在中国传统文化里，每一年都对应着一种生肖动物，一共有十二种，按固定顺序循环——鼠、牛、虎、兔、龙、蛇、马、羊、猴、鸡、狗、猪。这套顺序是怎么定下来的呢？传说与很久以前一场特别的渡河比赛有关。

In Chinese tradition, every year is associated with one of twelve zodiac animals, cycling in a fixed order — Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. How was this order decided? Legend says it all began with a special river-crossing race long ago.

那时候，玉皇大帝决定挑选十二种动物代表十二个年份，于是办了一场特别的比赛——谁先渡过河、到达对岸，谁的排位就靠前。消息一出，许多动物都跃跃欲试，纷纷赶来参加。

At that time, the Jade Emperor decided to select twelve animals to represent twelve years, so he held a special contest — whoever crossed the river first and reached the other side would rank higher. Once word spread, many animals eagerly rushed to take part.

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