2007 is set to be a porker, sorry, corker of a year according to the ancient principles of the Chinese Zodiac

The 12-year cycle is based on each year being named after a different animal and its distinctive characteristics, and on 18 February, it becomes the Year of the Pig.

Many Chinese believe that the year of a person's birth is the main factor in determining their personality, physical and mental abilities and degree of success and happiness throughout their life.

Good news for anyone born in 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995 or 2007: being a Pig makes you noble and chivalrous. According to tradition, your friends will be life-long, although you are prone to marital strife.

Lucille Ball, Humphrey Bogart, Hillary Clinton, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ernest Hemingway, Alfred Hitchcock, Mahalia Jackson, David Letterman, and Arnold Schwarzenegger were all born in the Year of the Pig.

If you were born in the Year of the Pig

Those born in years ruled by the pig tend to have excellent manners, make and keep friends, work very hard, and appreciate luxury. They are very loving and make loyal partners. Pig people enjoy life and all it has to offer, including family and friends. They are honest and thoughtful and expect the same of other people. Pigs can be perceived as oblivious or gullible because they do care about others so much that they will do just about anything for a friend in need.

Pigs and health

Pigs enjoy being around other people and so being alone for long periods of time may cause illness. They also like to party and have a tendency to overdo it at times. Because they do not get much exercise they also have a tendency to gain weight. In order to maintain a clean bill of health, Pigs should watch their diets, make sure they get enough vitamins and minerals each day and somehow work an exercise routine into their daily lives.

At home with the Pig

Pigs have comfortable, friendly homes that just invite you in. As much as they love company, their homes are going to reflect materialistic gains. Pigs like to show off assets and pay close attention to the way they decorate their homes. They can certainly make something out of nothing; however, they don't make cleaning or chores a top priority.

The Pig at work

Pigs generally do really well when they get to be creative. They usually do better at jobs where they can express themselves. They are enthusiastic about taking on new responsibility at work and jump in to give a hand to colleagues in need. Pigs are well-liked by colleagues because they are so willing to help and they have an eye for detail that makes them quite invaluable to upper management.

The Pig and money

Pigs love to spend money. They have an eye for brands rather than generics so they generally spend a lot. Pigs have a knack for being able to find a diamond in the rough. Although they can sometimes be thrifty with money, most of the time it is the reverse. Pigs should be careful; a rainy day may sneak up on them.

Pig careers

Those born in the Year of the Pig share the same kinds of goals and objectives in life. Pigs make excellent doctors, dentists, vets, hotel managers and interior decorators.

Find out more about your Chinese sign and what the Year of the Pig holds for you:

Rat

You were born in the Year of the Rat if you came along in 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984 or 1996. Rats are ambitious but honest, prone to spend freely but seldom make lasting friendships.

Rats in the Year of the Pig: Expect a year of planning instead of achieving. Pig year is a time for Rat to rest, recoup from past losses, and maybe even join the crowd and indulge a bit. It is best to reserve energy for next year (the year of the Rat) when you start a new fortunate 12-year life cycle.

Famous rats include: Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow and Prince Harry.

Ideal partners: Dragon and Monkey.

Ox

If you were born in 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985 or 1997, you are an Ox. Bright, patient and inspiring, you are happy by yourself but make an outstanding parent.

Oxen in the Year of the Pig: Anticipate much activity at home and business. The Ox is stimulated by extra work - and succeeds. Brilliant new contacts and opportunities will appear throughout Pig year and no major difficulties are foreseen. Just remember to stop working long enough to join the party and experience some fun and romance too!

Famous oxen include: Kate Beckinsale, George Clooney and Keira Knightley.

Ideal partners: Rat, Rooster or Snake.

Tiger

The years 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986 and 1998 all come under the Year of the Tiger. Tigers are aggressive, courageous and sensitive.

Tigers in the Year of the Pig: Your good fortune from last year (the Year of the Dog) will continue. Pig year can bring good business, wild luck, easy satisfaction and contentment. The Pig's influence brings enjoyment of the finer things in life, but be wary of overspending or overextending. Think before you pounce and don't act on a whim, especially in romance.

Famous tigers include: Charlotte Church, Robbie Williams and Kate Moss.

Rabbit

The Years of the Rabbit were 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987 and 1999. The luckiest of all the signs, you are also talented and articulate. Affectionate, but shy, you seek peace throughout your life.

