Why are zodiac signs named after animals?

Zodiac signs had two basis: chinese astrology and wester astrology, in Western not all Zodiacs are animals there are libra, gemini, aquarius and virgo which are not animals, but in chinese astrology all zodiacs are based on animals, well according to a chinese legends, when buddha ready to depart earth he called all the animals to a banquet but only 12 came, so in return to their kindness buddha honored each of them by assigning each year to their names and that's how chinese astrology based. In western astrology, I am an Aries which has an animal Ram symbol, while in chinese astrology I was born under an animal sign of a Tiger.

Mine is less an animal and more a bug... I'm a Scorpio, the scorpion. And I fit my sign to a T. Deep, passionate, artistic, moody, untrusting. Unfortunately, the description of the Scorpio is not the most flattering of the Zodiac but most of the Scorpios I have known in my life fit the mold, at least partially. In Chinese astrology, since it's been mentioned a couple of times, I am a monkey and fit that description pretty well too. Quick-witted, inquisitive, mischievous, creative, honest and determined, both occasionally to a fault.

Mine is Libra, the scales. It is not an animal symbol at all, but rather one of balance. I am a person who likes to have balance in my life.

Capricorn is not a sheep but a goat. Aries is a real sheep! I'm a goat!