The epic animal river race behind the Chinese zodiac

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HONG KONG: One of the most popular tales behind how the 12 zodiac animals of the Chinese calendar secured their spot depicts an epic river race in which each creature revealed its true colours.

In Chinese culture, every year is represented by one of the 12 animals in a set consecutive order, starting with the rat and ending with the pig, with each bringing its own characteristics to the year it denominates.