There’s been a significant rise in the number of births in China, and the increase is said to be because parents are trying avoid having children during the upcoming Year of the Sheep.

Birth rates in China have suddenly risen, and it’s believed the reason is that parents do not want their child entering the world during the upcoming Year of the Sheep.

The sign is considered to be an unfortunate one, and those born beneath it are doomed to a life of unhappy unions and low positions in the pecking order.

Adding to the enticement to give birth prior to Chinese New Year, which lands on February 19th, is that it is currently the very auspicious Year of the Horse.

Horse year kids are the ones who grow up to be strong and enjoy a generally blessed existence throughout their lives.

Some parents who don’t believe they’ll make the February cutoff date are trying to find creative ways around the unpredictability of nature.

Requests for scheduled Cesarean deliveries have notably increased as of late.

Hoping to help turn the superstition around, China Central Television assembled and distributed a slide show that attempts to dispel the long-held negative beliefs.

Government officials have pointed out that too many births this year will eventually result in more competition when it comes to getting into college and finding a job.