Year of the Rat: small, sharp and surprisingly generous

Why the Rat comes first

A well-known folktale says the Jade Emperor invited the animals to a race to decide the order of the years. The clever Rat hitched a ride on the Ox’s back and hopped ahead at the finish line to claim first place. It is a story about wit beating strength, and it sums up the Rat’s reputation.

In Chinese culture the rat is also a symbol of abundance and resourcefulness, which is far kinder than the Western reputation of pests.

Personality

• Adaptable and quick to spot opportunities.
• Sociable, with a talent for conversation and networking.
• Thrifty and good at managing resources.
• Observant: little escapes them.

Growth edges

Rats can be so busy with the next angle that they forget to rest. Restlessness and worry about security are common themes, so building one calm routine (a daily walk, a weekly dinner without screens) helps. Another practice is generosity with credit: saying out loud who helped you win.

Love and friendship

Rats are loyal and protective of those they love, and they show it through thoughtful planning more than grand declarations. Traditional compatibility lore says Rats get along with Dragon and Monkey (the three share a harmony triangle) and with Ox as a close ally. Horse is traditionally the tricky pairing, but a traditional chart is only a story, and kindness beats it.

Work

Business, journalism, sales, research, technology and entrepreneurship suit the Rat’s mix of wit and energy. Rats do well when they can think on their feet.

Check your year

The Chinese zodiac year starts at Lunar New Year, not January 1. Born in January or early February in one of the years above? You may belong to the Pig of the year before. Check the date of Lunar New Year for your birth year.