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Year of the Rat: Personality Traits, Horoscope, All-Life Forecast - Chinese Zodiac. Photo KnowInsiders

Rat is the first in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac. The Years of the Rat include 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032...

The history of the Rat

An interesting Chinese legend about the ranking of the Rat goes that the Chinese supreme deity Jade Emperor held a birthday party and would decide the order of the zodiac animals according to their arrival times. Originally, the hardworking Ox departed early and should be the first one to reach. However, the Rat hid in the Ox’s ear and jumped down when arriving, occupying the first place. Thus the Rat had since been the No. 1 in the 12-year cycle and represents spirit, wit, alertness, delicacy, and flexibility.

The Rat’s go-getter personality is quite legendary. There are many versions of how the Rat came to be the first animal of the zodiac, but my mother’s version is my favourite.

When the Lord Buddha was leaving Earth, he asked the Rat to spread the word to the rest of the animal kingdom, so they could attend the farewell. The Rat, aware of his small size and slow speed, asked the Ox to give him a ride, so they could cover more ground as a team. The two animals quickly shared the message and arrived first at the party.

In appreciation, the Lord Buddha honoured them as signs of the zodiac but had to decide who would be first. Initially, Lord Buddha thought the Ox would hold the first spot, but the Rat quickly asserted her leadership as the messenger, supported by the honest Ox. Swayed by her case, the Rat earned the top spot—leave it to the Rat to stand her ground and come out on top.

Rats are often underestimated, but that’s fine with them. You’d be surprised how much can be accomplished outside of the limelight. Perhaps it’s the Rat’s hardworking nature or its ability to influence the masses. Those born under this sign can achieve big things little by little.

Year of the Rat Dates

Rat Year

Date

Element

2032

Feb. 11, 2032 – Jan. 30, 2033

Water

2020

Jan. 25, 2020 – Feb. 11, 2021

Metal (Gold)

2008

Feb. 7, 2008 – Jan. 25, 2009

Earth

1996

Feb. 19, 1996 – Feb. 6, 1997

Fire

1984

Feb. 2, 1984 – Feb. 19, 1985

Wood

1972

Feb. 15, 1972 – Feb. 2, 1973

Water

1960

Jan. 28, 1960 – Feb. 14, 1961

Metal (Gold)

1948

Feb. 10, 1948 – Jan. 28, 1949

Earth

1936

Jan. 24, 1936 – Feb. 10, 1937

Fire

1924

Feb. 5, 1924 – Jan. 23, 1925

Wood

Year of the Rat: Elements and fortunes

ELEMENT

YEAR

FORTUNE

Metal

1960, 2020

These Rats tend to be reliable and live a stable life. They may hold some power and are able to turn unlucky events into fortune.

Water

1972, 2032

These Rats encounter hardships in the early days. They become successful during their middle ages and create a happy family. However, relatives and close friends may weigh them down.

Wood

1924, 1984

These Rats are multi-talented. They are strong-willed and always finish what they begin.

Fire

1936, 1996

These Rats have high IQs and EQs. They are average during youth, develop well in the middle ages and have great fortune later in life.

Metal

1948, 2008

These Rats are good speakers. They’re the mood makers of a group, but can be slightly possessive. They face difficulties in their youth, but are generally able to withstand them.

Personality and Characteristics of People born in the Year of Rat

People born in the Year of the Rat are ambitious and work hard to achieve their goals. Rat people are also charming, talkative and easily make friends. Although they are gossipy they are also very private about their own personal life and are devoted and faithful to close friends. They are adaptive, flexible, clever and good at problem solving which enables them to cope with most difficulties. They are generally successful at whatever they do, but they can be gullible which can lead them into danger. With regards to money Rat people are considered the meanest animal in the Chinese zodiac.

Rats are smart, quick-witted, strong-willed, and ambitious.

People who were born in the Year of the Rat are always called Rats whose characteristics tend to be more quick-witted with a keen observation and foresight. Rats also have a bright and optimistic personality which makes them adapt to changes in any environment and easily get help from others. However, though Rats are ambitious in career, they may not be qualified to become great leaders due to the stubbornness and the lack of empathy and humility.

Men born in the Rat year are clever and adapt quickly to new environments. They are creative great at taking advantage of opportunities. However, they sometimes lack the courage to do so. Although they have great ideas, they might not be suitable for leadership positions.

