Year of the Rat

Rats were born in the following years: 1901, 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032, 2044.

The Year of the Rat is the first in the lunar cycle of the Eastern horoscope, after it there are 11 more periods, each of which is under the auspices of its own zodiac animal. The first year of the cycle differs from others in certain features. So people born in the period of the Rat differ from representatives of other signs of the Chinese horoscope. What is characteristic of this segment of the 12-year cycle and what qualities those who were born during this time have, we will analyze in detail further.

What does the Rat symbolize in the Chinese horoscope

The rat in Eastern philosophy is a sign that symbolizes natural cunning, the ability to adapt as much as possible to external, sometimes very difficult conditions. This rodent has extraordinary abilities and can succeed in many areas, does not hover in the clouds, looks at life realistically, which helps to be less disappointed or almost not disappointed in reality.

Under the same description, those who were born in this period almost completely fit. All these people are somehow endowed with qualities-symbols of the zodiac animal. The list of their virtues includes adequate cunning, an outstanding mind, external attractiveness, accompanied by a special charm. Rats love communication and companies, they easily become the soul and center of any team, they are drawn to them, they want to be friends with them. True, it happens that their cunning goes beyond and harms even those close to them, and the ability to adapt is transformed into indifference to what is happening around.

• Personality type: initiator
• Strengths: wisdom, intelligence, originality, cunning, ingenuity, impressionability
• Weaknesses: greed, heartlessness, nervousness
• Best Compatibility: Dog, Tiger
• Talisman stone: pomegranate
• Colors (shades): blue, gold, green
• Flowers: lily, African violet
• Lucky number: 2, 3, as well as numbers that include “twos” and “threes” – 22, 23, 32, 33, etc.

What years are in the Year of the Rat

The year symbolized by this animal occurs once every 12 years. When there were years of the Rat and when there will be more, they listed in the table.  

What Rats are

The description of the character of a person born during this period is influenced by the elements that accompany the sign of a certain cycle.

Fire Rat

People born under the auspices of the Fiery or Red Rat are perhaps the most emotional, impulsive and unpredictable of all representatives of this sign. They are more active than others, and activity is manifested in almost all directions and spheres of life. Very practical and enterprising, which helps to achieve considerable success in business. They are gifted with natural charm and magnetism, are good manipulators and skillfully use these qualities, often causing others to suffer.

Strengths: amazing charisma, an unbanal sense of humor, from the very first minutes of communication, has others Weak sides: desire to manipulate people

earth rat

The Earth or Yellow Rat is extremely cautious. She is more circumspect than the rest of the representatives of the sign. Not as ambitious as others, but extremely hardworking and her efforts are often rewarded according to merit. He appreciates the achievements – not only his own, but also others. Reliable in business and family. 

Strengths: reliability Weak sides: desire to suffer because of unfulfilled ambitions

Metal Rat

People who were born in the year of the Metal or Golden Rat are very ambitious and proud. It is pride and often inadequately inflated self-esteem that can become the most significant quality of the character of this person, capable of pushing others away from him. They make grandiose plans and are ready to work hard to bring them to life. Diligence, capable of reaching the level of fanaticism, is perhaps one of the most positive qualities of these people.

Strengths: external attractiveness, attractive energy, diligence Weak sides: neglect the personal for the sake of social realization

Water rat

This type of sign is often lucky in both career and personal. Because they combine romance with emotionality and business purposefulness with adequate ambition. 

Strengths: restrained and able to manage their feelings, putting reason above emotions Weak sides: excessive emotionality, which they do not control well

Wood Rat

Perhaps the most constant and reliable Rat. Less frivolous and more reasonable than the rest. By all means, she strives to remain faithful – to herself, family, traditions, loved ones, friends. 

Strengths: Good friends Weak sides: hypertrophied practicality, which completely deprives these people of dayin the dream, fantasy and craving for romance

Characteristics of the male Rat

These are conservatives, what else to look for. At the same time, they are quite capable of finding a non-standard approach to solving the task, which helps them to break into leadership positions. They do not tolerate moralizing and drill. In response to this, they can be not just rude, but even extremely aggressive. But when they are not pissed off by such actions, outwardly they can remain very calm. They almost never complain about any difficulties, steadfastly enduring them.

Characteristics of the Rat Woman

Among the fair sex, born under this sign, there are rare beauties, and women who, at first glance, have a completely ordinary appearance. Nevertheless, both of them are attractive for men, because they all have a unique charm and some kind of natural magnetism, which is felt on a subconscious level.

True, the character of these young ladies is not devoid of masculine traits. They are able to compete on a par with the stronger sex in achieving career and business goals.

Child born in the year of the Rat

The Rat-Child is attached to parents for a long time, they also say “home” about such people. He constantly needs the support of the closest people. And only with her help they manage to cope with internal self-doubt. But if the child knows that mom and dad are nearby, he will quickly learn to take what he wants from life.

Rat in different areas of life

Peculiarly, the Rat manifests itself in different areas of life. Consider the main ones in order to fully reveal the nature of this sign.

