In Chinese culture, each year is named after an animal. In all, there are 12 animals in the Chinese Zodiac and every 12 years, the cycle renews.
The Chinese Zodiac has a fascinating legend behind it. While there are many versions out there, it is a tale worth retelling.
The Jade Emperor’s Challenge
The Jade Emperor lived in Ancient China a long time ago. He was considered the supreme ruler of Heaven, and the first emperor of China. He was a powerful, and popular deity who was fair, benevolent, and merciful.
He desired 12 animals as his guards. Rather than just select those he fancied, he decided to test their worthiness first.
A herald was sent to proclaim to the animals in China that there was to be a Great Heavenly Gate Race.
The first twelve winners would become the Jade Emperor’s Guards. Additionally, their ranking would correspond to their placing at the end of the race.
Thirteen animals answered the call, and the race was on!
Ready, Set, Go!
Race day dawned bright and clear. The sun was shining, and the birds were singing as the animals prepared themselves for the legendary race.
The contestants were Cat, Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
At the blast of the trumpet, the race was on, and the animals were off!
The Rat
The rat was, by far, the quickest, and most ingenious of all the animals. As soon as the trumpet blasted, he scampered off like a shot, leaving the others far behind.
Graining ground, he bound through the branches, trees, and raced across the lush grass.
White Water Rapids
The final obstacle the animals had to face before they could reach the Heavenly Gate was a raging body of water.
While the Rat was the speediest racer, he was not strong enough to swim across the river. Stymied, he stood at the river’s edge, wracking his brain for a solution.
Hearing a sound, he turned and saw his friends, Ox and Cat coming along together. Hastily, he made up a quick plan and asked if he could piggyback on Ox with Cat to get across the water.
The kindly Ox agreed, and both animals clambered atop his broad back.
The Cat
Cat was thankful to Rat, and Ox for finding a way for him to cross the river. The cat was not fond of water, to begin with. Plus, the strong current was certainly a put-off.
Ox managed to ford the rough river easily. Just as his hooves touched the river bank on the other side, Rat turned and violently pushed Cat into the water.
The cat was caught by the current and carried downstream. He lost the race and went back home, angry.
While Cat and the Rat had known each other for a long time, Cat used to bully Rat. By pushing him into the river, Rat got even, and he made sure that Cat would not be able to claim any prize. To this day, cats and rats are at enmity with each other.
The Tiger & Rabbit
Next to the finish line came Tiger and Rabbit.
Tiger was faster than Rabbit, and his powerful body slid effortlessly through the raging water. As soon as he was across, he shook the excess water off his coat and bounded through the Heavenly Gate.
The rabbit was quick, but the raging river proved a challenge. Being quick-witted, he crossed the river using boulders, and a floating log.
The Dragon and Snake
The majestic Dragon made it to the fifth place. He was such a stunner that the Jade Emperor declared that he would allow Dragon’s son to be admitted to the sixth place.
Unfortunately, Dragon’s son took too long to come, and the sly Snake slithered up and told the Jade Emperor that he was Dragon’s adopted son. Making his entrance through the Heavenly Gate, he secured the sixth place.
The Horse and Goat
Next up were Horse and Goat. As both were evenly matched, they arrived at the same time.
Being well mannered and kind, each one invited the other to proceed him in rank. This pleased the Jade Emperor so much, he ranked Horse seventh, and Goat eighth.
The Monkey
Swinging his way through the course, Monkey got distracted by the great bunches of succulent fruit along the trail. He would have made it sooner had he not stopped to snack.
Nevertheless, swung and leaped his way to the ninth place.
Rooster, Dog & Pig
This happy trio enjoyed the race, and each other’s company so much, they took their time to enjoy the sights and sounds along the way.
They were the last three in, and with their entrance, the race ended and that’s how the Chinese Zodiac was formed.
And that is the legendary tale of the Jade Emperor and the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac.
As we await expectantly to welcome in the Year of the Ox, here’s wishing one and all a Very Happy and Prosperous New Year.
Gong Xi Fa Cai!