Year of the Rat

People born in the Year of the Rat are charming, social, and outgoing. They are good at making friends and have a knack for business. Rats have an exceptional grasp of information and ideas, with vivid imaginations and unique intellectual abilities. Thus, they can spot opportunities in life that others may miss. They are dedicated to causes they believe in and work hard when part of a team. Rats are not romantic in life, but they are caring and loving in their relationships. Rats make faithful partners as long as their partner can provide safety, assurance, and the love they seek. Rats make great leaders and enjoy being in authoritative positions. They are energetic and good organizers; so if you want something done, you know who to call.

The Story of the Rat-the legend of the great race

Once upon a time, the mighty Jade Emperor called for a great animal race to decide the years on the calendar. Each year would be named in the order the animal finished the race and the race was to be a short run through a forest and then a swim across a raging river. Naturally, the Cat and the Rat weren’t good at swimming, as they were the worst swimmers in the animal kingdom. However, they smartly came up with the idea to ask their friend, the Ox, for a ride on his back. The Ox agreed and off they went. While crossing the river, the Rat pushed the Cat into the river. Since the Cat was unable to swim, it floated downstream far away from the finish line. Then as the Ox neared the other side, the Rat jumped ahead and crossed the finish line in time.

As for the poor Cat, it eventually made it out of the river but didn't cross the finish line in time to be the first. Since the Cat lost, it’s said that this is why cats always chase rats, to get revenge for the race.

Years and types

There are five elements that give the Rat specific characteristics and personality traits beyond its symbol of wealth. The most recent years of the Rat include 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996 and 2008. After 2019, the next two years we will be 2020 and 2032.

Famous people born in the year of the Rat

In Western Countries

World-renowned English playwright，poet--William Shakespeare (born April 26, 1564) ，the 41st US President George Bush (born June 12, 1924) were born in the year of the Rat. Other celebrities born in the year of the Rat have Charles Prince of Wales (born Nov 14, 1948), Diego Maradonna (born Oct 30, 1960), Zinedine Zidane (born Jun 23, 1972), Prince Harry (born Sept 15, 1984), and Scarlett Johansson (born Nov 22, 1984).

In China

Du Fu (born 721) , along with Li Bai (Li Po), was a prominent Chinese poet of the Tang dynasty. His autobiographical and historical are the most characteristic poems among his diverse works, recording the effects of war on his own life. These works came to be hugely influential in both Chinese and Japanese literary culture. Of his poetic writing, nearly fifteen hundred poems have been preserved over the ages.

Li Qingzhao (born Mar 13, 1084) was China’s most revered female poet. She was a highly educated woman for her time, studying literature, writing poetry, and amassing an immense collection of Chinese antiquities with her husband. She was a master of the tz'u, or ci, form of lyrical poetry that was set to music, writing with emotional intensity and unconventional language.

Zheng Chenggong (born Aug 26, 1624) better known internationally by his Hokkien honorific Koxinga or Coxinga, was a Chinese Ming loyalist who resisted the Qing conquest of China in the 17th century, fighting them on China's southeastern coast.

Qi Baishi (born Jan 1, 1864) was one of the most well-known contemporary Chinese painters. Born in a farmer‘s family, try his best to became arts of poetry, calligraphy, painting, and seal-carving. Shrimp, fish, crabs, frogs, insects, and peaches were his favorite subjects.

Deng Jiaxian (born Jun 25, 1924) ,educated in the United Sates, was a physicist devote in developing China's atomic and hydrogen bomb. He is a pioneer in China's nuclear theoretical research.

Xie Wanying (born Oct 5, 1900), better known by her pen name Bing Xin or Xie Bingxin, was one of the most prolific Chinese writers in the 20th Century. Many of her works were written for young readers. She was the chairperson of the "China Federation of Literary and Art Circles".

Louis Cha (born Mar 10, 1924), better known by his pen name Jin Yong (金庸), was a famous Chinese wuxia (martial arts and chivalry) novelist and essayist. His Wuxia novels are wildly popular among Chinese communities worldwide.

Personality Traits and Character

1. Positive personality traits

Rats are usually smart, charming, ambitious, practical, alert, outgoing, imaginative, resourceful, versatile, kind-hearted, cautious. Thanks to their adaptability, quick uptake, and problem-solving skills, Rats can easily adapt to new surroundings and handle tough and challenging work。 They tend to save money but they can share their cash when it comes to people they care about.

2. Negative personality traits

Some of Rats are obstinate, shy, grabby, secretive, unstable, gossipy, grouchy .Rats are a bit of mindful, aware, and measured. It's hard to maintain friendships with Rats for a long time.Although usually popular, Rats may be lonely because they can not completely trust others. They often lack stability, so they may change jobs frequently. They usually don’t take advice from others so that they miss some chances.

Exclusive Travel Destinations for the Rat

For your perfect getaway, head to Chongqing where you can experience one of the five largest cities in all of China, a verdant and colorful city. Shanghai also is a good choice for the Rat people and you can experience numerous lifestyles in one day. If you are interested, please check the Exclusive Travel Destinations for Chinese 12 Zodiac to know more details.

