Chinese Zodiac Signs - Rat T-shirt

Years and the Five Elements:

31 January 1900 - 18 February 1901: Metal Rat
18 February 1912 - 5 February 1913: Water Rat
5 February 1924 - 24 January 1925: Wood Rat
24 January 1936 - 10 February 1937: Fire Rat
10 February 1948 - 28 January 1949: Earth Rat
28 January 1960 - 14 February 1961: Metal Rat
15 February 1972 - 2 February 1973: Water Rat
2 February 1984 - 19 February 1985: Wood Rat
19 February 1996 - 7 February 1997: Fire Rat
2008 - 2009: Earth Rat
2020 - 2021: Metal Rat


Being the first sign of the Chinese zodiac, rats are leaders, pioneers and conquerors. They are charming, passionate, charismatic, practical and hardworking. Rat people are endowed with great leadership skills and are perhaps the most organized and systematic of the twelve signs. Intelligent and cunning at the same time, rats are highly ambitious and strong-willed people who are keen and unapologetic promoters of their own agendas, which often include money and power. They are energetic and versatile and can usually find their way around obstacles, and adapt to various environments easily. A rat's natural charm and sharp demeanor make it an appealing friend for almost anyone, but rats are usually highly exclusive and selective when choosing friends and so often have only a few very close friends whom they trust.

Behind the smiles and charm, rats can be terribly obstinate and controlling, insisting on having things their way no matter what the cost. These people tend to have an immense control of their emotions, which they may use as a tool to manipulate and exploit another person, both emotionally and mentally. Rats are masters of mind games and can be very dangerous, calculating and downright cruel if the need arises. Quick-tempered and aggressive, they will not think twice about exacting revenge on those that hurt them in any way. Rats need to learn to relax sometimes, as they can be quite obsessed with detail, intolerant and strict, demanding order, obedience, and perfection.

A valuable lesson for Rats is to learn to consider others before themselves, at least sometimes, and to avoid forcing their ideas onto others. Rats are fair in their dealings and expect the same from others in return, and can be deeply affronted if they feel they have been deceived or that their trust has been abused. Sometimes they set their targets too high, whether in relation to their friends or in their career. But as the years pass, they will become more idealistic and tolerant. If they can develop their sense of self and realize it leaves room for others in their life as well, Rats can find true happiness.

Traditionally, Rats should avoid Horses, but they can usually find their best friends and love interests in Monkeys, Oxen, and Dragons.


Rat Career:

Work life should proceed relatively smoothly. Merchants, bankers and salespeople could have a banner year.


Rat Relationships:

Typically, the Rat is not a particularly sensual lover. There is passion, however, and it is likely to be stimulated this year by a new love interest.


Rat Health:

The Pig means the Rat no harm, but there nevertheless are several unlucky stars influencing the Rat this year. They are most likely to affect the area of health. Don't be surprised if you become sick or feel run-down on more than one occasion. Give yourself a fighting chance by monitoring your health closely and eating a healthy diet.


Rat Wealth:

Rats who work for commission or for themselves could make significant sums of money. The Pig smiles on honest commerce.


Traditional Rat Attributes:

Zodiac Location: 1st
Ruling hours: 11pm-1am
Direction: North
Season and month: Winter, December
Gemstone: Garnet
Colors: Black, red, white
Roughly equivalent western sign: Sagittarius
Polarity: Yang
Food: Pork, peas, cabbage
Positive Traits: Meticulous, intelligent, charismatic, charming, ambitious, practical, industrious, eloquent
Negative Traits: Controlling, resentful, manipulative, cruel, vengeful, stubborn, power-hungry, critical
Countries: Germany, Austria, Sweden, Netherlands, Brazil, Colombia


Famous people born in the year of the rat:

Charlotte Bronte, Truman Capote, Catherine I, Mata Hari, Wolfgang Mozart, William Shakespeare, George Washington.