The Rat begins the traditional Chinese zodiac order.
It is followed by the Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. The Rat is associated with the first of the 12 Earthly Branches, zǐ (子), which helps explain its position in the calendrical sequence. In English, some traditions say “Mouse” instead of “Rat,” but both refer to the first Chinese zodiac animal.
A well-known legend says that the Jade Emperor held a race to determine the animals’ order. The Rat crossed a river by riding on the Ox and then jumped ahead at the finish, earning first place. Another version says the Rat deceived the Ox or caused the Cat to miss the contest. These stories explain the order symbolically, rather than documenting its historical origin.
Historically, the 12 Earthly Branches were used to mark time before the animals became their familiar popular counterparts. The Rat also represents the first double-hour period, approximately 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. Zodiac years combine with the Heavenly Stems, so Rat years recur every 12 years but repeat the same stem-and-animal combination every 60 years.