The Mythology
The Chinese Zodiac myth recounts how the Jade Emperor invited animals to a race, and the order in which they finished determined their position in the zodiac. The clever Rat secured the first spot by hitching a ride on the Ox's back, and the other animals followed suit, resulting in the 12-year cycle we know today. The Dragon, despite its ability to fly and being a strong swimmer, arrived after the Rat, Ox, Tiger, and Rabbit. The Dragon, who had been expected to arrive first, explained that it had stopped to make rain for the people in the village and had also helped a rabbit by providing a river current during the race. The Jade Emperor admired the Dragon's noble actions and granted it the fifth position in the Chinese Zodiac, marking the beginning of its twelve-year cycle.
The Years of the Dragon include 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024...