Chinese zodiac

by Rtr Fue Yin

Ever wonder why the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig were selected and in that order? Or why was the cat not selected? There are many versions of the story, this is one of them. Of course this is not a true story but it helps us to remember the characteristics of some of the animals and also explain why the cat was not selected!

An ancient sage wanted to select 12 animals to form the zodiac. He wanted to be fair and he sent a message out to all the animals to gather at a certain spot on a certain date. The first 12 animals to arrive will be selected and the zodiac arranged in their order of arrival.

The rat and the cat made an agreement to wake each other up early the next day to start the journey. The cunning rat however did not do that, but started out on the journey much early hoping to be included in the zodiac.

The ox realized that he is slower than many of the other animals, decided to start the journey the night before and walk all night to reach the destination.

On the designated day, the animals started arriving. Ox was the first to reach the vicinity and thought he would be the first animal on the zodiac. However unknown to the ox, the rat was actually riding on the ox’s back the entire journey. And just before the ox reached the designated spot the rat jumped over the ox and took the first place.

This is also the reason why the Rat is described as intelligent and cunning while the Ox is hardworking and persistent. Close behind the Ox was the charismatic Tiger. Hopping quietly behind was the prudent Rabbit, who passed the head strong and ambitious Dragon unnoticed (lucky rabbit!), with the wise but tricky Snake slithering not far behind.

Galloping happily at the back was the high-spirited Horse, joined then by the sentimental Goat. Next to arrive were the versatile, charlatan Monkey, and the Rooster, full of color and bravado. The lovable Dog came next, brightly wagging his tail behind him.

Last of all came the Pig, gallant, entertaining and ever popular.

The Cat never forgave the Rat thou and became mortal enemies ever since!
This is the story of the 12 Animal Zodiac.