Chinese Zodiac Sign-Animals

The story about Chinese zodiac animals

Long, long ago, there was no Chinese zodiac. 

The Jade Emperor wanted to select 12 animals to be his guards.

He sent an immortal being into man's world to spread the message that the earlier one went through theHeavenly Gate, the better the rank one would have.

The next day, animals set off towards the Heavenly Gate. Rat got up very early. 

On his way to the gate, heencountered a river.He had to stop there, owing to the swift current. 

After waiting a long time, Raf noticed Oxabout to cross the river and swiftly jumped into Ox's ear.

The diligent Ox did not mind at all and simply continued. 

After crossing the river, he raced towards the palace ofthe Jade Emperor. 

Suddenly, Rat jumped out of Ox's ear and dashed to the feet of the Emperor, Rat wonfirst place and Ox was second.

Tiger and Rabbit came third and fourth because both are fast and competitive, but Tiger was faster. 

(Rabbit gotacross the river by hopping on stepping stones and a floating log.)

Good-looking Dragon was fifth and was immediately noticed by the Jade Emperor, who said Dragon's son couldbe sixth.

 But Dragon's son didn't come with him that day. Just then, Snake came forward and said Dragon washis adoptive father: so Snake ranked sixth.

Horse and Goat arrived. They were very kind and modest and each let the other go first. 

The Jade Emperorsaw how polite they were and ranked them seventh and eighth.

Monkey had fallen well behind. But he jumped between trees and stones, and caught up to be ninth. Last wereRooster, Dog, and Pig.

These 12 animals became guards of the Heavenly Gate.