Chinese Legend
According to Chinese folklore, many centuries ago the Great Buddha invited all the animals of the world to join him in his celebration of the New Year. As the legend goes, only twelve animals made an appearance, including the Rat, the Ox (or Buffalo), the Tiger, the Rabbit (Hare, or Cat), the Dragon, the Snake, the Horse, the Sheep (or Goat), the Monkey, the Rooster, the Dog and the Pig (or Boar), and it was these twelve animals that came to represent the twelve signs of Chinese zodiac as a symbol of their loyalty to the Buddha.