The Rat is the first animal in the Chinese zodiac cycle and often symbolises intelligence and resourcefulness. According to one tale, the Jade Emperor held a party and invited all animals to attend.
The Rat outsmarted all others by calling upon an Ox to give him a ride. Once he arrived at the party before anyone else, he jumped out of the ox’s back and landed first, thus claiming his spot as leader.
Rats are clever, quick thinkers, who succeed in everything they do. They are also content with living a quiet and peaceful life, as symbolised by their hidden tails. In Chinese culture, Rats are seen as a sign of wealth and surplus. Because of their reproduction rate, married couples also prayed to them for children.
Rat’s personality traits
Good at communication and negotiation, people born in the year of the Rat are optimistic and energetic. They are sensitive to others’ emotions, but they can also be stubborn with their opinion. Their personality is kind but because they have poor communication skills, they may seem impolite and rude.
Saving and investing are their strong suit. They like keeping their money and tend to be frugal. Their love for hoarding will sometimes cause them to spend extra on unnecessary things that they don't need.
It is theorised that a person's characteristics are decided by their birth year's zodiac animal sign and element. So, there are five types of Rats, each with different characteristics:
Metal Rat - Reliable and live a stable life. They may hold some power and are able to turn unlucky events into a fortune.
Water Rat - They become successful during their middle ages and create a happy family.
Wood Rat - Multi-talented, strong-willed and always finish what they begin.
Fire Rat - These Rats have high IQs and EQs. They are average during youth, develop well in the middle ages and have great fortune later in life.
Earth Rat - These Rats are good speakers. They’re the mood makers of a group, but can be slightly possessive. They face difficulties in their youth but are generally able to withstand them.
Rats' Compatibility
Rat and Ox
The Rat and the Ox make a great team because Rat's fixed earthly branch is water and Ox is earth. They complement and help one another in both work and life.
Rat and Dragon
The Rat and the Dragon are a good match, with both of them possessing strong personalities and high status. The Rat is more flexible and amiable while the Dragon loves a challenge. Both are able to provide mutual support and companionship.
Rat and Monkey
Similar to Dragons, Monkeys get along great with Rats and tend to live happily ever after like in a fairytale. While they make a fun duo, be aware that there is always competition between them. Between the Monkey's energy and the Rat’s ambition, you may have to keep both of them focused on the same goal at times. However, if they can find common ground by working together toward something greater than themselves and are able to compromise on certain things, then this team could go beyond your wildest expectations.
The least compatible signs with The Rat
Rat and Horse
The Rat and the Horse are nemeses in Chinese astrology. Rats are very quiet and reserved, while Horses tend to be talkative and outspoken. Their core personalities clash enormously. No matter what a Rat does, it won’t be enough for the Horse.
Rat and Rooster
These two animals don't have the best relationship. Roosters can be quite blunt and the Rat won't appreciate the Rooster's critiques, they'll get irritated by each other. Rats are inquisitive and investigative, something that will frustrate the Rooster.
How can you find out what your Chinese zodiac animal is?
If you want to have an easy way to calculate your Chinese Zodiac sign and find out all about it, compatibility with other signs, personality and more, you can find all of these out by using our Cosmic Fusion app.
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