Year of the rat - Chinese New Year

• Author: admin
• Filed under: What is ?, World News
• Date: Feb 7,2008

The Rat (Chinese:鼠) was welcomed in ancient times as a protector and bringer of material prosperity. It is the first of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. Rat is associated with aggression, wealth, charm, and order, yet also associated with death, war, the occult, pestilence, and atrocities. The Year of the Rat is associated with the earthly branch symbol 子.

In Chinese, the word 鼠 may refer to either the rat or the mouse. Therefore, in this context, Year of the Mouse and Year of the Rat are interchangeable terms.

For those who are not familiar with Chinese astrology, this is the “Year of the Rat”, and it begins on February 7, 2008.

In western culture, (synonymous with the “rat race”), it’s surprising indeed that the appearance of this redoubtable rodent is so unwelcome, except perhaps on Halloween.

This light-hearted lens is dedicated to all things “rat” — be it “rat cheese”, “ratafia”, or “ratatouille”!

The “Rat” is the first sign of the Chinese zodiac.

Those born in the “Year of the Rat” are clever, ambitious, creative, hard-working, fastidious, charming and sociable, but can be a bit stingy when it comes to sharing their wealth or possessions.

Rats are compatible with Dragons, Monkeys and Oxen, but should avoid Horses at all costs.

In the “Year of the Rat”, we can expect 12 months of plentiful opportunities and prospects not to mention being relatively free of turbulence, (which is great to know especially if you’re planning on making some long-term investments, starting new projects, or keeping the home fires burning brightly).

It’s also a rather fine time to socialise and grab a sumptuous meal or two with friends and family!