CHINESE ZODIAC  Numerous myths explain the selection of the Chinese zodiac animals, and here is a popular one. In ancient China, the celestial Jade Emperor, desiring a method to measure time, announced a swimming contest on his birthday. The prize for the first twelve animals to cross a swiftly flowing river was to have each year of the zodiac named in their honor. Gathered at the river's edge, the rat and the cat, despite their friendship, fretted over their weak swimming abilities. Ingeniously, they sought the help of the ox, who graciously agreed to ferry them across. As the race progressed, the ox took an early lead with the rat and the cat on his back. Nearing the finish line, the rat betrayed the cat by pushing him into the water and leaped from the ox to land first on the bank, securing the first zodiac year for himself. The ox, duped into second place, accepted his fate, and the tiger, battling the currents, managed to claim third. The rabbit, using stepping stones and a log for assistance, surprised the emperor by finishing fourth. The dragon, expected to win easily, arrived fifth after aiding others and propelling the rabbit to safety, earning praise and a zodiac year. A cunning snake startled the horse to clinch the sixth spot, relegating the horse to seventh. A shared raft brought the goat, monkey, and rooster together in cooperation, finishing eighth, ninth, and tenth, respectively, as acknowledged by the emperor. The dog, delayed by a leisurely bath, was named the eleventh zodiac animal. Last to arrive was the boar, who had stopped to eat and then nap, yet still secured the final zodiac spot. The cat, victim of the rat's treachery and too late to win, harbored a grudge, marking the start of the enmity between cats and rats. Thus was established the cycle of the Chinese Zodiac, continuing to this day with these twelve animals.