People born in a particular year have the "animal sign" or shuxiang of the year of their birth. Babies born in 2011 and people who were born in previous "rabbit years" of the 12-year cycling zodiac—such as 1999, 1987, 1975, etc.—share the sign of the rabbit. In traditional Chinese belief, people who share the same shuxiang also share a similar character, temperament and even good or bad fortune.

Rabbits are articulate, talented, and ambitious, according to Chinese belief. They are virtuous, reserved, and have excellent taste. People born in the Year of the Rabbit are admired, trusted, and are often financially lucky. They like gossip, but are tactful and generally kind. Rabbit people seldom lose their temper. They are clever at business and, being conscientious, never back out of a contract. They make good gamblers for they have the uncanny gift of choosing the right thing. However, they seldom gamble, as they are conservative and wise. They are most compatible with sheep, pigs, and dogs.

(Source: www.c-c-c.org)