Before we can understand what it means to be a Rat Chinese zodiac, it’s better if you know what your sign is in the first place. Those who are more familiar with Western Astrology know that a sign is a constellation that is determined by the date of birth in the calendar.
However, the Chinese zodiac believes it’s your shuxiang, or the animal relevant to your birth year that determines it. Through the years, there have been plenty of myths that attempted to explain the meaning of these animal signs as well as their arrangement. Nothing among them was as enduring as The Great Race.
Myth of the Chinese Zodiac Rat: The Beginning
The myth of the Chinese zodiac rat began with the Yu Di or the Jade Emperor, also famous as the Ruler of the Heavens. He wanted to find a way to measure time, and he tried doing this by organizing a race. The first 12 animals to successfully cross the river were the ones who would win a spot in the Zodiac calendar according to the time of their arrival.
Our ambitious rat was one of the very first to rise to get an early start. On its way to the river, he met the tiger, the ox, and the horse. The rat knew it was small and was far from being an excellent swimmer, thus he tried asking for help from these bigger animals. Both the horse and tiger refused, but the ox took pity on it and agreed to take it across.
The Sly Cheater
They were nearing the end of the river, and seizing its opportunity, the cunning rat jumped from the ox’s head, securing first place. The ox took second place, while the tiger grabbed the next spot. Rabbit found it challenging to make its little body fight the current, so it hopped across some logs and stones and managed to grab fourth place.
The mighty dragon came in fifth, when it could easily have taken first place it flew directly across. But it was so kind and gentle and decided to help other animals on its path. Then came the horse who started to gallop across the river, but as soon as it was about to cross, it was rattled by the snake who slithered by. That was how the snake managed to get into sixth place.
Work Smarter, Not Harder
As the Jade Emperor watched the competition unfold, he saw the monkey, sheep, and rooster all aboard a raft, carefully pushing through the weeds. When the trio finally made it across, they agreed to award the eighth place to their friend the sheep, who provided so much comfort during the ride, followed by the monkey, and finally, the rooster.
The dog came in next, quickly scrambling ashore. This creature is to be a great swimmer. However, it was so easily distracted by how good the water felt that he ended up frolicking in the water for so long that he lost track of time. This is the reason he only managed to come in eleventh place, while the pig got in last since it went hungry and took its time eating and sleeping before remembering to make it to the finish line.
The Magic 12 Is Complete
This is how each year is one of these animals in this order, starting over every six decades. But you may be wondering why 60 years and not 12 years? This is because the traditional Chinese calendar is composed of two overlapping systems. These zodiac animals are with shi erzhi or the Earthly Branches. While the other system, popular as the tiangan, or the Ten Heavenly Stems is linked with the five classic elements. These are metal (xin), wood (mu), water (shui), fire (huo), and earth (tu). Every element is determined as a Yin or Yang, which creates a ten-year cycle.
When the Earthly Branches’ twelve animals are matched with the classic elements, plus the Yin or Yang of the Heavenly Stems, it will create 60 years of various combinations. This is famous as the Sexagenary Cycle, or ganzhi.
This is how someone who is born in 1980 can have the Yang metal monkey, while another born in the year 2007 is a Yin Fire-Pig. For those who are not aware, you may also have an inner animal depending on your birth month, a true animal according to your birth date, and finally, a secret animal based on your hour of birth.
The Evolution of The Great Race
Supposedly, it was this race that determined which animals secured spots in the Chinese zodiac. But when this system spread across Asia, other cultures made “tweaks” in order to better reflect their societies. In Thailand on the other hand, Naga, the mythical snake takes the place of the Dragon. So regardless of whether or not you value what the zodiac tells about you as a person, it definitely says much about the culture it stems from.
The Chinese Zodiac Rat Personality
Some say dealing with the rat Chinese zodiac personality can be tricky. These creatures can be aggressive, energetic, and secretive by nature. It is ruled by the fixed element water. This makes them flexible, intellectual, creative, and compassionate. But it’s also what makes them manipulative, passive-aggressive, as well as self-destructive.
The rat Chinese zodiac characteristics also have plenty of masculine traits. They take their work seriously and are flexible enough to fit into various positions, from law to espionage. And because of the Chinese zodiac’s framework, it gives it a lot of wiggle room to achieve this.
