Long ago, the Jade Emperor called for a great race among all the animals of the land. He had decided to bestow each year of the twelve-year astrological cycle to the twelve greatest animals in the land. To earn this lofty honor, there would be a race from the emperor's palace to the bank of the great river far, far away. The emperor knew that only the strongest, fastest or smartest animals would be able to make the journey and earn the honor.
The race dragged on for days. Eventually, thirteen of the animals arrived at the bank of the great river: best friends cat and rat, noble dragon, sturdy ox, agile monkey, steady boar, thoughtful rooster, stealthy snake, proud horse, powerful ram, warrior tiger, charismatic dog, and gentle rabbit. On the far side of the river stood the emperor. Each animal had to quickly decide how to cross the river in order to win a place as a champion.
Now rabbit, in awe of mighty dragon, smiled and wished him good luck. Rabbit had decided to leap from stones and logs on the river’s surface in order to cross. But when he had almost reached the other side, he slipped on a log and began to sink!
Just as rabbit feared he might lose his life, a warm wind rose up behind him and brought him safely to shore. Dragon had remembered rabbit’s kindness, and used his breath to blow tiny rabbit across the river! The emperor was very moved by the friendship of rabbit and dragon, and rewarded them with the fourth and fifth years of the calendar. Only cat, who was betrayed by rat while crossing, did not earn a year in the Chinese zodiac. And so it is said that cats today still carry their ancestor’s grudge—which is why cats hate rats!!
