This story tells us how the Chinese Calendar were formed and why the Roosters stand on top of a fence every dawn crowing.
The Jade Emperor gathered all the
animals together telling them that He has just finished making the Calendar and is going to name the twelve (12) years after the animals. He will choose among them who these representatives will be. The animals talked of nothing for days but about it. Dragon, is the most worried of them all. Though he knows that he is magnificent, he still thinks that he needs a Headdress, for he was very sure the Emperor will pick him if he have one. So he told the Centepede about his problem, being a friend, he promised Dragon that he will help him. Dragon promised him that if he succeed, he will make him more powerful in return for his help. The Centepede went to Rooster and told him that the Dragon
wants to borrow his Headdress for Dragon is so insecure with himself. Rooster so full of conceit, gave his Headdress for he was very sure that with or without the Headdress the Emperor will pick him. The Centepede gave it to Dragon, and true to his word, he gave Centepede many legs to carry his body faster than he ever imagined and he had a powerful stinger. But Dragon reminded him to always be modest and humble. When the Rooster saw how handsome Dragon looked in his crown, he felt jealous. The day came and the Emperor announced which animals he have chosen for the ZODIAC. The Emperor called Rat-for his cleverness, Ox, for his strength, Rabbit, for his gentleness, Dragon, for his imagination and energy, Snake for his cunning, Horse for his friendliness and quickness, Ram for being stylish, Monkey for being smart, Dog for his loyalty, and Pig for having a good heart. He called Rooster last, for the reason that he is a perfectionist. These twelve (12) animals will be forever hanged in the sky among the stars. Everyone cheered except for Rooster who is not satisfied, he wants to be chosen first before Dragon. He shouted at Dragon to give his crown back but Dragon flew away. Saying that Centepede told him that he can have the crown for as long as he wants. The Rooster got angry and he chased the Centepede. Since that day onwards, every Rooster wished and wished that he wore the Dragon’s crown. And that’s the reason why Roosters stand upon every fences crowing their deepest wish to the sky.