Chinese New Year on the Net - Chinese Zodiac: Year of the Rat

Chinese Zodiac:
Sign of the Rat

The Chinese calendar is divided not by numerical years, as is in the Western concept of time, but in a 12-year cycle of animal signs, which continually repeat themselves. According to Chinese legend, these twelve signs are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Ram (Sheep), Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Boar (Pig).

In Chinese folklore, traits and characteristics similar to the Zodiac horoscope have developed around each of these annual animal signs -- some of which are more desirable than others. Here is a look at the qualities of each of them.

Next Year of the Rat: Jan 25, 2020

Sign of the Rat

The Rat is highly respected in China as being courageous and enterprising, with the innate ability to find solutions and take care of themselves. Being born in the year of the Rat is considered auspicious and being associated with a Rat -- either as a relative or spouse -- is considered enviable. However, like all of the signs, the many positive attributes of the Rat are balanced by some less admirable traits. The mental acuity of the person born in the Year of the Rat can tempt one to take on too much. While Rats are natural born leaders, they are also motivated by power and money -- which makes them vulnerable to corruption. The Rat is the first year in the 12-year cycle.