Chinese Animal Years-1

19. Chinese Animal Years-1 A boy wanted to learn about the Chinese years, and why they named the years after animals. He asked his uncle, Dr. Tian. Dr. Tian said, “ Long ago, there was a race to get across a big river. The years are named for the first 12 animals to get across the river. " “ What are the 12 animals?” asked the boy “ Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, MonkeyRooster, Dog and Pig! ” said his uncle.

Why did they name the years after animals?