Editor's note: Unlike Western astrology, the Chinese Zodiac, which is known as Sheng Xiao in Chinese, is a rotating cycle of 12 years, with each year represented by an animal and its reputed attributes. Each animal is associated with different personality traits, and our blogger from Nigeria, who goes by the online name of "Objchina," shares his knowledge on the Chinese Zodiac signs to help you know more about your traits as per Chinese astrology. You are welcome to leave your comments if you are interested in the topic.

1. Rat

Charming, innovative and intelligent

Forthright, inquisitive and intrusive but always in a disarmingly honest way

Excels in business, alert to opportunities

Easy to get along with, hardworking and thrifty

Generous to those you are fond of

Can be easily agitated but maintains self control, gaining many friends, fun-loving, social, occasionally critical or grouchy

Female rats may be especially frugal, but usually not with their own children

Overambitious at times

Paper cutting of 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac are on display in Nanjing on Sept 7, 2014. [Photo/IC]