The Rat is the first animal in the Chinese Zodiac. According to legend, the Jade Emperor decided to assign twelve animals to the Zodiac. The announcement went out to the entire land. The order of the animals would be determined by which one arrived to his palace first. Ox and Tiger were well on their way to being first, but Rat asked Ox if he could hitch a ride to the party, and Ox agreed. When Ox arrived first, Rat jumped off in front of Ox and was, in fact, the first to arrive.
The Rat symbolizes wisdom, and people who belong to this sign inherit the wit, delicacy, vitality, and flexibility of this animal. These individuals will be thrifty and careful with money. They are easy-going and make good friends, connecting with all types of people. Not afraid of hard work, these people know that skills and service are keys to a prosperous life.
The Exact Dates and Elements for the Years of the Rat
Date
Element
Feb 11, 2032 – Jan 30, 2033
Water
Jan 25, 2020 – Feb 11, 2021
Metal
Feb 7, 2008 – Jan 25, 2009
Earth
Feb 19, 1996 – Feb 6, 1997
Fire
Feb 2, 1984 – Feb 19, 1985
Wood
Feb 15, 1972 – Feb 2, 1973
Water
Jan 28, 1960 – Feb 14, 1961
Metal
Feb 10, 1948 – Jan 28, 1949
Earth
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Lucky Signs for Rats in the Chinese Zodiac
Quality
Positive
Negative
Numbers
2 and 3, including any numbers that contain these digits, such as 23, 333, and others
5 and 9, including any numbers that contain these digits, like 599, 95, and 59
Colors
green, gold, and blue
brown and yellow
Flowers
any kind of Lily
Direction
North
Lunar Month
11
Season
Winter
Western Zodiac Match
Sagittarius
Yin or Yang
Yang, the active male principle of the universe, is characterized as male and creative and associated with heaven, heat, and light
Hours of the Day
11 pm to 1 am
Rat Personality
People born in the year of the Rat are intuitive and responsive individuals, who quickly adapt to new environments and can recognize and take advantage of opportunities that come their way. Rat individuals are imaginative, curious, and observant.
They enjoy learning new skills and developing old talents. Knowledge comes easily to them, and they can deal with any difficulty skillfully and come out as victors.
Negatively, they can come across as narrow-minded at their workplace because of being opportunistic and picky. They are kind to others but may be impolite when someone disappoints them in a conversation or situation.
Strengths
Being insightful, versatile, adaptive, with quick reflexes, sociable and good in making friends, affectionate, passionate, hard-working, tidy, and neat
Weaknesses
Being timid, suspicious, vain, opportunistic, conservative, cunning, gullible, and changeable
Personality Based on One of the Five Elements
According to Chinese Astrology, every sign of the Chinese Zodiac has an elemental attribute corresponding to it: wood, water, metal, earth, and fire.
Wood Rat
If you were born between Feb 2, 1984 – Feb 19, 1985, you are a Wood Rat. Such people are self-confident, talented, independent, good at establishing and maintaining their own business projects, virtuous, and good team players.
Fire Rat
People born between Feb 19, 1996 – Feb 6, 1997, are Fire Rats. Fire Rats are known for their activity, bravery, friendliness, sociability, grace, and cordiality.
Earth Rat
If you were born between Feb 10, 1948 – Jan 28, 1949, or Feb 7, 2008 – Jan 25, 2009, you are an Earth Rat. Earth rats are honest, amiable, serious, modest, flexible, and possess a strong sense of self-esteem.
Metal Rat
Those born between Jan 28, 1960 – Feb 14, 1961, or Jan 25, 2020 – Feb 11, 2021, are Metal Rats. They are known for being smart, jealous, talented, hot-tempered in work and personal relationships, and possessing a strong sense of self-awareness.
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Water Rat
Individuals born between Feb 15, 1972 – Feb 2, 1973, or Feb 11, 2022 – Jan 30, 2023. These individuals are wise, conservative, talkative, and shrewd. They are strong individuals who value their families and work equally.
Health for Rat
Rats are energetic and active people who keep fit and avoid illnesses. Maintaining good nutrition, exercising regularly, and having enough rest will help Rats to preserve their energy and improve their work performance.
When Rats experience work-related stress, it will be helpful for them to practice stress-reducing techniques, such as meditation, yoga, and guided breathing. Rat individuals often have a timetable the opposite of most other animals.
They like to sleep late and stay up all night. Seeing as they are more productive at night, they should consider work that begins later in the day or in the evening, which is one way to help them stay healthy.
Business and Career for Rats
Rat people are careful and meticulous, which are the qualities that will help them in establishing their own businesses or work for others.
They are adaptable and can succeed in industries that constantly change and require attention to the details, such as the service or hospitality industry, maintenance work, or some form of entrepreneurship.
Such individuals can easily overcome the difficulties faced by every entrepreneur due to their relentless energy. The best ages for the Rats to start a business are between 35 and 45 years old.
Such individuals find it easy to adjust to new environments and possess luck in earning unexpected profits. When it comes to partnerships, they will find their ideal business partners among the signs of Ox, Tiger, Dragon, Monkey, and Pig.
Rat Relationships with Other Signs
Rats enjoy having a wide circle of friends and attending social gatherings and events. Even though they like making new friendships, these people do not have many close friends, keeping their relationships with others casual.
When it comes to romantic relationships, Rats are quick to fall in love with someone; however, their romantic partnerships may not last, as they can be fickle or too critical.
Rats match best with Ox, Dragon, Monkey; have okay relationships with Rat (themselves) and Tiger, and struggle the most with Horse and Rooster.
