Which Chinese Zodiac Animal Are You?

Find your birth year on the placemat, it says, right next to a soy sauce stain and a cartoon dragon with a suspiciously human smile. Born in 1988? Dragon. Born in 1987? Rabbit, and somehow that explains a lot. Generations of diners have read their fortunes between the spring rolls and the main course, then argued about them until the fortune cookies arrived.

The Chinese zodiac runs on a twelve year cycle, with each year belonging to an animal. Legend says the order was settled by a Great Race, which the Rat won by riding on the Ox's back and jumping off at the last second. The Ox has been calm about it ever since, which tells you plenty about the Ox.

This quiz ignores your birth year and looks at how you behave instead. Four animals are waiting: the bold, ambitious Dragon, the steady, hardworking Ox, the brave and independent Tiger, and the gentle, artistic Rabbit. Fifteen questions about work, friendship, money, food and the race itself will decide which one you are in spirit.

Order another pot of tea and take the quiz. The placemat can't argue with your answers.