Chinese zodiac animals: The rat and what it represents

By Zhou Jing: 0 Comment(s)Print E-mail China.org.cn, January 24, 2025

Editor's note: The Chinese zodiac, or "shengxiao," consists of 12 animal signs that mark the years. Each animal represents one year in a repeating 12-year cycle, which is calculated based on the Chinese lunar calendar.

The 12 animals, in order, are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. These animals, along with the 10 Heavenly Stems and 12 Earthly Branches, are traditionally believed to significantly influence human personalities, marriages, careers and fortunes, thereby holding great importance in individuals' lives.

Some historians believe the Chinese zodiac took shape during the Han dynasty (206 B.C.-A.D. 220), while others trace its origins back to the Western Zhou dynasty (1046 B.C.-771 B.C.). Throughout its development, the Chinese zodiac has inspired a variety of widely accepted animal-related legends and folktales.

One legend holds that the order of the zodiac animals was decided by Emperor Xuanyuan. After summoning the animals, he ranked the first one he saw at the top, with the other 11 following. The rat, using its cunning, tricked the cat — who was also invited to the gathering — into skipping the event, allowing the rat to arrive first. In traditional Chinese culture, the rat is regarded as a symbol of wit, diligence, fertility and prosperity.

People born in the Year of the Rat are often seen as adaptable, versatile, considerate, hardworking and quick-witted. They are traditionally encouraged to pursue skilled or creative careers in fields such as art, services, finance and construction, with roles including designer, nurse, accountant, engineer and tourism planner.

The Rat years include 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020 and 2032.

According to the Chinese lunar calendar, the 2025 Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, falls on Jan. 29, 2025. This day marks the beginning of the Year of the Snake, which will last until Feb. 16, 2026. Since 2025 overlaps with most of the Year of the Snake, it is commonly referred to as such.