Myths and legends abound. According to one, Buddha summoned the animals prior to departure from earth, but only 12 came to bid him farewell. As a reward, he named a year after each animal.
Another explains that they raced across a river for the honour of being first in the lunar zodiac. A poor swimmer, the mouse hitched a ride on the back of the ox, leaping to victory on the opposite bank. The tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig followed the quick-thinking mouse and a disappointed ox!
Infographic by: perthmint.com
Another explains that they raced across a river for the honour of being first in the lunar zodiac. A poor swimmer, the mouse hitched a ride on the back of the ox, leaping to victory on the opposite bank. The tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig followed the quick-thinking mouse and a disappointed ox!
