The Chinese Zodiac

Once upon a time, the Jade Emperor decided to host a race across a river to determine the twelve animals that would be immortalised in the new calendar. He announced that the first twelve to cross would have their names assigned to each year. The clever rat hitched a ride on the ox and leapt off just before the finish line, claiming victory, while the ox came in second. Following them were the tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. Thus, the Chinese zodiac was born, with each animal bestowing its unique traits upon those born under its sign.