The 12 Zodiacs and the Great Race

This year is the Year of the Ox, which is second in the order of the 12 Chinese Zodiacs. There are many variations to the stories of how the order of the 12 animals came to be, but the most popular one is the story of the Great Race. 

A long long time ago, the Jade Emperor announced that the years of the calendar were to be named after animals in the order that they crossed the river to him. 

The Witty Rat and Diligent Ox

The Cat and Rat were not good swimmers so they hopped on the back of the Ox, who was kindhearted to help them across. Right as they reached the other side of the river the Rat pushed the Cat into the water and leaped across into first place. The Ox then came in second.

The Hearty Tiger and Nimble Rabbit

The third to cross the river was the Tiger and soon after came the Rabbit. The Rabbit was able to cross the river by jumping from one stone to another and almost last the race when it slipped and fell into the water. Luckily, it was able to hold onto a floating log nearby that was eventually washed up to shore.

The Benevolent Dragon

In fifth place was the Dragon in which the Emperor was curious as to how such a powerful creature could only come in fifth. Later the Dragon explained that on the way, he stopped by a village to bring rain to the people and also saw the Rabbit cling onto the log and sent a gust of wind to push it to shore.

The Galloping Horse and Crafty Snake

Soon after, the Horse was nearing the finish line but was not aware the Snake was hidden in its hoof. The snake suddenly appeared and scared the Horse, resulting in the Snake finishing in sixth and the Horse placing seventh.

Team Synergy - The Goat, Monkey, and Rooster 

Then the Goat, Monkey, and Rooster came together on a raft that the Rooster had found. The Jade Emperor was impressed by their team teamwork and decided to place the Goat in eighth, followed by the Monkey in ninth and then the Rooster in tenth place.

The Playful Dog and Gluttonous Pig

The eleventh animal to reach the shore was the Dog who was the best swimmer of them all but found time to play along the way and for a moment forgot about the race. Lastly, the Pig arrived despite stopping halfway to eat and even take a nap!

The Lost Candidate and a Start of a Feud

The Cat eventually never got to cross the river after being pushed off by the Rat and legend says that this is not only the reason why Cats dislike water, but also how the Cat and the Rat became enemies.

The final placement is Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig.

Which other variations have you heard of before?