Tiger are often said to possess character traits such as affectionate, generous and attractive. Tigers are energetic individuals who believe in enjoying a life full of challenges and unexpected events.

Finding pleasure in the unpredictable, they are not afraid to explore the new and unusual. They are affectionate, generous, and faithful but can be impatient and rebellious. Competitive, determined and untiring in work when motivated in the right way, Tigers will always approach their problems in a direct or even a radical way and are never in doubt about what they want to accomplish.

Famous personalities born in the Tiger year include Ludwig van Beethoven, Stevie Wonder, Marilyn Monroe, Ho Chi Minh, Alec Guinness and Karl Marx.