According to Chinese tradition, the emperor ordered a great race between all the animals on Earth to determine who should occupy 12 positions on the lunar calendar. To complete the course, each animal had to cross a fastflowing river. While leading the race, the noble dragon stopped to make rain for the people, ultimately reaching the opposite bank in fifth place. Those born under the sign of the Chinese Lunar Dragon in 2024, 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976 and every 12th preceding year, are said to be ambitious, successful, and charismatic.