Rat in the Chinese Zodiac According to ancient Chinese beliefs, the rat is the first entry in the Chinese zodiac, and enjoys a prime position among the 12 animals. It also represents the beginning of a new prosperous year. There are many legends about the rat being the first among the 12 lunar animals. And odd legend said that in the primeval period, the sky and the land were in a confusion. It was the rat which bit the confusion and separated the sky and the land. To herald its contributions, it was placed in the first position of the Chinese zodiac. Another legend told that in a competition among animals, the ox was the first originally. However, the rat climbed on the back of the ox and jumped down before the ox to get the first in order. Thus the rate became the first entry in the Chinese zodiac. Throughout the centuries, rat usually inhabited in man's home, especially in the wealthy ones with abundant foodstuff storage. The congregation of rats, therefore, reflected the affluence of a family. the rat has long been regarded as an auspicious animal in the ancient Chinese legends. According to a famous Chinese tale, a rat's blessing will make your dream come true: having affluent life and auspicious fortune. "Marriage of the Daughter of the Rat on the third day of the Lunar Year" is an interesting folklore among the Chinese. People usually go to bed early that night so as to offer a venue for the rat to have wedding ceremony. Grains and salt are sprinkled in the corners of the house. This custom is an aspiration for better harvest so that they will have surplus to share with the rat. It is a popular motif for Lunar New Year's handicraft. The "Rat's" Personality... People born in the Year of the Rat are generally considered to be optimistic, sociable and sentimental. They are honest and sincere, and cherish their friendship, which is taken to explain why they may be so popular. They also adapt easily to a new environment. Besides these attributes, Rat people have critical minds and are rich in imaginations. Symbolism Associated With the Zodiac Rat... Yin/Yang Symbol: yin (The female force.) Element: water Color: black (The color of honor.) Food: salty foods Direction: north Emotion: fear Symbol: scales Association: building tools (Such as a hammer and mallet.) You Are a Rat if Born Between These Dates... Jan. 31, 1900 to Feb. 18, 1901 Feb. 18, 1912 to Feb. 5, 1913 Feb. 5, 1924 to Jan. 23, 1925 Jan. 24, 1936 to Feb. 10, 1937 Feb. 10, 1948 to Jan. 28, 1949 Jan. 28, 1960 to Feb. 14, 1961 Feb. 15, 1972 to Feb. 2, 1973 Feb. 2, 1984 to Feb. 19, 1985 Feb. 19, 1996 to Feb. 6, 1997