Whether you’re a Monkey, a Rat or a Horse, it may all not mean much to you aside from an excuse to wear red underwear for one year out of every twelve. On the other hand, you might be a zodiac obsessive, consulting the star almanac before making even the smallest of decisions. Whatever your stance on the twelve animals, it’s always useful (and fun) to know a bit about what they signify, and why they exist at all.

The Big Race

Lurking in the mists of time is a legend that explains it all. According to the popular myth, the Jade Emperor was assigned the task of creating a zodiac of twelve animals (some stories cast the Buddha as the main guy, but we’re sticking with the Jade Emperor). After musing fruitlessly on the issue, the Emperor enlisted the help of his favourite animal, the Rat. Being as resourceful as ever, the Rat suggested having a race:the first twelve animals to cross the river would have a place in the zodiac. The Jade Emperor liked this idea, and told the Rat to go ahead with the planning.

1) The Rat

Happy to take control, the Rat sent word out across the kingdom. The first creature to turn up was the Cat, so the Rat let the feline in on the plan. The pair noticed the Ox lumbering up to the riverbank, so decided to hitch a ride on its back to get to the other side first. The Ox agreed to carry them, and as soon as it began to swim, the Rat gave the Cat a short sharp shove, pushing it into the river. Hating water above all things, the Cat scrabbled its way back onto dry land, and ran away to dry off, cursing the Rat as it went. Triumphantly, the Rat sprang off the Ox’s back onto the opposite riverbank, securing its place as the first animal of the zodiac. For this reason, people born under the sign of the Rat are inventive, enigmatic, and ever so slightly sly. They get on well with Oxen, but Cats are their mortal enemies…

2) The Ox

Second to make it across the river was the strong, dependable Ox. Happy to help the Rat, but determined to succeed himself, the Ox is one of the most reliable animals of the zodiac. People born under this sign tend to be equally strong, steadfast and trustworthy. They are happy to spend time alone, and work diligently on any task they are given. The can be stubborn though, and rarely get on well with the gregarious Horse, or the equally stubborn Tiger.

3) The Tiger

The Tiger had heard about the race, and made its way over to the river, crossing it in a few well-placed leaps and making it into third place. If you were born in the Year of the Tiger, chances are that you’ll share the creature’s grace, confidence and intelligence. You rise to any challenge, and are self-assured. This can sometimes come across as arrogance though, and will annoy Sheep and Oxen. You get on well with the trusty Dog (who secretly worships you), and the happy go lucky Horse (who amuses you).

4) The Rabbit

Coming up behind the Tiger was the Dragon. A sure thing for fourth place, it was about to fly effortlessly across the river when it noticed the Rabbit leaping along with a look of determination on her furry little face. Feeling a pang of pity for it, the Dragon commanded the heavens to emit a gust of wind (they can do that) to help it across the water. Noticing that the grass was looking a bit dry too, the Dragon magicked up some rain to help the harvests. The Rabbit made it to the other side of the river and into fourth place, and immediately made acquaintances with the Tiger, Ox and Rat. People born in the Rabbit year are therefore sociable, friendly and non-confrontational. They make a good match with Pigs and Dogs, but steer clear of wily Rats and Roosters.

5) The Dragon

The only mythological animal in the zodiac, the Dragon is a bit of a legend. Helpful and selfless, but still über-powerful and charismatic, Dragons make great leaders. They are widely liked and admired, but tend to annoy the meek, unimaginative Sheep and the sensible Ox. They get on well with Monkeys and Rats, and are unbothered by their irritating traits.

6) The Snake

Next to cross the river was the galloping Horse, but it was pipped to the post by the sneaky Snake, who had wound itself around the Horse's front leg. Snakes are unsurprisingly sly and scheming, but the flip side is that they are persuasive, hardworking (when it’s a project they enjoy) and clever. If you were born in the Year of the Snake, you get on well with reliable signs like the Ox, but not with the flighty Monkey or the lazy Pig.

7) The Horse

Usurped for sixth place by the Snake, the Horse took it well. Easygoing and optimistic, she was glad just to be part of things. People born in the year of the Horse  tend to be equally good-natured, with a good sense of humour and a love of the limelight. They are also strong and athletic, and make great sportspeople, journalists and publicists. They get on well with Dogs and Tigers, but rub Rats and Monkeys the wrong way.

8) The Sheep

The Sheep, Monkey and Rooster arrived at the riverbank at the same time, and decided to build a raft to get to the other side. The Sheep was happy to be part of a group, which is a characteristic shared by many people born under that sign. Great as part of a team, they like to blend in and work towards a common goal. Rabbits do too, so they tend to get on well.

9) The Monkey

The quick-witted, fast-paced Monkey loves to play pranks and have fun. Monkeys love the company of Dragons and Rats, who are equally energetic and unapologetic. Monkeys clash with Snakes (who are too similar) and Horses (who are less fond of pranks).

10) The Rooster

Roosters are natural show-offs, and love to be the centre of attention whenever possible. Their flamboyance can often drift into arrogance, and they annoy the milder Sheep and Rabbit. Strong-willed Ox and confident Snake make good matches.

11) The Dog

The Dog had been washing in the river when it noticed the raft go past, so it dived in and made it over to the other side just in time to take 11th place in the zodiac. Dogs are reliable, generous and hard-working, and often put the needs of others before their own. They make good friends for Tigers and Horses, but steer clear of Dragons and Roosters.

12) The Pig

Last to arrive on the riverbank was the Pig, fresh from a nap. As well as being lazy and indulgent, Pigs are jolly, good-natured and fun to be around. They are admired by the Rabbit and the Sheep, but despised by the more active Monkey and Snake.

Too Late…

The Cat watched the race from the riverbank where it was drying off. Unwilling to get back into the water to complete the race, it reluctantly accepted the fact that it would never be part of the zodiac. However, its name is cited when people don’t want to reveal their age by stating their zodiac sign. “I was born in the Year of the Cat” translates as “mind your own business”.
 

Related links
5000 Years of Chinese History: Myth or Reality?
Ox-Demons and Snake-Gods: Will Chinese Characters Ever Die Out?
Cross Cultural Communication in China – Yes, No and Maybe

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Keywords: twelve animals Chinese zodiac meaning animals zodiac meaning Chinese zodiac Chinese Zodiac