The Chinese Year of the Rat
People born under the Chinese zodiac sign of the Rat are lucky! Rats are smart and great with people, surrounding themselves with lots of friends. The natural charisma of the Rat ensures that they are the center of attention at social gatherings. They keep their friends too as they are very loyal.
Rat people enjoy the finer things in life, fine clothing, wines, and gourmet food. However, they can have a mean streak, don’t waste money, and have a keen eye for bargains. They are astute in financial matters and will have money saved for emergencies.
People born under this sign are lucky. They are talented, ambitious, and often successful in business. However, they should avoid taking on too much at once, as they may run out of energy before completing a project.
Rats can keep secrets as long as they are theirs. They have a tendency to gossip and can easily reveal other people’s secrets. But the rats are so charismatic that no one gets mad at them for long.
There are twelve Chinese year signs in the Chinese zodiac. Unlike our Western astrology, in Chinese astrology each sign lasts one year. Legend has it that when Buddha was about to leave the earth, he summoned all the animals to say goodbye. Only twelve showed up, so to show his appreciation for his loyalty, he swore that every year thereafter would be named after one of the animals.
Chinese astrology is based on the lunar calendar. This means that Chinese New Year does not fall on the same day every year and can vary by up to 3 weeks. So for babies born in late January or early February, it is necessary to consult the tables to determine the correct sign.
Chinese years:
February 9, 2005 – January 28, 2006: Rooster
Jan 22, 2004 – Feb 8, 2005: Monkey
February 1, 2003 – January 21, 2004: Goat
February 12, 2002 – January 31, 2003: Horse
January 24, 2001 – February 11, 2002: Snake
February 5, 2000 – January 23, 2001: Dragon
Feb 6, 1999 – Feb 4, 2000: Rabbit
January 28, 1998 – February 5, 1999: Tiger
February 8, 1997 – January 27, 1998: Ox
Feb 19, 1996 – Feb 7, 1997: Rat
Jan 31, 1995 – Feb 18, 1996: Pig
February 10, 1994 – January 30, 1995: Dog
Jan 23, 1993 – Feb 9, 1994: Rooster
Feb 4, 1992 – Jan 22, 1993: Mono
Feb 15, 1991 – Feb 3, 1992: Goat
Jan 27, 1990 – Feb 14, 1991: Horse
February 6, 1989 – January 26, 1990: Snake
Feb 17, 1988 – Feb 5, 1989: Dragon
Jan 29, 1987 – Feb 16, 1988: Rabbit
February 9, 1986 – January 28, 1987: Tiger
Feb 20, 1985 – Feb 8, 1986: Ox
Feb 2, 1984 – Feb 19, 1985: Rat
Feb 13, 1983 – Feb 1, 1984: Pig
Feb 25, 1982 – Feb 12, 1983: Dog
February 5, 1981 – January 24, 1982: Rooster
Feb 16, 1980 – Feb 4, 1981: Monkey
Jan 28, 1979 – Feb 15, 1980: Goat
Feb 7, 1978 – Jan 27, 1979: Horse
Feb 18, 1977 – Feb 6, 1978: Snake
Jan 31, 1976 – Feb 17, 1977: Dragon
Feb 11, 1975 – Jan 30, 1976: Rabbit
Jan 23, 1974 – Feb 10, 1975: Tiger
Feb 3, 1973 – Jan 22, 1974: Ox
Feb 15, 1972 – Feb 2, 1973: Rat
Jan 27, 1971 – Feb 14, 1972: Pig
February 6, 1970 – January 26, 1971: Dog
Feb 17, 1969 – Feb 5, 1970: Rooster
Jan 30, 1968 – Feb 16, 1969: Monkey
Feb 9, 1967 – Jan 29, 1968: Goat
Jan 21, 1966 – Feb 8, 1967: Horse
February 2, 1965 – January 20, 1966: Snake