Today begins the year of the monkey and ends the year of the ram (or sheep or goat depending on your translation). Over the weekend we had an awesome time at our Year of the Monkey Celebration, sharing the story of the Jade Emperor and the race. For those of you that missed it, we are going to share that story. There are many versions of this story, since the tale predates writing in China (where writing is really old).
Long ago, in ancient China, the Jade Emperor decided that he needed to give his people a way of measuring time and tracking the passage of years. He decided that he would hold a race among all the animals of China and take the first twelve animals to hold influence over the cycle of years. So he spoke to all the animals, explained the path of the race, and made sure they all understood that only the first twelve would be given a year.
The animals left after the Jade Emperor’s announcement to make plans and talk with each other. Cat and Rat were close friends at the time. They knew that they were among the fastest animals. But they also knew they usually slept during the day and were active at night. So they went to Ox, because Ox was a calm and good natured animal.
“Ox, you usually wake up early, we both have trouble waking up in the morning, would you help wake us so that we are not late to the start of the race?” they asked.
“Of course.” Ox replied. Because he enjoyed working and being helpful.
The morning of the race arrived. Ox came to find Cat and Rat who were sleeping in the same place. He tried to wake them, but they stayed asleep. When they still would not wake, he picked them both up and carried them on his back. Because they were not heavy. And he knew that they were the fastest animals, so it did not seem fair that they would not get one of the twelve years if they could not wake up.
Ox was not fast, but he was patient, and consistent. He traveled the race without pausing or stopping and most importantly, without slowing down at all. He walked over the mountain, across the valley and finally to the wide river, the last obstacle before the Jade Emperor’s palace. Ox didn’t hesitate, he walked into the strong current and patiently waded his way across the river.
In the middle of the river, Rat awoke. He realized that they were near the end and that Ox had chosen to carry them. Rat knew that Ox was strong, but he was among the slowest animals. Rat didn’t know how many animals had already finished the race. He knew that Cat was faster than him and he was worried that there wouldn’t be enough spots left for both he and Cat. In a panic, Rat pushed Cat into the river. Cat awoke spluttering and flailing as the current carried him down stream. When Ox crossed the river Rat quickly scurried the rest of the way to the finish line only to find out that he was the very first one and that he had pushed his friend into the river for nothing. Ox finished just behind him, the second.
Dragon came next, flying through the finish line. Everyone was a little surprised because the Dragon was expected to be the first.
“Dude, you can fly, what took you so long?” The Emperor asked.*
“So I was flying down the mountain and I found a village on fire, I had to stop to make it rain to make sure the village would be safe.”
“Oh. Well that’s okay then.”
Next came Tiger, who was the leader of all the animal spirits. Then came Rabbit, hopping along after. The emperor was surprised to see Rabbit, he knew that the river was going to be a difficult obstacle for many of the smaller animals who were not strong swimmers.
“Dude. You can’t swim, how did you get across the river so fast?” The Emperor asked.
“OH! It was great. I was running and running. Then I got to the river. And then I ran up one side. And then I ran the other way. I kept looking for a way to get across. Because I can’t swim. But you knew that. Anyway. So I found these rocks. And there were enough of them for me to hop my way across. Which was awesome! So I hopped across them. And now I’m here!”
Everyone nodded.
Next they heard hoof beats.
“Horse will be next.” Said the Emperor calmly.
At the finish line they Horse freeze for a moment and then rear back suddenly. Then they noticed Snake slithering across the finish line. Snake had hidden on Horse to cross the river and Horse hadn’t noticed. So at the last moment when Snake slithered down Horse’s leg, Horse freaked out. Because that’s what happens when all of a sudden you find a snake slithering down your leg.
“So now there are seven.” said the Emperor calmly.
They all walked closer to the finish line to be able to watch the animals at the river. They arrived just in time to see Sheep (or Ram or Goat depending on your translation), Monkey, and Rooster paddling a raft across the river. When they arrived at the finish line the Emperor clapped.
“That was most excellent team work. I am happy to award all of you years. So now there are Ten!”
The animals cheered. A short while later the dog came bounding happily up to the finish line.
“Hi guys!”
“Wait. You got in the water before we finished making our raft. You’re a really good swimmer . . . what took you so long?” Monkey observed.
“Okay. So I wasn’t sure how many animals were in front of me. And I really wanted a year. But then I saw Squirrel. So I chased him. And that was fun. Then I got in the river and it was so awesome. I splashed and swam. It was the best day ever. Then I heard Pig coming up the path so I figured I should finish. So now I’m here.”
They all nodded. Seemed like the sort of thing that Dog would say. Then they waited a long time. Then a while longer. Rat started to get very nervous. Finally Pig started to cross the finish line. Rat felt terrible.
“Pig, I gotta say I’m kinda surprised. You aren’t fast like Rabbit or Rat. You aren’t strong like Ox or Tiger. I really wasn’t expecting to see you.”
“Oh. Well I mean I got down the mountain. So then I was super hungry. So I went looking for some food. And I found some really delicious stuff. Then I was so full I took a nap. Then I woke up and made it most of the way here. But then I got hungry again. So I found some more food. And I took another nap. I think. Anyway. Then I got to the river and I swam across. So now I’m here. Am I too late?”
“You are number twelve.” Said the Emperor with a smile.
The animals celebrated. They played music and danced and sang and walked the rest of the way to the Emperor’s palace for the feast.
Cat arrived in time to see all the animals walking in to the palace.
So this is why Cats hate Rats and don’t like water.
This is how the order of the animals was set.
*This is our interpretation of the story with some adjustments and some liberties taken. We hope you enjoyed our version.