Why is 2019 the Year of the Pig? How the Chinese zodiac’s 12 animals were chosen
- According to legend, the Jade Emperor wanted time segmented into 12-year cycles
- A treacherous rat is apparently the reason why the cat is not recognised in the zodiac
This is the Year of the Pig, but have you ever wondered why and how the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac were chosen?
According to legend, the heavenly Jade Emperor wanted to segment time into cycles of 12 years with an earthly animal guarding each cycle. He sent word that the fastest animals to reach the Heavenly Gate would be chosen, ranked accordingly and have a year in the cycle named after them. Sensing an opportunity, the animals raced against each other to win the emperor’s favour.
The quick-witted rat set off first but had to wait for the other animals to catch up when it came to a fast-flowing river. He was able to cross the river by taking advantage of the tender-hearted ox, who carried him over on his ear.
Having crossed the river, the kind but dim ox charged off. As the ox approached the palace in first place, the rat suddenly leapt from his ear and dashed to the Jade Emperor’s feet, securing victory and relegating the ox to second place.
The tiger came next, followed by the agile rabbit who had jumped across the river from stone to stone.
