Zodiac signs are characteristics, stories, and symbols attributed to people based on when they were born. The two most common systems are the astrological Zodiac signs and the Chinese Zodiac signs. While the astrological signs are attributed based on the position of the stars at the time of a person’s birth, the Chinese Zodiac is based on the year of their birth.
The Chinese Zodiac is called the Sheng Xiao, and it is designed based on a 12-year cycle. Each year is associated with an animal and attributed that animal’s sign and characteristics. The whole thing is based on the Chinese lunar calendar. The 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac are the pig, dog, ox, tiger, rabbit, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, snake, rat, and dragon. Each year is associated with one of these animals. For example, 2019 is a Year of the Pig and officially lasts from February 5th, 2019 to January 24th, 2020. 2020 will be a Year of the Rat.
The first Zodiac Sign in the 12-year cycle is the sign of the rat. Nowadays, rats may be associated with less pleasant ideas like disease and grime. However, the Chinese Zodiac Sign of the Rat is anything but demeaning. In fact, the rat is one of the most highly regarded of the signs. The Sign of the Rat is the best and first of all 12 Zodiac signs for many reasons. Keep reading to find out the top 10 explanations for the amazing Sign of the Rat and its many positive attributes.
10It’s The First of the Twelve Signs
The Chinese Zodiac signs are organized in a 12-year cycle, of which the Rat is the very first one. The signs are further organized in 60-year cycles, and we are currently in the midst of the 78th such cycle. The Chinese Zodiac has been around for quite a long time, and it all started with a Year of the Rat. As the first sign, the Rat is significant and important in the Chinese Zodiac. While each sign boasts different strengths and a different history, the sign of the Rat is definitely the best one.
Although no one knows when the Chinese Zodiac started exactly, the tradition probably began even earlier than the 5th century B.C. The animal symbols and their related fortunes were first officially recognized during the Han Dynasty in China, around 206 B.C. After its initial organization, the Chinese Zodiac only grew in popularity. It quickly .became a common way to identify and determine someone’s birth year and related traits
The cycles of the Chinese Zodiac directly correlate to the Chinese lunar calendar and the lunar cycles. The Zodiac goes even deeper than just the yearly cycles, too. Each animal also represents a day within a 12-day cycle and two hours within a day. The entire Chinese Zodiac has become incredible important and respected in Chinese culture and even in various other cultures around the world. Many people even make decisions based on their Zodiac signs. It is still a popular method of characterizing people based on their birth year, along with the astrological signs.
9Rats Are a Symbol of Wealth, Surplus, and Fertility
Nowadays, rats are viewed as a nuisance and are not usually a welcome sight. However, ancient Chinese culture had a much different view of small animals. The three main symbols that rats represent are wealth, surplus, and fertility. There are actually plenty of reasons for this representation, and they come from both interesting interpretation of the animal itself as well as ancient myths about it.
First of all, rats symbolize wealth because the animals themselves are known to collect valuable items. Often, rats are attracted to shiny things and will do whatever is necessary to take them. In Native American culture, this also translates to a strong representation of security and survival. Rats do whatever is necessary to survive. Similarly, people born in the Year of the Rat are hard workers who do whatever needs to be done to secure their wealth. In a similar vein, rats represent surplus and fertility. One of the things that modern society tends to deem negative about these animals is that they are very populous and seem to be everywhere. However, many cultures, include the ancient Chinese, viewed this as a positive thing. That’s why the sign of the Rat is also a symbol of surplus- people born in a Year of the Rat don’t often run out of things or have trouble with fertility. The Chinese Zodiac takes these characteristics that are often viewed as negative and is able to turn them into something positive, which is just one more reason why the Sign of the Rat is the best sign.
8People Born in The Year of the Rat Are Well-Liked
Some notable people who were born in a Year of the Rat include actress Scarlett Johansson, rapper Eminem, and even Prince Harry! One of the most notable characteristics of people born in a Year of the Rat is that they tend to be well-liked by others. This is one of the best personality traits you can have, by far. Being well-liked is a great way to get ahead in life and to forge some of the best and most meaningful relationships.
People born in the Year of the Rat tend to be good at reacting to whatever happens and whatever circumstances are placed in front of them. Because of this, they are able to get along with a wide array of people and aren’t usually picky about their friends. Rats like to socialize and don’t mind whatever environment they’re in. That’s why people born in the Year of the Rat are said to exhibit similar traits. With this likeability in tow, people born in the Year of the Rat are well-suited to leadership roles and tend to have quite a strong presence no matter where they are. This demands respect from those around them and makes the rat one of the most liked of the Chinese Zodiac signs. Overall, being well-liked is probably the best quality to have. No matter your lot in life, if you are well-liked, there is no limit to the things you can accomplish. Yet another reason why the Rat is the best Chinese Zodiac sign.
