The Origin Of Chinese Zodiac Cycle

By Author: Jamie Hanson
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Once upon a time, to make it convenient for the people to keep track of the time, the ruler of China, Jade the Emperor thought to make some changes to the zodiac cycle. He sent information to all the animals asking them to show up together so that he could allocate a year to each of them. The friendship of cats and rats are considered legendary. Upon discovering the message they thought to travel together to meet the Emperor. It is known that cats are normally sleepyheads. They were no different centuries ago as well. Hence when the rat found the cat was asleep in the morning he decided to leave, ignoring their previous understanding. He left behind his sleeping companion behind and was the first to arrive in the Emperor's palace. The Cat woke up a little later to find his co called friend long gone. After this incident the Cats could by no means be Rats' friends.

This folk story has been written in many versions. Another intriguing variant tells that Emperor Jade invited animals to a assembly. He also announced that the years in the calendar would be named after the animals' names and in the order of their arrival.. ...
... The spot for the assembly was across the river. Both the rat and the cat are never good swimmers, but intelligent and rat being more intelligent than cat. Together they made a decision to ask the Ox for help in traversing the river. Ox was kind and strong. He consented to help. When they crossed half way in the river the rat cunningly pushed the cat into the river and rushed to the Emperor to become the first animal in the zodiac calendar. Ox was not further behind and was given out the second place immediately. Ox was followed by the Tiger. Tiger appeared huffing and puffing. He said it was no easy feat to cross the strong currents of the river but he managed to do so due to his physical prowess.

He acquired the honor for being the third animal to have a place in the calendar.
Not long after the Tiger hopped the Rabbit into the emperor's palace. He had had been able cross the river by moving from one rock to another and then got a hold of a log that served him get to the bank in a safe manner. He was awarded the fourth place in the calendar. The enormous Dragon was next to get there on the scene. The Emperor asked the dragon about his late arrival. The Dragon answered that he was late as he was busy producing rain for humanity and also he saw a short Rabbit attempting to get to the bank, so he decided to help him. He gently puffed air in the Rabbit's direction until the log it was hanging onto reached the river bank. These were adequate reasons for the Emperor and he happily issued the fifth position to the Dragon. Not long after the Dragon had taken his spot, a galloping sound was heard and a Horse appeared on the scene. The moment he arrived he became aware that a Snake had been concealing under its hoof, which upset him. The Snake could not have a better opportunity to move in and secure the sixth spot for himself. Horse had to decide to the seventh place.

The emperor had not much time to spare before he saw the Goat, the Monkey and the Rooster coming his way. They were comrades and had helped each other to get across the river. The Rooster had found a raft for themselves and the other two helped row it across the river. Their initiatives bore fruit and they were able to obtain eighth, ninth and tenth places respectively. The dog received the eleventh place. He had put in quite a bit of time playing in the river so he was delayed in spite of his competence as a swimmer. The last spot was allotted to the pig as he could not avoid eating and sleeping in the way. But beneficial to him as he was late and still acquired the only last spot in the calendar. Cat was the thirteenth to arrive on the scene, which meant all the spots were already taken and nothing was left for him.

Another significant twist is included to the folk story in the edition which tells that the Rat discovered that the Ox was tough and perhaps its best choice for crossing the river. He cunningly persuaded him to take him across the river. He inquired the Ox if it would be interested in listening to a song. The simple Ox said yes. In reaction the rat moved his mouth area but uttered no sound. The Ox said he could not hear it, to which the Rat responded by saying that he would be able to hear him if he was closer to his ear. The Ox still not knowing Rat's true purpose let him to ride his back. Before the Ox could sense that it has reahed the river bank the rat jumped from his back and rushed to claim the first position. The Ox followed and the remaining animals came in afterwards.

There is another version to the folk story found in Buddhism. According to them, before departing the Earth, Buddha invited practically all animals to meet him. Only twelve of the animals arrived and according to the order of arrival they were given the place in the calendar.

Last but not the least is a version that describes that the God had asked animals to a banquet. The rat was always happy to make a fool of the cat. He explained to the Cat that the dinner was not that night but the night after. He left the sleeping cat, securing a spot for himself in the calendar and leaving the Cat with nothing. This extremely angered the Cat and he could never be Rat's friend once again.

The existing version of the Zodiac calendar has been in the making for hundreds of years. It`s real source is impossible to find. Historians normally agree that the reason for the absence of the Cat in the calendar happens because Cat was only revealed into China later on by the Buddhists, who had brought it along with them from India.

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