Legend of the Chinese Zodiac

The 12 Zodiac animal signs (生肖 shengxiao) are, in order, the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep (ram or goat), monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. There are many legends to explain the beginning of the zodiac (see Origins of the Chinese Zodiac). One of the most popular reads, in summarized form, as follows:

The rat was given the task of inviting the animals to report to the Jade Emperor for a banquet to be selected for the zodiac signs. The cat was a good friend of the rat, but the rat tricked him into believing that the banquet was the next day. The cat slept through the banquet, thinking that it was the next day. When he found out, the cat vowed to be the rat’s natural enemy for ages to come.

Interestingly, the cat does make it into the Vietnamese Zodiac, in place of the rabbit (see below).

Another popular legend has it that a race was used to decide the animals to report to the Jade Emperor:

The cat and the rat were the worst swimmers in the animal kingdom. Although bad swimmers, they were both intelligent. They decided that the best and fastest way to cross the river was to hop on the back of the ox. The ox, being a naïve and good-natured animal, agreed to carry them across. However, overcome with a fierce competitiveness, the rat decided that in order to win, it must do something and promptly pushed the cat into the river. Because of this, the cat has never forgiven the rat, and hates the water as well. After the ox had crossed the river, the rat jumped ahead and reached the shore first, and it claimed first place in the competition.

Following closely behind was the strong ox, and it was named the 2nd animal in the zodiac. After the ox, came the tiger, panting, while explaining to the Emperor just how difficult it was to cross the river with the heavy currents pushing it downstream all the time. But with powerful strength, it made to shore and was named the 3rd animal in the cycle.

Suddenly, from a distance came a thumping sound, and the rabbit arrived. It explained how it crossed the river: by jumping from one stone to another in a nimble fashion. Halfway through, it almost lost the race but the rabbit was lucky enough to grab hold of a floating log that later washed him to shore. For that, it became the 4th animal in the zodiac cycle. Coming in 5th place was the dragon, flying and belching fire into the air. Of course, the Emperor was deeply curious as to why a strong and flying creature such as the dragon should fail to reach first. The mighty dragon explained that he had to stop and make rain to help all the people and creatures of the earth, and therefore he was held back a little. Then, on his way to the finish line, he saw a little helpless rabbit clinging on to a log so he did a good deed and gave a puff of breath to the poor creature so that it could land on the shore. The Emperor was very pleased with the actions of the dragon, and he was added into the zodiac cycle. As soon as he had done so, a galloping sound was heard, and the horse appeared. Hidden on the horse’s hoof is the snake, whose sudden appearance gave the horse a fright, thus making it fall back and gave the snake 6th spot whilst the horse took the 7th.

Not long after that, a little distance away, the ram, monkey and rooster came to the shore. These three creatures helped each other to get to where they are. The rooster spotted a raft, and took the other two animals with it. Together, the ram and the monkey cleared the weeds, tugged and pulled and finally got the raft to the shore. Because of their combined efforts, the Emperor was very pleased and promptly named the ram as the 8th creature, the monkey as the 9th, and the rooster the 10th.

The 11th animal is the dog. His explanation for being late—although he was supposed to be the best swimmer amongst the rest—was that he needed a good bath after a long spell, and the fresh water from the river was too big a temptation. For that, he almost didn’t make it to finish line. Just as the Emperor was about to call it a day, an oink and squeal was heard from a little pig. The pig got hungry during the race, promptly stopped for a feast and then fell asleep. After the nap, the pig continued the race and was named the 12th and last animal of the zodiac cycle. The cat finished too late (thirteenth) to win any place in the calendar, and vowed to be the enemy of the rat forevermore.

Some versions of the tale say that the cattle nominated a water buffalo to represent them because he was more proficient at swimming. The trade was acceptable because both animals are bovines.

Another version of the tale expands the race. The route ran through a forest, over ranges of plains and grasslands and along a stream, before finally crossing a lake to the destination town.

Yet another variation tells of two different races. The first involved all the animals, in two divisions to avoid the fast animals dominating the top, and the top six in each division would “make the cut” for a second round, which would then determine the order of placement of the animals in the zodiac.

In yet another variation, each animal was called before its peers and had to explain why it deserved a position at the top of the Zodiac. The Boar, at a loss, proceeded to claim that the meat on its bones “tasted good”. This explanation was apparently considered unsatisfactory, because the Boar was placed at the very end of the Zodiac.

Have you ever wondered what your Chinese zodiac sign may be and how it signifies your character? Here’s a brief idea of what each creature signifies to your character.