Rat men can think quickly and have a good memory. They are curious about everything, get to the bottom of things, and have a strong thirst for knowledge. Meanwhile, they hold on to their own views but seldom have the courage to take action. Men with Chinese zodiac Rat sign also attach importance to the family.

Women born in the Rat year are the traditional women. They love keeping things organized and place great value on the family. Everything is taken care of by them and there is no need for their husband to worry. Outside of home, they’re also someone with a sense of responsibility and ability.

Rat women are smart and sensible in the life, taking a cue from somebody’s words or facial expressions. They also take a good advantage of their strengths and avoid showing weaknesses. All of those make them considerate and their families could be taken care of. However, they may lack the ability to cope with stress.

Strengths

Savvy, quick-witted, positive, intelligent, bright, versatile

Weaknesses

Lack of courage, captious, undetermined, stubborn

Rat’s Personality by Blood Types

• Blood Type O: With outgoing and optimistic character, they are extroverts ready to help others. Good communication skills make them have fewer conflicts with others and popular among friends.

• Blood Type A: They are typical submissive people, always keeping themselves in the second place but putting others first. They are empathetic, perceptive, and quick-witted but not assertive enough to capture opportunities.

• Blood Type B: Having an unsociable personality, they are straightforward in expression and tired of using a euphemism. However, they are easy to trust others so that they suffer losses.

• Blood Type AB: Rats with blood type AB look gentle and generous outwardly but sometimes they are arbitrary and indifferent. The high efficiency at work makes them deeply valued by bosses.

Famous People: Rat Zodiac Eminent Personalities

George H. W. Bush (41st US President): June 12, 1924, Wood Rat

Prince Charles (Prince of Wales): November 14, 1948, Earth Rat

Eminem (Rapper): October 17, 1972, Water Rat

Katy Perry (Pop Star): October 25, 1984, Wood Rat

Cristiano Ronaldo (Football Star): February 5, 1985, Wood Rat

Tom Holland (Actor): June 1, 1996, Fire Rat

Lucky and Unlcuky Things for People Born in a Year of the Rat

Lucky things for Rats:

Lucky numbers: 2, 3, and numbers containing them (like 23 and 32)

Lucky days: the 4th and 13th of every Chinese lunar month

Lucky colors: blue, gold, green

Lucky flowers: lily, African violet

Lucky direction: west, northwest and southwest

Lucky months: the 2nd, 5th and 9th Chinese lunar months

Unlucky things for Rats:

Unlucky color: yellow, brown

Unlucky numbers: 5 and 9

Unlucky direction: south and southeast

Unlucky months: the 4th, 10th, and 12th Chinese lunar months

Careers Prediction for Rats

Because of their independence and imagination, they are suitable for creative jobs. These include authors, editors and artists. However, if they join a team, their creative outlet may be blocked.

Rats also pay attention to fine detail. They are fit for technical work, such as engineering and architecture.

They are alert, but have a lack of courage. This makes them unsuitable as police officers, entrepreneurs or other leadership and political positions. Although Rats make good financial decisions, they should be careful not to invest with a close friend. It will not only cause money problems, but also affect the friendship.

Health and Lifestyle

Since childhood, Rats have frail health. They have energetic personalities, but tire quickly. They catch colds often, but thankfully do not have serious illnesses.

They are sensitive to change in temperature. Not only is cold weather unbearable for them, they also can’t stand hot weather. But despite seeming weak and not being able to perform hard physical work, they enjoy longevity.

Rats can eat anything, whether they are delicacies or plain food. However, they should pay attention to their diet. Many times, they will get too into work and forget to eat. Going long periods without food and suddenly bingeing cause problems in their digestive system. Enemies of their health also include smoking and drinking habits.

For a healthy life, Rats must remember to eat breakfast, do moderate exercise and remain cheerful.

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Rats in the Year of the Tiger (2022)

The year of 2021 is likely one of some turbulence for people born in years of the Rat. Fortunately, the lunar year of 2022, which will start on February 1, is likely to be a much better year for this group. The bad luck you experienced in 2021 will be completely washed away and replaced by happiness and joy in many aspects of life.

At the same time, Rat natives may be prone to impulsive behavior in 2022, with a penchant for being nosy. Make sure to curb this tendency in yourself and learn to control your temper in order to enjoy your luck in 2022 to the fullest.

Love and Relationships in 2022

In 2022, your luck in love and relationships is only average, although men will find better fortune than women. If you are single, you will meet new love interests, but they are not likely to be for the long haul. You will find it difficult to start real and solid relationships with them. Make sure to protect yourself against people who may have ulterior motives in approaching you. Practice prudence in love.