The Chinese Zodiac Cycle
Another thing to remember when talking about the year of the Rat Chinese zodiac is that the Chinese zodiac in itself is a cycle. It runs through Yin and Yang’s five elements aspects among these twelve animals. Because of this, the year when you were born is crucial. And with many rats tending to be leaders by heart because they are the first in the Chinese zodiac, your time of birth and your location is important as well.
Take for example those who were born at night are to face much hardship in their lifetime. People who have rats as their Chinese zodiac are also hardworking, and sneaky individuals. These are highly intellectual, clever creatures who charm their way by being amazing communicators. Despite this, their privacy is of utmost priority. Also, they hate getting their backs against the wall.
What Does the Rat Mean in the Chinese Zodiac?
It can mean several things, some good, some bad and a total pain in the neck. Don’t argue with a rat unless you want to lose your mind. They will simply go on the defensive once you try and corner them. Being friends with a rat is no walk in the park either. This is the reason why they have few friends whom they open up to.
Having a friend born during the rat Chinese zodiac years also means dealing with someone who has a very uncanny sense of humor. Sure, they can get aggressive and hot-headed a lot of times, but they are also very sensitive. You may not know it, but these rats are hurt easily. Be careful as they can turn vengeful pretty quickly. Unaware, they may hold grudges against you for years to come.
The Rat Chinese Zodiac Elements
Here are the personality traits of the Rat Chinese zodiac based on its elements.
Wood Rat
Wood rats are adaptable, sociable, and quick-witted. Precisely what makes them fantastic communicators and troubleshooters. Added to this is the fact that the wood element in Chinese philosophy is a representation of vitality, expansion, and growth.
As for the wood rat Chinese zodiac compatibility, they are generally with the dragon, monkey, or ox, based on the compatibility rules of the Chinese zodiac. They can look forward to years of marital bliss. Rats in general should avoid roosters and horses if they want to dodge a bullet resulting from messy divorces.
Fire Rat
The mythical fire rat is a mythological creature with its origins in native China. It resembles a white rat that resides in volcanoes of the South China Sea. These creatures supposedly have fireproof fur. People born this year are said to be practical, charming, and ambitious. Their lucky flower is a lily.
Individuals whose Rat sign and Fire element overlap tend to be very brave, energetic, and well-equipped to face any danger and difficulty life may bring. Fire rats are friendly and cordial to others, but can be very strict when it comes to their personal choices. Also, they tend to have tongues as sharp as razor blades. Thus, it’s inevitable that they offend some people now and then.
Earth Rat
Earth rat people are versatile, honest, and modest, with high self-esteem. They are also brave and intelligent. True, they can be less adventurous compared to other rats, but this doesn’t mean they don’t look forward to juicy challenges.
Family and friends love them because they are grounded and reliable. They also manage to keep a level head to their advantage at work and in their personal lives. Their lucky colors are green, blue, and gold which symbolize wealth, hope, and intelligence.
Metal Rat
Metal rats would do anything for the love of family and friends. It’s surprisingly easy to connect with them, helping them form very close bonds with people around them, wherever they may be. Apart from being intelligent, they are also keen observers who love socializing whenever time permits.
The metal rat also has its lucky stone- Garnet. Garnet is relevant with the circulatory system, the heart in particular. This is good for nurturing your immune system and boosting your energy levels. Whether you’re wearing it as a piece of jewelry or home and office decor, it will be wise to keep it close at all times.
Water Rat
The water rat is a combination of adaptability, charm, intelligence, sensitivity, and depth. These are individuals who have the potential for great success, as long as they keep their hearts, minds, and intentions pure and sincere.
This year, people born under the Water Rat Chinese zodiac could experience a unique alignment that promises amazing opportunities- so don’t waste it. There will be a convergence of the Success and Wealth stars, something that is quite rare as it only happens once every nine years. So make sure to take advantage of this.
Final Thoughts on the Rat Chinese Zodiac
Now that you know all these things about the Rat Chinese Zodiac, is 2025 (or the remainder of it) still something to look forward to? The answer is a resounding yes! Use your intellect, skills, and unique talents to go after that long-awaited promotion, and get you closer to being financially independent. If you’re a business person, this is the time to reap the success from years of hard work. Be wary of people looking to trick you into engaging in shady deals, or fraudulent investments.
When it comes to the romantic realm, this is a hopeful time for singles because love is in the air! Grab this opportunity to start going out, dating, and meeting wonderful people to finally find your one true love! For those enjoying marital bliss, look forward to many joyful years to come. However, your health fortune may be a bit sketchy. Take this as a reminder to drink less, sleep more, and eat healthily.
