Long ago in ancient China, the Jade Emperor, the ruler of the heavens, decided there should be a way to measure time. He dreamed of a system where each year was named after an animal. To choose the winners, he declared a “Great Race” across a wide, rushing river. The first twelve animals to reach the opposite shore would earn a spot in the lunar calendar.

On the morning of the race, the Rat and the Cat were worried. They were small and not very good at swimming. Being clever, they asked the kind Ox if they could hitch a ride on his back. The Ox, always helpful, agreed. However, as they neared the finish line, the ambitious Rat pushed the Cat into the water! The Rat then jumped off the Ox’s head and landed on the shore first. This is why the Rat is the first animal of the zodiac, and why cats still dislike water and rats today.

The heavy Ox took second place, followed by the powerful Tiger, who struggled against the strong current. Then came the Rabbit, who didn’t swim at all; instead, he hopped across stepping stones and a floating log.

Next, a shadow fell over the finish line as the Dragon soared down. The Emperor was surprised the Dragon wasn’t first, but the Dragon explained he had stopped to blow rain over a village suffering from a drought. The Snake came next, hidden in the Horse’s hoof. When they reached land, the Snake lunged out, startling the Horse and slithering into sixth place.

Shortly after, the Goat, Monkey, and Rooster arrived together on a raft they had built as a team. The Emperor was impressed by their cooperation. The Dog arrived eleventh, admitting he was late because the water was so fresh he couldn’t resist playing in it. Finally, a loud oinking announced the Pig. He had gotten hungry and stopped for a snack and a nap before finishing the race.

The twelve spots were filled, and the Jade Emperor celebrated his new calendar. To this day, people believe the animal of the year you are born in shapes your personality. Whether you are a brave Tiger or a clever Rat, you are part of a story that has lasted for thousands of years.

Vocabulary

• Lunar calendar: A calendar based on the monthly cycles of the Moon’s phases.
• Ambitious: Having a strong desire to succeed or be the best.
• Current: The steady, forward movement of water in a river.
• Drought: A long period of time with very little or no rain.
• Startling: Causing a sudden feeling of shock or alarm.
• Cooperation: The act of working together toward a common goal.