Love and Compatibility

When it comes to love and relationships, Rats can be affectionate, laid-back, and thoughtful. They usually can get along well with their partners and try to stay neutral whenever possible.Rats are not usually romantic, they cann’t remember the special day well, but they're loving, caring to their partners as well as their families.

For Men
A Rat man loves to be surrounded by friends, meeting new people, and enjoying the finer things in lifeRat men may play the field with different people for an extended period of time before waiting to settle down.Eventually, he will want to get married and will use experience in matters of love to find the perfect partner.
For Women
A Rat woman also loves to meet new people and can fall head over heels many times before finally deciding on who she wants to settle down with.She can also be very jealous and she really values her partners who are true blue. Her long-term partner has to be strong, charming, and full of undying love.

Best Matches: Ox, Dragon, Monkey

1. Rat and Ox

The Rat is very compatible with the Ox – both signs are very kind, loyal, and devoted, and will appreciate each other's qualities. These two signs both like spending time with their friends and family, and they are not very fond of socializing. The Rat and the Ox will support each other when they suffering difficulties. The Rat likes the hardworking dedication and loyalty of the Ox, while the Ox prefers the energy and passion of the Rat.

2. Rat and Dragon

Both are devoted people who are determined to make their relationships work. The Dragon will be attracted to the Rat's positive attitude and will appreciate his/her support and loyalty. When meeting troubles, they will help each other and cheer each other up.

3. Rat and Monkey

The Monkey is a great thinker, while the Rat is very responsible and hardworking and is able to give the Monkey suggestions. Both signs enjoy spending time together and having fun. This relationship will rarely be dull. They will be able to understand each other on a high level. The Rat will enjoy the outgoing and adventurous side of the Monkey.

Worst Matches: Horse, Sheep, Rabbit

1. Rat and Horse

The Rat and the Horse have different in the life style. The Horse likes take some risks, but the Rat likes living a stable life and the resulting arguments over seemingly life style.

2. Rat and Rabbit

They are both charming individuals, but they may not spend more time to keep their relationship. The Rat is sociable and active, but the Rabbit is quite reserved and doesn't enjoy socializing. The Rabbit may find the Rat to be overbearing and meticulous, while the Rat often finds the Rabbit too indifferent due to it’s more easygoing personality.

3. Rat and Sheep

Even though both signs are warm-hearted and kind, they have too many differences. The The Rat is always decisive in making decisions, while the Sheep is always hesitant. The Rat is usually frugal, while the Sheep doesn’t like having to worry about finances. They may have conflicts when making decisions.

Lucky and Unlucky Things

Career and Health Outlook

Career

The Rat has one goal: to be very successful. Rats will look their whole life for their due recognition. They can make huge investments of time and money into something worthwhile, but then not be successful because they get too detail oriented and lose sight of the big picture. The smallest thing can distract a Rat. However, their charm may help get them through life’s rough moments. They have good instincts so they're able to spot valuable opportunities in business. Rats are extremely perceptive, wise, and have good problem-solving and observation skills, but they're not always persistent enough to see projects through until the end. Routine kills their creativity, so Rats can benefit from flexible jobs that involve creative skills.

Good career choices: Any work related to creativity, critical thinking, and invention. Artist, writer, editor, musician, lawyer, stand-up comedian, broadcaster, entrepreneur, researcher, inventor, banker, sales person, politician, software specialist, stock analyst.

Health

Rats are usually in good health because they're active and energetic which keeps them fit and healthy. Some Rats rarely get sick, but when they do, they're usually able to recover quickly. Rats can tend to be aggressive or nervous at times, which can easily lead to high levels of stress; hence, regular physical exercise can help them overcome this.

2025 Rat Horoscope

2025 Overall: 5/5 stars

The overall fortune in 2025 for the people born in the Rat year is very stable, without too many twists and turns. Rats need to keep a healthy diet this year, which can help them have a strong body.

Career: 5/5 stars

In their careers, rats can expect abundant opportunities for making money. The Rat’s income may increase if they have a certain investment vision. In this year, Rats need to work hard so that they will be promoted by their boss.

Wealthy: 5/5 stars

In 2025, Rats can anticipate continued financial good luck. The Rat’s income may increase if they have a certain investment vision, and they need to be patient.

Love: 4/5 stars

Rats are social creatures who enjoy being around others, and they will have many opportunities to meet new people in 2025. As the Rat people have good opportunities in love this year, they had better take the initiative and not always wait for others to pursue them.

Health: 4/5 stars

Rats are generally healthy, and they will continue to be so in 2025. However, they may be unhappy when meeting some problems. They should be positive and make sure to get enough sleep.

• Chinese Zodiac
• Year of the Rat
• Year of the Ox
• Year of the Tiger
• Year of the Rabbit
• Year of the Dragon - Zodiac Sign 2024
• Year of the Snake - Zodiac Sign 2025
• Year of the Horse - Zodiac Sign 2026
• Year of the Sheep | Goat
• Year of the Monkey
• Year of the Rooster
• Year of the Dog
• Year of the Pig
• Exclusive Travel Destinations for Chinese 12 Zodiac