The twelve animals of the Asian zodiac were created as a way of representing time, specifically the lunar calendar. According to Chinese mythology the twelve animals of the Asian zodiac were chosen by the Jade Emperor, who held a race amongst the animals of the world, choosing the first twelve animals to cross the finish line to represent a year of the 12-year cycle. There are many stories about how the race was run and how the animals used their wits to arrive in the order that they did, the rat being the first in the cycle and the pig being the last to arrive. Each year and the people born in that year are often assigned attributes and characteristics of each animal. Every twelve years, the cycle starts over. Kit is made of plywood and is unpainted. Decorate with acrylic paint or markers. Approximate dimensions to largest animal 4.5" Instructions included and as well as a grid matching birth years to the appropriate animal.