Rabbits in the Year of the Pig: Expect a really nice year and appreciate the good times, experience emotional security, and feel social contentment. This year makes you less nervous and edgy, meaning it is a good year for marriage or having children. But keep your business expectations low and focus on enjoying life rather than your accomplishments.

Famous rabbits include: Jamie Oliver, David Beckham and Brad Pitt.

Ideal partners: Sheep, Dog or Pig.

Dragon

If you were born in 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988 or 2000, that makes you a Dragon. You are eccentric and your life is complex. You have a very passionate nature and abundant health.

Dragons in the Year of the Pig: Life should balance out after the challenges of the previous year. Easy travel, light entertaining and amusing recreation are enjoyable. Caution with finances is recommended because Dragons do tend to overspend. Work may be slow, mundane, and perhaps a bit frustrating so wait until next year when you will experience a very fortunate work cycle.

Famous dragons include: Teri Hatcher, Elle MacPherson and John Lennon.

Ideal partners: Rat, Monkey or Rooster.

Snake

You were born in the Year of the Snake if your birth date falls in 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989 or 2001. You are wise and intense with a tendency towards physical beauty, as well as vain and hot-tempered.

Snakes in the Year of the Pig: The Pig is opposite to the Snake, which can mean accomplishments may be limited and your plans may be delayed. Snakes might be able to enjoy the leisure and indulgence that Pig year brings, but now is really the time to lay low and hibernate. Avoid conflicts (or even lawsuits) which won't end in your favour.

Famous snakes include: Orlando Bloom, Sarah Jessica Parker and Liv Tyler.

Ideal partners: Dragon or Dog.

Horse

The years 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990 and 2002 all come under the sign of the Horse. Popular and attractive to the opposite sex, you are often flamboyant and impatient, and you need people around you.

Horses in the Year of the Pig: Enjoy the parties and passions of Pig year when you can but remember that Horse and Pig are very different. This year could bring some uncomfortable circumstances for the independently-minded Horse and difficulties with miscommunication can delay success. Beware overspending on non-essentials and luxuries.

Famous horses include: Jordan, Katie Holmes and Kanye West.

Ideal partners: Tiger or Sheep.

Sheep

The Years of the Sheep have been 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991 and 2003. Being a Sheep means you are elegant and creative, but you are also timid and prefer anonymity.

Sheep in the Year of the Pig: Great news - this will be one of the easiest and best years for lucky Sheep. Everything you touch can turn to gold, with good fortune being particularly seen in romance and business making it an excellent year for marriage, engagement, or having children. Sheep could even inherit or win money so make sure you take advantage of all opportunities this year.

Famous sheep include: Nicole Kidman and Julia Roberts.

Ideal partners: Pig or Horse.

Monkey

If you were born in 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992 or 2004, you are a Monkey. You are very intelligent and are able to influence people. An enthusiastic achiever, you are easily discouraged and confused.

Monkeys in the Year of the Pig: Expect some improvements in your life after the difficulties of the past two years. It's a fun year to Monkey around and have a good time! Good business progress, travel and even a change of address are foreseen but your plans could be thwarted or delayed. Next year, the Year of the Rat, will be far more fortunate for Monkeys in business and finance.

Famous monkeys include: Kylie Minogue, Jessica Simpson and Jake Gyllenhaal.

Ideal partners: Dragon or Rat.

Rooster

You were born in the Year of the Rooster if you came into the world in 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993 or 2005. A pioneer in spirit, you are devoted to work and thirst for knowledge. But you can also be selfish and eccentric.

Roosters in the Year of the Pig: Pig year is a banquet so join the feast! Lighten up when you can, stop worrying, and try to enjoy life. Your values and Pig's values are very different so avoid arguments in general - this is a time to be realistic and more conservative. Anticipate extra work, some challenging responsibilities and minor career setbacks but dedication to a career can relieve a financial slump.

Famous roosters include: Eric Clapton, Michelle Pfeiffer and Katharine Hepburn.

Ideal partners: Ox or Snake.

Dog

1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994 and 2006 have been the Years of the Dog. Loyal and honest, you work well with others. You are generous but stubborn, and often selfish.

Dogs in the Year of the Pig: Good fortune will continue for you from the previous Dog year. Your focus may turn to family concerns and friendships so now is a good time to begin new relationships and expand your circle of friends. Dogs can have a great time at social events this year - life is good so you can easily enjoy a calm and peaceful Pig year.

Famous dogs include: Bill Clinton, Jennifer Lopez, Sophie Loren and Brigitte Bardot.

Ideal partners: Horse or Tiger.