Chinese New Year: Year of the Rat

The Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year, is commencing on the 25th January in 2020, and the coming year will be the Year of the Rat. To celebrate the New Year, we take a look at the significance of this Chinese zodiac sign and what it means to be a Rat!

The Story of the Chinese New Year

According to legend, the Jade Emperor invited the animals to meet him on New Year’s Day to become part of the calendar. It was decided that only the first twelve animals to arrive would be designated a year. The first to arrive was the Rat, who is said to have caught a lift on the Ox’s horns, who is the second creature on the calendar. They are followed by the Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.

The tale of the zodiac is also used to explain the hatred between cats and rats (or mice). As the story goes, before the years were designated, the cat and mouse were good friends. When hearing of the calendar, the rat promised to wake the sleepy cat, as they would have to leave early to arrive as one of the first twelve animals. The rat was too excited though and left without waking the cat. The rat realised it could not outrun the likes of the tiger or horse, so caught a lift on the Ox. Perched atop the Ox’s horn, the rat arrived first. By the time the cat arrived, it was too late, and all of the animals had been chosen. From that day on, the cat hated the rat, explaining why they are always trying to chase and kill them now.

What Does the Rat Represent?

In Chinese culture, rats are considered a sign of surplus and wealth, with couples praying to the rat for children, due to the high reproduction rate associated with these rodents. The rat is seen as clever and successful, but happy to live quietly.

A person born in the year of the Rat is said to be likeable and optimistic. They can be stubborn with their views but are sensitive to the emotions of others. While they are kind at heart, they may come across a little rude, due to poor communication skills. Rats have great imaginations, making them perfectly suited to a creative career, including as an artist, editor, author or architect.

Which Years Were Year of the Rat?

If you were born in the lunar year of 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008 or 2020, you are a Rat!

Which Famous People Were Born in the Year of the Rat?

There are many famous people born in the Year of the Rat, including William Shakespeare, George Washington, Prince Charles, Eminem, Scarlett Johansson, Olivia Newton-John, Cameron Diaz, Katy Perry and Colin Firth.

No New Year celebration would be complete without delicious dishes, snacks and desserts. For the Lunar New Year, food is a central aspect of the festivities, so be sure to stock up on tasty treats, including Chinese snacks and sweets to enjoy during the celebrations. Discover the symbolic foods used to celebrate the Chinese New Year, for inspiration on what dishes to enjoy for the new year celebrations.

To find out more about the Chinese New Year, check out these eight fascinating facts.