Origin of the twelve zodiac signs

Author: Xiling Publishing House
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-10-01
Features: In ancient times, the sky was pure blue, the mountains lush green, rivers flowed day and night, and humanity thrived. One morning, the Jade Emperor sat on the Lingxiao Palace to gather the literary and martial immortals for an early court session.
"Jade Emperor, because there is no time management in the mortal world,"
"Jade Emperor, humans cannot distinguish the cycles of seasons,"
"cannot differentiate between age and youth. If this continues, the people of the mortal world will be filled with grievances."
"Hmm, your words are reasonable. Minister, do you have any suggestions?"
"It is time to assign a time system to the mortal world and define their place. Moreover, using the twelve zodiac animals as symbols of belonging to humans would be a double benefit. My suggestion is to send twelve animals to the mortal world to be selected as zodiac signs, serving as the Earthly Branches, paired with the Ten Heavenly Stems to mark time and years."
"I hereby appoint you as the 'Zodiac Minister' and order you to go to the mortal world immediately with imperial decree."
Hearing this, the Jade Emperor was delighted. He called for a court attendant and issued an edict, "Strictly select and evaluate animals from all over the world, choosing twelve as zodiac signs. Any animal that arrives at the 'Time Pavilion' for reporting will be honored as the 'King of the Zodiacs.'"
The Zodiac Minister, not daring to delay, rode a colorful cloud and swiftly flew to the mortal world. Such a wonderful opportunity—how could the animals not compete eagerly? Thus, our story begins here.