Rat in love and marriage

Finding love for these people is not easy. They are demanding and jealous, while they themselves are not averse to having an affair on the side. But with age, they understand the true value of the family and begin to control themselves. If they and their partner manage to survive difficult times, then their marriage can last for many years.

Says Elena Verbitskaya, astrologer, Ba Zi and Feng Shui specialist, in love relationships and in the family, men and women born in the year of the Rat practically do not differ from each other in terms of features and behavior. The question of choosing a partner for life is very serious. Not falling in love and love, but a sober, stern calculation may come to the fore here. They can be single for a very long time, but sometimes they tie the knot with those who seem unworthy of them. But it only seems. 

– The Rat woman can see the future genius in an unsightly bespectacled student. And a man, thanks to his insight, will choose the woman with whom you can live your whole life without facing fatal passions and the division of property, – says Elena Verbitskaya.

Rat in friendship

Often the Rat is a reliable friend who is ready to support in any situation. But it happens that representatives of the sign envy comrades who are more successful in life. And then, in order not to suffer from negative emotions, they end the friendship themselves.

Rat in work and career

It is believed that the Rat is able to succeed in any field. Thanks to their outstanding abilities – intelligence, enterprise, ingenuity – they can easily implement even complex business plans, become company leaders. They can become leaders in creative professions as well.

According to Elena Verbitskaya, almost all Rats in terms of work are very well arranged. A rare representative of this sign will give preference to physical labor. For him, the priority is mental, creative work. And if the schedule is such that it will not be necessary to hang around in the office from call to call, then this will generally be an ideal option.

– A lot of Rats are arranged in life in such a way that they simply receive dividends, interest on some investments, rents, or organize their own enterprise, in which everyone will work hard for it. Hard physical work is not for Rats, – Elena Verbitskaya comments.

Rat and health

Representatives of this sign are distinguished by excellent health. And with minimal body support (moderate physical activity, proper nutrition, hardening), they are able to maintain health and attractiveness until old age.

Rat compatibility with other signs

Consider with whom people born in the year of the Rat can have long-term and warm relationships, and with whom cooperation will be problematic.

Rat Bull

Not bad things will develop in a love relationship. The Bull has a good effect on the Rat, which significantly reduces its waywardness. In addition, the Rat needs a reliable rear, and it is the Ox who will be able to fully provide it, creating a sense of reliability, safety, calmness, security.

But productive business and warm friendly relations between representatives of these signs of the eastern horoscope are unlikely.

Rat Tiger

Having married each other, these people are unlikely to be happy. Their characters are sharpened to compete endlessly, to resist, to find out who is in charge, who is the true leader. Friendship between them, too, most likely will not work out.

But business relations are possible if the Rat and the Tiger are united by one goal, they will be able to achieve a lot by going towards its achievement.

Rat-Rabbit

Such a marriage does not bode well. Yes, everything will start well and beautifully: love-carrots, flowers-candy. Only now, over time, the Rabbit’s love for the Rat risks turning into real fierce hatred. 

Both friendship and business cooperation are not good between these people.

Rat Dragon

The very case when the eastern horoscope promises these two people a high degree of compatibility. Their acquaintance and relationship easily develop into a strong happy family. They are close to each other in spirit – the Rat in love will constantly praise the Dragon, bombard him with compliments, which he certainly loves very much. The Dragon is bold, energetic, with a good sense of humor, and the Rat likes it.

Friendship is also possible between them. True, there is a risk that such friendship will gradually transform into a love relationship anyway, since these people are attracted to each other on a physical, sexual level.

Rats with Dragons are also productive in business relationships.

Rat-Snake

It is difficult to call the love union of these people happy. The snake will constantly sting with its isolation, and often infidelity. Because of what the Rat is doomed to hopeless suffering. But there may well be exceptions to this rule. They are possible if the Snake tames his passionate nature and stops not only walking, but also looking “to the left”.

Success in friendships and business relationships is doubtful, no matter how hard these people try to be friends or work together.

Rat-Horse

With the Horse, the Rat’s personal life is difficult. Although at first glance, at the very beginning of the relationship, it may seem that this is not so. But no. The honeymoon will end, the everyday life will begin, which will force out the love of these people, which could seem eternal. 

Almost the same story with friendship. At first, people can get along, but mutual aggression can very quickly destroy the mutual sympathy that has happened. 

But business cooperation is possible. The main thing is that the Horse allows the Rat to occupy a higher leadership position, and the Rat does not abuse its powers.

Rat-Goat

No, these people, of course, are not polar opposites, but they also have very few points of contact. The Goat seems to the Rat too closed, and this, of course, is not to the liking of the emotional rodent. And the Goat has a solid calculation with respect to the Rat – she will be good and comfortable around only if the Rat completely surrounds her with financial care and takes all her expenses upon herself. And no to you “With a sweet paradise and in a hut” and “To be together not only in joy, but also in sorrow.”

With friendship, representatives of these signs are also quite difficult – when they are nearby, aggression and mutual discontent arise between them, which is why the paths diverge very quickly.