For those already in a relationship, make sure to rein in your temper in 2022, otherwise this year could prove disastrous for your relationship or marriage. You may find yourself extra impulsive or temperamental in 2022, no matter what zodiac sign your partner may have. Make special effort to maintain peace and harmony at home and avoid conflicts with your partner, which may quickly escalate out of hand.

Best Matches: Ox, Dragon, Monkey

Ox is the most faithful partner for the Rat and they can build a romantic relationship together. Rat’ straightforwardness and confidence will attract Dragons and they can find more fun in life and help each other at work. Monkey will also be a great partner and the couple of Rat and Monkey can not only support each other but also be tolerant of each other’s shortcomings.

Bad Matches: Horse, Rooster

Both the Rat and the Horse are independent and proactive but it is hard for them to understand and communicate with each other. The Rat people cannot stand the picky from a Rooster partner and they may have a lot of conflicts.

Rat Career in 2022

If work did not go smoothly in 2021, you can breathe a sigh of relief as 2022 approaches. Stagnant ventures or stalled development from the previous year will be cleared away and you will enjoy better fortune in terms of leadership and personal development. In particular, if you find your superiors uninspiring or your work environment not suited for growth, 2022 will be a great year for you to change jobs or even industries if you believe it will mean more potential in the future.

But no matter what happens at work in 2022, do not allow it to affect your home life, otherwise it could prove straining for your marriage or love relationship. There will also be some pressure and competition, but rest assured that as long as you use your intelligence and keen observation to your advantage you will come out ahead.

Best Jobs: Artist, musician, cafe owner, actor, author, photographer, doctor, teacher...

Rats are active and independent. Unrestricted work and freelance work are more suitable for them, instead of being a staff of a large company. They also prefer individual work with innovation to the cooperative work, enabling them to become a good café owner, an author, or a doctor. What’s more, most people born in the Rat Year are intuitive-sensitive with a talent in art and have a profound understanding of life. So the artist, musician, photographer, and actor all are listed on their best jobs.

Wealth in 2022

You are likely to have luck in terms of wealth in 2022, especially when compared to 2021. You will find your income increasing steadily. This will include income from work, side businesses and any investment you may have. Make sure you are putting some of your extra money away in a savings account, however, otherwise you may easily waste the surplus without realizing it.

This is a great opportunity to learn how to manage your money better and invest in a sensible way—real estate may be a good option as a hedge against riskier investment instruments for Rat natives, both in general and in 2022.

Education in 2022

Students born in years of the Rat, likely those born in 2008 or 1996, should focus on their studies and not yield to your tendency to play. This will be especially important for those preparing for a college or graduate school application. While your luck in this area is not as strong as it is in other areas, as long as you work hard, you will be amply rewarded for your effort.

Health in 2022

In 2022, you will enjoy better physical health, although Rat natives born in 1984 may encounter problems with their shoulders and muscles and experience back pain. Elder Rat natives are advised to check up on their kidney and urinary systems to guard against potentially serious health problems.

Babies born in the year of the Rat

It is a blessing to welcome a Rat into the family. With Rats, friendship and love are always generously returned. Rats cannot help but watch over family and friends, even from a young age. Whether you are having your first child or adding a sibling, Rat children have a sweet nature that warms every home. They love to help, organize and will assert independence early on in getting things done for themselves.

A young rat can be both simultaneously independent and clingy. Funny how a Rat child can seem completely lost in a book oblivious to the outside world only to lose it the minute a parent is out of sight. Children born under this sign will find it uncomfortable to play alone for too long and will have a hard time transitioning away from a family member’s care. They will feel most at ease amongst family and friends—the more the merrier and no matter where they go in their young adult lives, they always have a way of ending up close to home.

Best rat baby names

If you are yet to name your incoming rat, Chinese astrology believes you should pick a name that will balance the energies in your baby’s birth year.

The Rat is in the Water group according to the Chinese Five Element theory. Water is related to wisdom and intelligence. So the rat is a clever, tricky, and tactical animal.

The Year of the Rat is said to be lacking in Wood, Earth and Fire energies, which suggests that giving your baby a first or middle name that directly relates to these is thought to be a good choice.

For boys:

Oliver, Edan, George, Ashton, Declan, Sydney, Evan, Brand, Malo

For girls:

Gretal, Nour, Daisy, Lena, Inika, Rose, Penelope, Paris, Serephine

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