十二生肖故事的由来英文（The Legend of Chinese Zodiac Animals）

The Legend of Chinese Zodiac Animals

The Origin of the Twelve Zodiac Animals

Long long ago in ancient China, the Jade Emperor, the highest god in heaven, decided to create a new calendar system. He summoned all the animals of the world to a great race and promised to name a year after each of the first twelve animals to cross the river and reach the finish line.

The Great Race Begins

On the day of the race, the animals lined up at the riverbank. The rat and the cat were good friends, but the cat overslept and missed the race. The ox was in the lead, but the sneaky rat climbed onto his back and jumped off at the other side, becoming the first animal to cross the finish line. The ox came second, followed by the tiger, the rabbit, and the dragon, who had to stop and make rain to help the animals and the crops. The horse was next, but it was tricked by the snake and lost its momentum. The goat, the monkey, and the rooster helped each other to reach the shore, and the dog, who had been playing in the river, came last.

The Characteristics of the Zodiac Animals

Since that day, each Chinese year is named after one of the twelve animals in the order of their finish. The rat is considered clever, resourceful, and ambitious. The ox is dependable, patient, and hardworking. The tiger is brave, passionate, and unpredictable. The rabbit is gentle, charming, and lucky. The dragon is powerful, creative, and innovative. The snake is wise, mysterious, and intuitive. The horse is lively, curious, and independent. The goat is calm, artistic, and compassionate. The monkey is witty, mischievous, and adaptable. The rooster is proud, diligent, and sincere. The dog is loyal, protective, and friendly. And the pig is honest, generous, and kindhearted. In Chinese folklore, each zodiac animal also has its unique story and symbolism. People born in the year of a particular animal are believed to inherit its traits and fortune. For example, those born in the year of the rat are said to be clever and wealthy, while those born in the year of the pig are said to be happy and honest. The Chinese zodiac is still widely used in daily life, from matchmaking to horoscopes, and from naming babies to predicting the stock market. In conclusion, the legend of the Chinese zodiac animals is not only a cultural heritage of the Chinese people but also a reflection of human nature and the relationship between nature and time. It is a fascinating and fun way to learn about China and its people, and to appreciate the diversity and richness of the world's traditions.