The Chinese Legend of the 12 Animals

One fine day, during the celebration of the Chinese New Year, Buddha called upon all the creatures of the land to bid him farewell before he departed the earth. To his chagrin, only 12 animals came forth.

The first to arrive was the charming rat, who they say nimbly bounced off the Ox to beat him by a nose. The hard working and plodding Ox was close behind, followed by the charismatic Tiger. Hopping quietly behind was the prudent Rabbit, who passed the head strong and ambitious Dragon unnoticed (lucky rabbit!), with the wise but tricky Snake slithering not far behind.

Galloping happily at the back was the high-spirited Horse, joined then by the sentimental Goat. Next to arrive were the versatile, charlatan Monkey, and the Rooster, full of color and bravado. The lovable Dog came next, brightly wagging his tail behind him.

And last of all came the Pig, gallant, entertaining and ever popular.

Buddha then declared that he would reward the animals by naming a year after each of them, and those born on that year would possess the qualities of the reigning animal. And so the legend was born.