7The Rat Zodiac Sign Has a Variety of Different Fortunes
The Chinese Zodiac has many intricacies involved. In fact, the Sign of the Rat is divided into an array of different categories. Each Year of the Rat also has a related elemental sign- Metal, Earth, Fire, or Wood. For example, 1900, 1960, 2020, and 2080 are considered a part of the heavenly branch of the Metal Rat. The Wood Rat represents 1924, 1984, and 2044. The Water Rat is responsible for 1912, 1972, 2032, and 2092 while the Earth Rat governs 1948, 2008, and 2068. Finally, the Fire Rat is responsible for years such as 1936, 1996, and 2056.
Each of these heavenly branches and elemental representations has an array of totally specific fortunes and traits, all under the umbrella of the Sign of the Rat. The Metal Rat, or Wu Xing in Chinese, is associated with strength, determination, and reliability. The Water Rat is associated with stillness and conservation. The WoodRat is associated with regeneration, expansion, and flexibility. The Earth Rat is indicative of stability and finally, the Fire Rat is often represented by very good luck and enthusiasm.
These interesting specificities make the Rat a versatile symbol with a wide array of different fortunes. Anyone born in a Year of the Rat can expect to have plenty of different ways to find out what the Chinese Zodiac has to say about their personality. Overall, everyone born in the Year of the Rat is more strongly related to the Yang side of the Chinese Yin and Yang symbol and the season of Winter.
6The Rat Zodiac Sign Is Lucky
The Rat Zodiac Sign is considered one of the luckiest signs of the whole Chinese Zodiac. Because of the rat’s natural penchant for survival and adaptability, they tend to always come out on top of life’s challenges. Their charm, sociability, and other characteristics all work together to allow the rat to enjoy a lucky and positive life.
People born in the Year of the Rat have particularly good luck in love and in financial matters. However, much of this luck depends on the year they find themselves in. People with this sign absolutely thrive during other Years of the Rat. This is when they will experience their best times and most successful ventures. However, during the other years of the Zodiac, their luck may vary and go through different cycles. Luckily, because rats are well-liked, they tend to be quite compatible with many of the other signs. This means that their luck will always be quite high, even in other years.
The Sign of the Rat has many different lucky numbers, colors, and flowers. Each symbol of the Chinese Zodiac has an array of different earthly items related to their luck. In the case of the Rat, the numbers 2, 3, 6, and 8 are considered very lucky. Lilies are the lucky flower of the Rat, while the colors blue, gold, and green tend to bring them prosperity. On the other hand, people born in the Year of the Rat should do their best to avoid the numbers 4, 5, and 9.
5The Rat Zodiac Sign Has a Lot of Good Matches
One of the main reasons for the Sign of the Rat’s great luck is the Rat’s compatibility with other Zodiac signs. Consider a handful of eminent personalities who were born in the Year of the Rat- George Washington, John. F. Kennedy, and even Shakespeare. These are all people who interacted with a wide variety of others and had an easy time getting along with anyone.
The Sign of the Rat has different compatibility levels with all the other signs of the Chinese Zodiac. Plus, it all depends on what type of relationship they have. In matters of business and at work, the Rat gets along best with other adaptable and hard-working signs like the Ox and the Tiger. The skills of the Rabbit, Dog, and Pig are also largely complementary to the Rats. When it comes to love and marriage, the Rat is best off with the Ox, Dragon, or Monkey. The only sign that the Rat doesn’t match well with is the Sheep. However, even this incompatibility has quite a few exceptions.
Keep in mind that the Rat’s best quality is their adaptability and likeability. This translates to the Rat having plenty of friends and being able to relate to everyone around them. Out of all the Chinese Zodiac Signs, the Rat has the most matches and the potential to get along with anyone. The best ways to get along with someone born in the Year of the Rat is by putting a focus on listening and allowing the Rat to let their leadership qualities thrive.
4The History of the Rat Zodiac Sign Is Rich
The Chinese Zodiac has a lot of interesting history and mythology behind it. In fact, each of the animals are based on a story in Chinese history. The story is often called the Zodiac Ranking Race or simply the Chinese Zodiac Story. Of all the signs, the Sign of the Rat has one of the richest and most important parts to play in this story. The whole reason that the rat ranks first in the Zodiac is because of this story.
The legend goes that the 12 Zodiac signs were based on 12 animals that the Jade Emperor wished to select as his heavenly guardians. In order to get these guards from Earth, the Emperor sent a messenger down to the mortal world to announce the job to the animals. The Emperor said that the animals were to race to the Heavenly Gates. Not only that, but the first animal to arrive would have the highest ranking. The Rat was the first animal to arrive at the Heavenly Gate, securing its spot as the highest ranking and best Chinese Zodiac Sign. The legend says that the Rat woke up early in order to secure this spot. However, the Rat still had to pass an obstacle to arriving at the Heavenly Gates. When he encountered a river in his way, the Rat knew it would be carried away by the current. So, the Rat waited for the large Ox to arrive and crossed the river on the strong Ox’s back, winning the race.
