The exact origins of the twelve animal system remain unknown. However, legend has it that, once upon a time, the Jade King was bored, having nothing to do in Heaven. He did not see what was happening on Earth, as he had servants satiating his every wish and desire. He decided that he wanted to see the animals that inhabited the earth so he sent word to his advisors to bring him twelve animals (which he considered to be a good sampling.) The advisor first sent an invitation to the Rat, telling him to also bring the cat. The Rat's jealousy prevented the cat from actually receiving the invitation. Further 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 presence at the palace the following day. When they lined up in front of the king, he found that they numbered only eleven, instead of twelve as he had requested. The king sent his servant down to Earth to retrieve a twelfth animal. The servant ran into a man carrying a Pig, and he hastily grabbed it and delivered 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 proceeded to play the flute. The king was very impressed by this display. He gave the Rat first place. Second place was given to the Ox for its good sportsmanship, and third was given to the Tiger, who appeared so courageous. 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. By default, and due to the king's just nature, twelfth place went to the Pig. After the ceremony concluded, the cat (who missed the invitation) begged the king to reconsider. He was told it was too late.

Each of the twelve Chinese Signs is represented by a particular animal; each Sign embodies its Animal's characteristics, as seen by Eastern eyes. Many Westerners find that certain Chinese Zodiacal Signs may seem like insulting choices on which to base one's character. The rat, for example, is commonly thought of in the West as a dirty, destructive scavenger, and the pig as filthy and slovenly. In Eastern cultures, however, both animals are greatly respected: The Rat for its ability to accrue items of value and the Pig for its superior intelligence and tenacity.

Just as each Sun Sign relates differently to the other Signs of the Zodiac, each pair of Chinese Signs interacts in its own special way.

Each Sign embodies its Animal's characteristics, as seen by Eastern eyes. Many Westerners find that certain Chinese Zodiacal Signs may seem like insulting choices on which to base one's character. The rat, for example, is commonly thought of in the West as a dirty, destructive scavenger, and the pig as filthy and slovenly. In Eastern cultures, however, both animals are greatly respected: The Rat for its ability to accrue items of value and the Pig for its superior intelligence and tenacity.

Just as each Sun Sign relates differently to the other Signs of the Zodiac, each pair of Chinese Signs interacts in its own special way. Astrology's naysayers are often silenced when reminded that this age-old art is based on math and science. Such is certainly the case where the Chinese Elements are concerned. At the same time, the animal sign and the element assigned for specific birthdate are not always correct. It's theorized that this may happen because the timing of the soul and its karma entering the life may not be exact. Based on this potential for error, a Chinese astrology reading that is based solely on a birthdate should not be deemed reliable.

Ancient Chinese astrologers favored a 60-year cycle, a tendency common to both Eastern and Western astrology. In this cycle, each 60-year span is a third of the "Great Solar Cycle" of 180 years. It is also equivalent to the number of years it takes to assign each of the five Chinese Elements to one of the twelve animal signs (5 x 12 = 60).

As such, the Chinese Elements add an extra layer of meaning to each of the animal signs. Whether it's reinforcing a stern disposition or mellowing a happy-go-lucky mood, the Elements of Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth serve to put our basic "animal" characteristics in a sharper light.

References
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