Rat
Years: 2008, 1996, 1984, 1971, 1960, 1948, 1936, 1924, 1912, 1900
Characteristics: Those who are born in the year of the rat are known to be innovative, intelligent and full of crafty ideas. They are also people who know how to make the best of a situation, making it their advantage. They are also collectors by nature, and are probably the only ones who are awake when the world is asleep. Rats basically need to be careful with their temper and greed. They are best matched with the Dragons and Monkeys. Their archenemies are the Horses. How true this is I am not sure, but my husband is born in the year of the Rat and I am in the year of the Dragon. We have a great partnership! Perhaps there is some truth in this.

Ox (Buffalo)
Years: 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, 1949, 1937, 1925, 1913, 1901
Characteristics: Honest, patient and conservative. The Ox is most happy when left alone to their devices. They are also great parents because the Ox is regarded as a dependable creature. However, they are also stubborn creatures. Because of their dependable character, you can trust that an Ox will always finish the task laid out to them despite having a slow start. They are good friends with Snakes and Roosters, but totally at ends with Goats.

Tiger
Years: 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, 1950, 1938, 1926, 1914, 1902
Characteristics: Just like the creature, Tigers are brave and powerful creatures. They are also people who dare to take risks, which of course make them good natural leaders. In order to secure their stand and ensure everything works well, a Tiger must think carefully before making a move, and not let their brash character offend others. Good friends to the Tiger are Dogs and Horses. Monkeys are a no-no.

Rabbit
Years: 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951, 1939, 1927, 1915, 1903
Characteristics: It is said that those born in the year of the Rabbit are the luckiest of them all. This is because the Rabbit have good characters. They are gentle, talented, friendly and always gracious. These wonderful qualities make them highly popular among their friends. Sometimes, a Rabbit can be very shy and sentimental, but if they can overcome that, they can succeed in almost everything that they do. Good friends are Goats and Pigs; but Roosters are not on a Rabbit’s list of buddies.

Dragon
Years: 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, 1952, 1940, 1928, 1916, 1904
Characteristics: Unique, energetic and overly-dramatic are the Dragons. They also have an interesting imagination. On the downside, the Dragons are moody creatures who strive for perfection. Dragons should be aware of Dogs but are buddies with Rats and Monkeys.

Snake
Years: 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953, 1941, 1929, 1917, 1905
Characteristics: While many deemed the Snakes are sly and cunning, the Snakes are actually talented and graceful creatures. They are also wise and subtle in their ways. They are generally people who care about their looks and are sometimes rather stingy. However, if only the Snake knows how to make use of their true qualities, they will find themselves quite popular. A Snake is best with the Rooster and Ox, while it hates the Pigs.

Horse
Years: 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, 1942, 1930, 1918, 1906
Characteristics: A Horse’s high spirit and energy are engaging. Their positive outlook in life also makes them well-liked among friends. By nature, those who are born in the year of the Horse love to travel, preferably alone. Because of their character, they are generally impatient creatures, therefore they should learn to chill out and finish whatever tasks they’ve started on. Good mates for the Horse are Tigers or Dogs. Rats are definitely out.

Goat
Years: 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967, 1955, 1943, 1931, 1919, 1907
Characteristics: This is a loving and gentle bunch. They are also elegant and creative. They can be rather shy at times, but once they learn to step out of their comfort zones, they should do well. Goats are not particularly friendly with the Ox, but enjoy being around Pigs and Rabbits.

Monkey
Years: 2004, 1992, 1980. 1968, 1956, 1944, 1932, 1920, 1908
Characteristics: Monkeys are fun people to be with because they are confident, energetic and happy. They are also curious creature. Attention is always showered upon them because of these attitudes. However, if a monkey gets overly confident, they can confuse themselves. Monkeys are advised to stay away from Tigers and find solace in Dragons or Rats.

Rooster
Years: 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969, 1957, 1945, 1933, 1921, 1909
Characteristics: And so when the Rooster crows at the crack of dawn, it wakes us up. Roosters are generally punctual people, totally reliable and independent. They also enjoy taking center stage and are sometimes vain creatures. Because of this, the dependable Ox and shrewd Snakes make good friends while the solid Rabbit smells trouble.

Dog
Years: 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, 1958, 1946, 1934, 1922, 1910
Characteristics: As most of you already know, Dogs are sporting, loyal and honest people. They are also helpful and positive, although sometimes they tend to worry too much. Dogs make good friends with Horses or Tigers, but beware of the Dragons.

Pig (Boar)
Year: 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971, 1959, 1947, 1935, 1923, 1911
Characteristics: Noble and strong, the Boar or Pigs are noble creatures and will always put others ahead of themselves, especially their family. Friendships they build will last a long time even though the reckless nature of a Pig can sometimes be tough to handle. Pigs are a bane to themselves, therefore making friends with Rabbits or Goats would be a good idea.

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