3Adapt Quickly and Respond Appropriately
As evidenced by the Rat’s top ranking in the Chinese Zodiac, it is the quickest and most versatile of all the Chinese Zodiac Signs. This ability to adapt and respond as fast as possible is a wonderful trait to have. In fact, this is probably the best characteristic that a person could have. If you are born in the Year of the Rat, being adaptable and quick on your feet are two skills that you probably have. Consider the wonderful strengths and opportunities that these characteristics can grant you.
The world of today is fast-paced and definitely based on the survival of the fittest. Luckily, the Sign of the Rat is perfectly suited to such a world. Rats are able to live in many different environments, which is why they are commonly found hidden around cities and in unexpected places. Symbolically, this means that they are able to take whatever they are given and turn it into something useful.
The Sign of the Rat, just like every other Chinese Zodiac Sign, does have some weaknesses. One difference about the Rat is that it’s generally able to recognize its own weaknesses and work to counteract them. Being aware of its own weaknesses, like greediness and stubbornness, allows the Rat to avoid getting into sticky situations. Even when they can’t help but be greedy and stubborn at times, the Rat’s instincts are usually able to stop them from getting too far into any bad dealings before they respond appropriately and adapt accordingly.
2Live A Healthy Lifestyle
The Sign of the Rat has a natural tendency to exercise and stay healthy. Because of their penchant for ambition and speed, they are often on their feet and tend to get a healthy dose of cardio without having to force themselves to do so. People born in the Year of the Rat are usually in shape and don’t have a problem with weight. They naturally keep up a healthy lifestyle in order to fuel all of their ambitions. Most people with the Sign of the Rat eat healthy and are not picky about their food.
Rats are very optimistic and generally able to offer good advice to others. This means that they are able to work very well in health-related roles. This sign isn’t easily influenced by peer pressure or the desires of others. While this may be a weakness in some respects, it means that the Rat is usually able to keep up with whatever healthy diet or exercise regimens that they choose.
One of the best things about this natural active demeanor and ability to exercise is that the Rat doesn’t get sick very often. One of the only sicknesses that will pop up in the Rat’s life is stress. Since Rats like to stay busy, they may get overwhelmed every once in a while. However, enjoying easy and natural physical health and an active lifestyle is hands down one of the best characteristics to have. After all, physical health is one of the most time-consuming pursuits for most people.
1High Success Rate Due to Healthy Caution
In the story of the Jade Emperor’s guardians, the Rat was able to make it to the Heavenly Gates due to its healthy dose of caution. The Rat did not jump into the river right away, since he recognized the danger of doing so. Although it required some patience, the Rat knew that he would be carried away by the current if he didn’t wait. Similarly, people born in the Year of the Rat are blessed with the ability to recognize danger and act with caution.
The Sign of the Rat has a perfect balance of caution and ambition. This is a great characteristic to have, especially in the modern world of today. Having the ability to recognize potential mistakes before making them is a priceless skill. This is probably the main reason that the Sign of the Rat is the best of all. This is the reason that it ranks first and likely the reason that people born in the Year of the Rat happen to be successful and get ahead in life easily. More than one American President was born in the Year of the Rat.
Many people believe that the Rat is successful due to its leadership ability, but it’s even better to have a healthy dose of caution. Even the best leader, fastest runner, or most popular person can be taken down by making one mistake. The Rat is able to identify, avoid, and adapt to mistakes better than any of the other Chinese Zodiac Sign animals.
Conclusion
The Chinese Zodiac is one of the oldest and most significant systems of astrological analysis. There are benefits and negatives to every sign in the Chinese Zodiac, representing both the dark and light that is present in a personality. The Sign of the Rat is the best of the Zodiac signs overall. Not only is the Rat the first of all the signs, it also displays some of the most important and valuable characteristics.
Being born in a Year of the Rat is considered an honor in Chinese culture and definitely a sign to be respected. Even knowing, being friends with, or being related to someone with the Rat sign is considered to be useful and a privilege. Since the Rat is known to take care of things effectively and find solutions no matter what, they can be great members of any team. Because the Chinese New Year happens on a different date each year, the Year of the Rat is slightly different each year. If you’re wondering what Chinese Zodiac Sign corresponds to your birth date and year, it’s important to verify the exact date of the Chinese New Year during your birth year.
The Rat isn’t just a revered symbol in the Chinese Zodiac and ancient Chinese culture. It happens to be an important symbol in many different cultures, including Native American mythology as well as Hinduism. This just goes to show how amazing and important the Sign of the Rat is. It’s certainly not a sign to be underestimated!
