Aaron Hwang - The Chinese Zodiac: And Other Paths to Luck, Riches & Prosperity

T his is a story about the invention of the calendar. It is an old story, and it has been told in many ways. Here is one more.

Before the invention of the calendar, and the naming of the years, months, days, and hours, it was hard to keep track of time. Eventually, even nature became confused. The winter snows blew in summer; the autumn leaves fell in spring. The stars themselves skewed out of rhythm, and so the misalignments compounded.

Soon, the world was in such a turmoil, it disturbed even Heaven. Finally, the Jade Emperor decided something must be done. He summoned his best heavenly ministers, astronomers, and mathematicians, and after much argument and contemplation, a solution was produced: A calendar would be made mapping the flow of q through the universe, plotting its repeating cycles and rhythms through the hours, days, months, and years. This way, fate could be predicted, and life could again proceed harmoniously.

But the calendar needed names, names for the twelve phases that would chart the hours of the day, the months in the year, and the cycle of years. Names that were memorable and familiar and worthy. So, the Jade Emperor declared a race. The first twelve animals that could visit his Heavenly Palace would receive a permanent place of honor by having one of the twelve phases of the calendar named after them. This decree was discussed widely and with much excitement. Cicadas buzzed to one another, starlings twittered. Even clams and urchins spread the news in their silent and bristling way.

Back in this time, Cat and Rat were still best friends. They were poor animals from a poor village, who often went hungry and survived on scraps. But they were both ambitious and clever. Together, they made a plan that would get them to the Heavenly Palace and secure their names on the calendar.

It wont be easy, Cat cautioned. To reach Heaven, one must cross the vast desert, scale the high mountain, and even then, there is still the Celestial River that divides the sky. And there are so many animals who are stronger or swifter than we.

Perhaps, said Rat. But a long and arduous journey will be in our favor. Not all animals survive on as little as we! We are used to making do with an empty belly and a song, and of course, we have each other. This race will be decided not just by power, but by wit, and by force of will.

When the race began, it nearly shook the earth. Although many animals stayed home for lack of hope or interest, the crowd that raced was still beyond counting. The skies churned with the beating of wings, the rivers roiled with fins flashing upstream, and the procession of claws and feet was so unending it crushed swampland and wild underbrush alike into wide tame roads. It was so for many days, and even Rat began to doubt his chances.

But when the race reached the vast desert, the dry heat turned many away. The awful thirst tested the resolve of those who persevered. Why should I be subjected to this, said proud Eagle, when in my home I am already king, and there are cold clear streams to drink from, full of tender and wriggling fish?

But Rat and Cat went on, drinking from the smallest stagnant puddles, and when there were no puddles, they swallowed their thirst and sang to each other to keep up their spirits. By the time the sands gave way to rock, and the race reached the high mountains stony foot, the once endless procession had dwindled to a crowd of mere hundreds. This remainder was sorely tested against the mountains harsh slopes, the thin air, and the icy wind. I cant continue, admitted mighty Elephant. My bones are heavy, and my ears grow cold. Back home, I am already queen where the sun is warm and the plains are flat and rich.

Rat and Cat knew they had nothing back home. At night, they huddled close to keep each other warm. They made good time, and soon they were the only animals around for what seemed like miles.

I think we could win, Rat proposed one night. It would be a great honor to be first among animals.

Cat yawned sleepily. It will be an honor just to arrive.

Even if we did arrive together, Rat mused, Im sure the emperor would choose you first. People have always liked your luxurious coat. Nobody prefers the rat.

But Cat was already asleep. Rat tossed and turned throughout the night.

When day broke, Cat woke to see Rat considering her.

What are you thinking? asked Cat.

I woke early, Rat replied. I was deciding whether I should wake you too. I looked ahead. Come, were almost there.

The two reached the mountaintop, where it was divided from Heaven by the mighty Celestial River, that milky flow of stars that splits the two halves of the sky. They paused there, intimidated by the rivers fearsome roar.

Goat, the nimblest climber, was waiting there already.

Oh, hello, said Goat. Perhaps you can give me a hand?

Is something the matter? asked Cat.

Are we late? asked Rat. How many are already ahead?

I was first, said Goat. But I dont like water. Tiger, Dog, and Rabbit all passed forward.

Tiger and Dog are excellent swimmers, said Cat. They will surely win.