Happy Chinese New Year: 10 Facts You Didn’t Know About Sheep

Also known as the “Lunar New Year,” the Chinese New Year marks the beginning of the yearly calendar in China and the Spring Festival, which lasts until the 15th of every month. A ruling animal represents each New Year from the Chinese horoscope. 2015 is the year of the sheep (also called goat in Chinese astrology.)

If you were born in any of the following years, according to Chinese astrology, the sheep also rules you, making 2015 your year: 1907, 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003 and 2007. Whether you believe in Chinese astrology (or astrology in general) or simply love sheep, here are some facts about the animal and the sign in absolutely random order. Baaaaa.

These furry fellows are pretty smart and know when they need to self-medicate. When they feel bad they know exactly what plant to eat to feel better. Of course this only applies to wild sheep, domesticated ones are subject to whatever humans want to treat them with.

Some people might just call you boring, as the character of those born under the sheep moon loves repetition and planning. A spontaneous last minute to Miami is just out of the question.

If you are falling for a sheep, sharpen your patience; you will need it. A sheep prefers being close friends with someone before entering a romantic relationship.

Getting the feelings out of a sheep men/woman is like pulling teeth. They do not like to share their feelings and sort of believe that problems will just pass if you leave them alone.

Just like humans (alright kind of) sheep make different vocalizations to express different emotions. A “mehhh” is very different than a “baaaa.”

Sheep see in color, pretty cool.

A long, long, long time ago sheep were considered sacred. That was back in ancient Egypt and applies no more. (Go wool sweaters!)

Sheep are compatible with Rabbits and Pigs. They are least compatible with Oxen and Rats. (I will not give you the full list of years for each of these signs, but Google will.)

Creative, daydreamers with an artistic soul and a low esteem for the self, sheep need LOTS of loving.

Sheep have natural long tails. Humans just think is fun to chop them off.