There is a chance for fruitful business cooperation in the Rat-Goat tandem. Only in order for it to develop, each of the representatives of the signs will have to restrain their emotional impulses and somehow agree on which of them will be the main one.

Rat Monkey

In this case, experts in Eastern astrology assure that the marriage will most likely become happy. This is just the option when people do not look at each other, but in one direction. When their needs, desires and dreams coincide, they are even ready to forgive each other for fleeting sympathies that happen on the side.

But it will be problematic to be friends with these people – the Monkey will endlessly push the Rat to participate in all sorts of adventures. And it won’t lead to anything good.  

Business relations in this union are possible if the Rat takes an authoritative position for the Monkey and does not allow himself to be subjugated in everything.

Rat Rooster

The love relationship here is built on the principle: “You see the partner’s shortcomings, turn them into virtues.” These people, being together, almost do not see that something is wrong in their beloved. And if they see it, they will definitely find something positive in it that will more than cover this shortcoming. They are truly close in spirit, so their marriage may well be long and happy.

But with the friendship of the Rat and the Rooster, everything is not the same as with love. The friendly relations of these two are short-lived and very superficial when it comes to a man and a woman.

Representatives of this sign are not recommended to build business relations, they have a complete mismatch of approaches to doing business and work. 

Rat-Dog

Their love is possible, but not unconditional. If the Dog, who loves to spend time with herself and away from noisy companies, will often be left alone, and the Rat will be at home to a minimum, then they can become an ideal couple. For example, if the Rat will work hard and earn money, and the Dog will run the household. Everyone will be happy.

In friendship, they are not so happy, even if many conditions are met. The Dog will probably devalue the Rat, which she will not like. She slams the door and leaves forever.

They are also unlikely to work with joint labor activities, therefore, it may be better not to start any business.

Rat Pig

This union is very good. The Rat and the Pig have a lot in common, they get along well and understand each other almost perfectly. If nothing and no one interferes, the representatives of this sign will become an ideal couple, they will live in marriage for long and happy years.

These people like to spend time together as friends. Their casual acquaintance can develop into friendship, and then into such a friendship, about which they say “do not spill water.”

The joint affairs of the Rat and the Pig can also be successful. Their qualities, necessary in work and business, complement each other. True, everything will be fine only if the rodent does not start to cheat and does not try to leave the Boar with nothing.

Rat-Rat

This union will be perfect. And in whatever area he did not develop. Two Rats will create a strong and happy family, live in perfect harmony for many years. If the matter concerns friendship, then this will become just the case when people do not spill water and are a mountain for each other. The business partnership of two representatives of the sign will bring considerable profit and success to both.

Rat by zodiac sign

Consider the characteristics of the compatibility of horoscopes, which distinguishes people born in the year of the Rat, but under different signs of the Zodiac:

Rat-Aries 

Strong, independent, purposeful, often even too much, with an admixture of aggression towards those who interfere with the goal.

Rat Taurus

Hardworking, charming, able to win over anyone, however, often demonstrating arrogance and suffering from snobbery.

Gemini Rat

Cheerful, active, light, able to go to their goal, but at the same time live for their own pleasure.

Rat Cancer

Creative, creative, sensual, but extremely, even painfully insecure, which is often skillfully hidden from others.

Rat Lion 

Proud, sometimes suffering from inflated self-esteem, ready for anything to achieve their goal, even for not quite decent deeds.

Rat Virgo

Pedantic, loving order in everything – in business, personal life, household.

Rat-Libra

Caring and tactful, they make very good family men. But they are often painfully touchy, which makes it difficult to build relationships with them.

Rat Scorpio 

The main manipulators, skillfully weaving intrigues, easily rubbed into confidence.

Rat Sagittarius 

The most energetic representatives of the sign. The most sociable of all, able to talk and win over anyone.

Rat Capricorn 

Calm, reasonable, not making impulsive decisions, reasonable, controlling emotions, shy and indecisive, which is why they build relationships rather late and slowly advance in their careers.

Aquarius Rat

They consider education and self-development to be the main business of life, and they achieve a lot in this. Smart, purposeful, due to which they are successful in business. But they are fickle in relationships, which is why they are often unhappy in their personal lives.

Rat-Pisces 

Philanthropists and altruists who rush to save everyone, even when they are not asked about it. This attitude to life captivates others, so they have many friends. But in love it often does not add up due to excessive windiness.

Celebrities Born in the Year of the Rat

In the year of the Rat, many people were born who later became famous – politicians, writers, musicians, actors. We list the brightest representatives of this sign of the eastern horoscope:

William Shakespeare, Peter I, George Sand, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Mikhail Glinka, Leo Tolstoy, Jules Verne, Yves Saint Laurent, Marlon Brando, Prince Charles, George G. Bush, Cameron Diaz, Eminem, Alena Babenko, Gwyneth Paltrow, Scarlett Johansson, Valeria Guy Germanicus.

Popular questions and answers

In the next section, we will answer popular questions from readers about the years that have passed under the auspices of the Rat. This information will help to create the most complete picture of both these periods and people born under the auspices of this animal.