Origin of the Zodiac

A long time ago, in ancient China, the people could not tell year from year and month from month. This being so, they created the Chinese zodiac or "shen shiao", a group of twelve animals that represented each 365-day cycle.

Before this came into existance, the gods called upon a great race between all the animals to see who would be worthy. They stated that there would only be twelve animals that would make it and become respected animals of the zodiac.

Many of the animals became excited and boasted on being first in the race. The Tiger roared that his strength would surpass all. The Ox replied that his determination would keep him at the top. The Dragon laughed at his opponents when he saw them and snorted that he would let everyone have 10 minutes head start and still win. Mouse smiled and said his cunning would win him first. The Rabbit showed off his swiftness and left it at that. The Serpent slithered and hissed, scaring off the more cowardly of his opponents then laughed softly, saying that his trickery was sure to allow him one of the top places. Horse neighed and replied that his speed and stamina would outlast everyone. The Monkey chattered away on how his intelligence and wisdom would surely place him first and the Goat practised scaling the mountains, sure that if he tried hard enough, he would win. The Rooster clucked his worry that he could not fly very far and would drown if the racing grounds were near water. The Dog was excited and full of energy; he spent his time playing and helping others with their training. Boar was too worried about the race and kept eating, however, was sure that he could somehow manage to get one of the twelve places. And it was like this, that the animals were all in a flutter and trained hard, until the day of the race.

On the night before the great race, Cat and Mouse were discussing what to do on the next day. Back then, these two were the best of friends and relied on each other like best friends would, unlike the Cat and Mouse of today. The two agreed to help one another out on the race; they had heard there would be a wide river to cross at the end. Since the Cat could not swim, they agreed that the Cat would carry Mouse until up to the river and then Mouse would help hitch a ride from the Ox who would then carry them both across; this being so because the Cat was not wise at choosing her words and usually created havoc when she talked.

On that same night, Dragon was accompanying Rooster on a stroll. As usual, Rooster was boasting about the Golden Horns on top of his head and how everyone was complimenting it. Dragon was stared longingly at the horns and finally knew what to do to obtain them. He flattered the Rooster that he looked as handsome without the horns and asked if he would be allowed the honor of wearing the horns for the night. Rooster agreed and this is how the Dragon everyone knows today gained his lovely horns.

Finally, the day of the race had come.

The animals lined up at the starting line; it would be a long day and the air was tense. All the animals had arrived, but two. Where was the dragon and the dog? Dragon was still fast asleep from staying up showing off the Golden Horns, which did not belong to him, and Dog was busy playing. The gods did not care to wait for the two remaining animals and had begun the race. It was noon when all the animals arrived at the river, excluding the dog. The dragon had woken up with haste when he realized he missed the starting of the race; and of course, he was able to catch up quickly. Meanwhile, Cat and Mouse hitched a ride from Ox and they crossed the river first. However, half way, Mouse either had originally planned victory with evil intentions or was afraid that he would not get first place; whatever the case, Mouse pushed his best friend into the river.

Ox arrived at the other side and before he could do anything, Mouse jumped off his back and claimed first in the race. This is why Mouse is first in the Chinese zodiac. The order of the animals in the zodiac is the order the animals came in from the race.

As you know, Mouse was first and Ox came right behind him. Tiger saw his cousin, Cat, fall in and swam as fast as he could to the finish line then searched for Cat but could not find her. Rabbit had probably hitched a ride from Tiger or found some other means to get across because as soon as Tiger finished, Rabbit was right behind him in fourth place. Dragon had eventually caught up and became the fifth member of the zodiac. Serpent had learned to swim and was able to cross in sixth place. Horse, who was in seventh, and Sheep, in eighth, swam across quickly with Monkey, who became the ninth member and was on Sheep's back. Rooster found a raft and floated across and Dog, realized he had missed the beginning the race swam half way and ended up floating the rest of the way with Rooster. Boar was luckier than the animals behind him because he managed to get the final place of the zodiac.

The race had ended and the gods and the elite twelve members of the zodiac had a grand feast and the people of China were able to tell year from year. After the feast, Cat finally appeared at the finish line but she was too late. Mad with rage, Cat found Mouse and began to chase him; sometimes she caught him and other times Mouse escaped her. It is even 'til this day that Cat is angry with Mouse and chases him forever; her anger never died.

Rooster caught up with Dragon later that day and asked for his Golden Horns back. Unfortunately, Dragon had become fond of the attractive horns on his head and refused to give them back. After telling Rooster so, he flew away as fast as he could and now, every morning, Rooster wakes up early and yells, "Give back my horns!"

Even now, if you listen closely every morning, you will hear the rooster's cry and you may see the cat chase mice. When you do, remember the story of the Chinese zodiac.