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Many Thai people still follow the 12 Year Lunar Cycle. It probably originated from Chinese Astrologers in about the 6th century AD and was adopted by many Buddhist countries in Asia, including Thailand, where it is an integral part of Thai culture. They believe that there are 12 auspicious animals, one for each of the 12 years, and that the people born in each of those years will have certain characteristics of those animals.Legend has it that on the Buddhas last day on this Earth he invited all the animals but only 12 came, so to reward them he named a year after each of the twelve.
More recently in Thailand, it is believed that everyone should make a pilgimage at least once in their lifetime to the Temple associated with their birth year.
2008 is the year of the Rat. 2009 will be the Year of the Ox.
If you don't know which animal is associated with your birth year you can check with our Thai Zodiac Chart
Year of the Rat
Industrious, disciplined, eloquent, shrewd and meticulous. Can be selfish, obstinate, scheming and vindictive.
Temple associated with the year of the Rat = Wat Phrataht Sri Jomtong, Chiang Mai.
Year of the Ox
Patient, steady, dependable, modest and resolute. Can be narrow minded, stubborn and demanding.
Temple associated with the year of the Ox = Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang, Lampang.
Year of the Tiger
Affectionate, impulsive, generous, unpredictable and sincere. Can be quick tempered, reckless, obstinate and selfish.
Temple associated with the year of the Tiger = Wat Phrathat Chohae, Phrae.
Year of the Rabbit
Sensitive, kind, artistic, compassionate and reserved. Can be lazy, self indulgent, moody and superficial.
Temple associated with the year of the Rabbit = Wat Phrathat Chaehaeng, Nan.
Year of the Dragon
Self-assured, passionate, proud, generous and loyal. Can be arrogant, domineering, eccentric, violent and overbearing.
Temple associated with the year of the Dragon = Wat Phra Singh, Chiang Mai.
Year of the Snake
Wise, prudent, sensual, graceful and constant. Can be self doubting, possessive, a poor communicator and a loner.
Temple associated with the year of the Snake = Wat Yed Yod, Chiang Mai.
Year of the Horse
Intelligent, talkative, popular, cheerful and astute. Can be arrogant, rude and stubborn.
Temple associated with the year of the Horse = Schwedagon Pagoda, Rangoon, Myanmar.
Year of the Ram
Peaceful, artistic, creative, gentle and compassionate. Can be pessimistic, indecisive, moody and a complainer.
Temple associated with the year or the Ram = Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai.
Year of the Monkey
Self assured, plite, dignified, inventor and a problem solver . Can be Vain, snobbish, selfish, jealous and reckless.
Temple associated with the year of the Monkey = Wat Phrathat Nakorn Panom, Nakorn Panom.
Year of the Rooster
Organised, neat & tidy, zealous, practical and decisive. Can be critical, abrasive and opinionated.
Temple associated with the Year of the Rooster = Wat Phrathat Haripunchai, Lamphun.
Year of the Dog
Honest, loyal, open minded, intelligent and straight forward. Can be lazy, pessimistic, stubborn and quarrelsome.
Temple associated with the year of the Dog =
Wat Kedkaraam, Chiangmai.
Year of the Pig
Honest, patient, trusting, loyal and hard working. Can be gullible, naive and self indulgent.
Temple associated with the year of the Pig = Wat Phrathat Doi Tung, Chiang Rai.
In Chiang Mai and northern Thailand the 12th year, the year of the Pig, is sometimes substituted with the year of the Elephant.
See also Wat Ban Den which has 12 Chedis, each dedicated to one of the 12 animals of the Zodiac.