Happy Chinese New Year to all readers!
As some may know this is the year of the rat (or some prefer to call mouse), it is the first animal sign in Chinese zodiac of 12 animals. There is a popular legend as how the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac came to be. The Jade Emperor who ruled over heaven had summoned all the animals in a race.
The cat and the rat were originally good friends. As they were bad swimmers, they decided the best and fastest way to cross the river was to hop on the back of the ox. The ox, being a good-natured animal, agreed to carry them across. However, overcome with competitiveness, the rat pushed the cat into the river and since then they have been enemies.
After the ox had crossed the river, the rat jumped from the ox's head to reach the shore first, and thus claimed first place in the race. The ox was named the second animal. Close behind came the tiger and followed by the rabbit.
The dragon came in fifth, while the snake in sixth. The horse, ram, monkey and rooster who were friends came shortly after and in that respective order. The dog arrived eleventh and the last one to make it was none other than the pig. And so these 12 animals were given a special place in the Chinese zodiac.
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