The Lunar Calendar

The Chinese Calendar is based on the phases of the moon.  The lunar year is divided into 12 months which follow the new and full moons.  Years run in cycles of 60, there being 12 animal sign years and 5 elements (the elements are sometimes also divided into yin and yang , but this does not directly affect the cycle.)  The five elements are Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, and Earth.  The following chart gives the animals in their traditional order: