GONG Xi Fa Cai! Today is the first day of the Lunar New Year as we usher in the Year of the Rat. How did the Lunar New Year come to be associated with the 12 zodiac animals?
According to legend, the Jade Emperor decided that the Chinese Lunar Calendar would be based on animal signs and the first 12 to arrive at the finishing line would be selected.
So, The Great Race was held to determine which zodiac animal should be ranked first for eternity among the 12 zodiac animals. The rat, after playing some tricks especially with the ox, was the first to arrive.