Legend has it that the animals were chosen by the Jade Emperor, the ruler of heaven, who according to Taoist mythology invited all creatures to join him for a New Year's Day celebration.
Only 12 showed up, and the years were named in the order they arrived. The bull would have arrived first, but the rat sat on his back, jumping off just before they arrived. The rabbit came in fourth, hopping on stones to cross a fast-flowing river.
The coming year is likely to be "quiet, positive and inspiring", according to Chinese astrologers, after a turbulent Year of the Tiger.
Typically, Rabbit years are good for the Arts and culture, and apparently also for world diplomacy. Check the vid of the celebration in China:
Here's to a cosmic time in the Year of the Rabbit! Check which sign you fall under:
Click HERE to see what 2011 has in store for you!