CCTV9英语新闻：2015是绵羊或山羊的一年？（在线收听）

The new lunar year is about to begin in China. With 12 animals in the zodiac, 2015 is said to mark the Year of the Sheep. But this might not be the case, with some suggesting it is in fact, the year of the goat.

As the New Year draws near, businesses are keen to cash in. Guo Yonghua has been running this toy shop for several years. He says his latest lunar toys are selling well.

"It's the Sheep year, so it's auspicious to buy sheep toys now. I've sold a lot this year," Guo said.

Li Hongye and Wang Liyan believe sheep-style trinkets will bring them luck in the new year. But, with some ambiguity about which animal will replace the horse in 2015, it's unclear if these toys represent the Year of the Sheep, or year of the goat.

"I prefer to call it the sheep, because it's cuter," Li said.

"Most people would rather be like a sheep (than a goat)," Wang said.

China has more sheep than any other country, 187 million, 15 percent of the world's total.

It also has more than 195 million goats - nearly a quarter of the global goat population. But it's not as keen on them as other animals in the zodiac.

Anthropologist, Zhao Xudong, says it's often considered unlucky in China - particularly for women.

"Some parents delay birth to avoid Sheep years, because it's considered to be burdened by bad luck. This is partly because Empress Dowager Cixi in the Qing dynasty was born in the Year of the Sheep and brought about policies that stagnated China's development. All too often, when people confront failures, they attribute it to animal years. But there is no scientific evidence to prove this," Zhao said.

In China, those born in the Year of the Sheep - or goat - are often believed to be mild-mannered, creative and sympathetic. But rarely leaders.

Despite all the negative connotations associated with the Year of the Sheep, this year is meant to be slightly more promising - because it's not just any sheep - it's the golden sheep.

Zhao says that gold element could mean more prosperity for the world economy.

"In Chinese culture, three goats or sheep bring bliss and wealth... I believe the gold Sheep may bring more blessings to society, be it greater income, or a new start in life," Zhao said.

As for whether it's the year of the sheep, or goat. Xudong says it is, in fact, the ram. But that whatever it's called, the meaning is the same.