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According to the Chinese system of Astrology, the birth year signals a certain part of a sixty-year time cycle. Three systems are used for counting and classifying the years: The Ten Heavenly Stems, the Twelve Earthly Branches, and the Twelve Animals (zodiac). The twelve animal system's exact origin remains unknown. However, one theory is that the Jade King was bored having nothing to do in Heaven. He did not see what was happening on Earth because he had servants granting his every wish and desire. He decided that he wanted to see the living things on the earth, so he told his advisors to bring him twelve animals. The advisor first sent an invitation to the Rat, telling him to bring the cat with him. The Rat's jealousy prevented the cat from receiving the invitation.
More invitations were sent on to the Ox, the Tiger, the Rabbit, the Dragon, the Snake, the Horse, the Ram, the Monkey, the Rooster, and the Dog, asking for their attendance at the palace the following day. When they lined up in front of the king, he found that there were only eleven animals, instead of the twelve he had requested. The king sent his servant down to Earth to find a twelfth animal. The servant quickly grabbed a Pig from a man and brought it to the king.
"The animals stood in front of the king in no particular order. The Rat, being smaller than the rest, hopped on the Ox's back and began to play the flute. The king was very impressed by this display that he gave the Rat first place. The Ox was given second place for its good sportsmanship, and third place was given to the courageous-looking Tiger. "The Rabbit was given fourth place, the Dragon fifth, the Snake sixth, the Horse seventh, the Ram eighth, the Monkey ninth, the Rooster tenth and the Dog eleventh." Naturally, and because of the king's fairness, twelfth place went to the Pig. "After the ceremony ended, the cat begged the king to reconsider. He was told it was too late."
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