The Mystery Behind the 12 Chinese Zodiac' Order
DaoXuanziThe Chinese zodiac is more than just a cycle of 12 animals—it holds deep cultural significance and hidden wisdom.
But have you ever wondered why the zodiac animals are arranged in this particular order? Why does the Rat come first, and why is the Pig last? This fascinating mystery is rooted in ancient legends, cosmic principles, and symbolic meanings.
In this article, we’ll explore the secrets behind the order of the 12 zodiac signs, uncovering the stories and logic that shaped one of the most enduring traditions in Chinese culture.
Here are two versions of the Chinese zodiac order: one based on mythological tales and the other on scientific explanations.
Chinese Mythological Story
There are many fascinating legends about the origin of the Chinese zodiac. One popular tale tells that in ancient times, the Yellow Emperor (Huangdi) held a grand competition to select twelve animals as his palace guardians. This legendary race eventually determined the order of the zodiac signs.
The absence of cat in the zodiac selection is one of the most intriguing mysteries. According to legend, the cat also wanted to participate. However, being preoccupied, it asked its good friend, the rat, to sign it up. Unfortunately, the rat, being playful and cunning, completely forgot. By the time the cat realized, the final list was already set. From that day on, the cat and the rat became sworn enemies.
the elephant, a strong contender, was startled by a tiny rat that scurried into its trunk, forcing it to withdraw in panic.
Initially, the animals agreed that the hardworking and reliable ox should take first place. But at the last moment, the clever rat seized an opportunity, jumping onto the ox’s back and leaping ahead at the finish line to claim victory. The slow and carefree pig, on the other hand, arrived last and was placed in twelfth.
Unhappy with the results, the mighty tiger and the majestic dragon protested their rankings. In response, the Yellow Emperor granted them honorary titles—tiger as "Lord of the Mountains" and dragon as "Ruler of the Seas"—placing them right after the rat and ox.
The swift rabbit, unwilling to accept being outranked by the dragon, challenged it to a race. Using its agility and quick jumps, the rabbit managed to overtake the dragon, securing fourth place.
The loyal and straightforward dog, angered by this outcome, bit the rabbit in frustration. As punishment, it was placed second to last.
Meanwhile, the snake, horse, goat, monkey, and rooster each showcased their unique skills, gradually earning their respective positions.
In the end, the official order of the Chinese zodiac was set: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig—a ranking that has been passed down through generations.
Why are the cat and elephant missing from the Chinese zodiac?
In fact, neither cats nor elephants are native to China. Cats are believed to have been introduced along with Buddhism from India, possibly during the Han dynasty, or some say they came with the monk Xuanzang. Regardless of the exact timing, by that point, the Chinese zodiac had already been established.
As for elephants, they were once active in ancient Central China. However, due to climate changes and shifts in the ecosystem, elephants had already disappeared from the Yellow River Basin before the zodiac system was fully established.
Thus, rather than mere coincidence, the exclusion of cats and elephants from the zodiac is a result of historical and geographical timing.
Scientific Explanations
The order of the Chinese zodiac is not random; it follows a structured logic deeply rooted in ancient Chinese wisdom. The placement of each animal corresponds to its natural habits and how they align with the traditional Chinese time system.
[子时 Zi Hour – Rat] (11:00 PM – 12:00 AM)
Rats are most active at night, making this their designated time.
[丑时 Chou Hour – Ox] (1:00 AM – 2:00 AM)
Oxen are the earliest animals to wake and plow fields, so this hour belongs to them.
[寅时 Yin Hour – Tiger] (3:00 AM – 4:00 AM)
"Yin" means fear, and tigers were feared by ancient people, so this time is associated with them.
[卯时 Mao Hour – Rabbit] (5:00 AM – 6:00 AM)
The moon is still visible at this time, and the moon is said to house a jade rabbit.
[辰时 Chen Hour – Dragon] (7:00 AM – 8:00 AM)
Legend says that dragons bring rain at this time.
[巳时 Si Hour – Snake] (9:00 AM – 10:00 AM)
Snakes emerge from their burrows to hunt during this hour.
[午时 Wu Hour – Horse] (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
At this time, yang energy reaches its peak, and yin energy begins to regenerate. The horse, known for its ability to travel great distances, is associated with fire yet possesses some yin qualities, symbolizing the balance of yin and yang. This is why the Wu hour is attributed to the horse.
[未时 Wei Hour – Goat] (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM)
Goats graze at this time, and the grass they eat regrows quickly.
[申时 Shen Hour – Monkey] (3:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
As the sun begins to set, monkeys are most vocal.
[酉时 You Hour – Rooster] (5:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
Sunset is associated with the legendary "Golden Rooster" that brings light.
[戌时 Xu Hour – Dog] (7:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
As night falls, dogs start their role as guardians.
[亥时 Hai Hour – Pig] (9:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
This hour represents a time of rest, and pigs are known for their love of sleep.
This time-based reasoning reflects ancient observations of nature and embeds rich cultural meanings into the Chinese zodiac.
Conclusion
The order of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals is no coincidence—it is a blend of ancient legends, cultural wisdom, and cosmic balance. Whether it's the legendary race orchestrated by the Jade Emperor or the deeper symbolic meanings behind each animal’s placement, this sequence reflects the values and beliefs that have shaped Chinese tradition for centuries. No matter which zodiac sign you belong to, understanding this order offers a deeper connection to the rich heritage of the Chinese zodiac.