The Rat, also known as the Mouse (鼠), holds the prestigious position of being the first animal in the Chinese zodiac. Representing the beginning of a 12-year cycle, the Year of the Rat holds great significance in Chinese culture. Its association with the Earthly Branch symbol 子 (zǐ) marks the commencement of this cycle. The Chinese word shǔ (鼠) refers to various small rodents like rats and mice.
The zodiac system has a fascinating origin, with its name derived from an Ancient Greek term referring to a "circle of little animals." This system not only includes the yearly cycle of the rat but also encompasses a monthly month of the rat and a daily hour of the rat.
Each rat year is differentiated by its correlation to the Heavenly Stems cycle, resulting in a recurring pattern of five years associated with the rat. These years are also connected to the Chinese wu xing, popularly referred to as the "five elements" or "phases": Fire (火 huǒ), Water (水 shuǐ), Wood (木 mù), Metal (金 jīn), and Earth (土 tǔ).
The First Year of the Rat
According to ancient Chinese tradition, the first year of the rat dates back to 2637 BCE. It was during this year that the Prime Minister of the first emperor, Huangdi (also known as the Yellow Emperor), worked out the sixty-year zodiacal cycle. This achievement included the discovery and incorporation of the nineteen-year Metonic cycle, an ingenious way to synchronize lunar and solar dates.
Years and the Five Elements
People born within specific date ranges fall under the "Year of the Rat" and carry the elemental sign associated with their birth year. The following chart presents the corresponding dates of the Gregorian calendar:
- Wood Rat: 11 February 1804 - 30 January 1805
- Fire Rat: 23 January 1816 - 16 January 1817
- Earth Rat: 14 February 1828 - 3 January 1829
- Metal Rat: 2 February 1840 - 22 January 1841
- Water Rat: 20 February 1852 - 3 February 1853
- Wood Rat: 8 February 1864 - 26 January 1865
- Fire Rat: 26 January 1876 - 12 February 1877
- Earth Rat: 12 February 1888 - 30 January 1889
- Metal Rat: 31 January 1900 - 18 February 1901
- Water Rat: 18 February 1912 - 5 February 1913
- Wood Rat: 5 February 1924 - 23 January 1925
- Fire Rat: 24 January 1936 - 10 February 1937
- Earth Rat: 10 February 1948 - 28 January 1949
- Metal Rat: 28 January 1960 - 14 February 1961
- Water Rat: 15 February 1972 - 2 February 1973
- Wood Rat: 2 February 1984 - 19 February 1985
- Fire Rat: 19 February 1996 - 6 February 1997
- Earth Rat: 7 February 2008 - 25 January 2009
- Metal Rat: 25 January 2020 - 11 February 2021
- Water Rat: 11 February 2032 - 30 January 2033
- Wood Rat: 30 January 2044 - 16 February 2045
- Fire Rat: 15 February 2056 - 3 February 2057
- Earth Rat: 3 February 2068 - 22 January 2069
- Metal Rat: 22 January 2080 - 8 February 2081
- Water Rat: 7 February 2092 - 26 January 2093
Lunar Mansion
In traditional Chinese astrology and astronomy, the sky was divided into groups known as Twenty-Eight Mansions or Lunar Mansions. These mansions, associated with various spiritual entities, closely resemble the zodiac system of Western astrology. Among them, the rat is generally associated with the celestial region of the Mystical Warrior, Xuánwǔ (玄武). Specifically, it corresponds to the mansion Xū (虛), which represents the direction North and the darkest part of the winter season in the northern hemisphere.
Hour of the Rat
In ancient Chinese tradition, the day-night period was divided into 12 double-hours, each corresponding to one of the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac. The Hour of the Rat, or the hour zǐ (子), encompassed the midnight double-hour from 11:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Midnight, being the midpoint of the first double-hour, signified the beginning of the daily cycle.
Popular Culture
In popular culture, the Year of the Rat sparks interest in prognostications for the upcoming year, lucky numbers, colors, and romantic connections. People born in the Year of the Rat share similarities and correlations between Chinese and Western astrology. While traditional Chinese astrology primarily focuses on the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches rather than the zoology or symbolism of the 12 animals, modern times have seen an increased fascination with the zodiacal animals worldwide.
The rat has long been associated with keen intelligence and adaptability, making it a beloved and revered symbol in Chinese culture.
Basic Astrology Elements
- Earthly Branches of Birth Year: 子 Zi
- The Five Elements: Water
- Cardinal Point: North (N)
- Yin/Yang: Yang
- Lunar Month: Eleventh
- Season: Winter
- Closest Western Zodiac: Sagittarius
- Earthly Branch Ruling Hours: 23:00 to 00:59
- Twelve Heavenly Generals: Sanskrit: Vikala (Hanzi: 毘羯羅)
- Lucky Flowers: Lily of each and every species
- Lucky Numbers: 2, 3, 6, 8; Avoid: 4, 5, 9
- Lucky Colors: Gold, Blue, Green; Avoid: Yellow, Brown
The Jade Emperor and the Race for Zodiacal Place
According to a popular modern story, the order of the animals in the twelve-year cycle resulted from a competition held by the ruler of Heaven, Earth, and Hell, known as the Jade Emperor. Advisors of the emperor selected twelve animal candidates, including the rat and the cat, based on personal appearance, lifestyle, and contributions to the world. However, as the cat requested a wake-up call from the rat, it overslept and missed the competition. The rat, cleverly performing on the flute on the back of the ox, secured the first place. Impressed by its intelligence, the Jade Emperor awarded the rat the first spot in the zodiac cycle, followed by the ox. The other animals were placed in order according to the Jade Emperor's judgment.
The Zodiacal Rat Around the World
The zodiacal rat extends its influence beyond China, captivating cultures in Asia and around the world. In Japan, it is known as "nezumi" and marks the first animal in a twelve-year zodiacal cycle. Chinese New Year celebrations worldwide feature decorations inspired by the animal of each new year. Lunar coins and postage stamps internationally showcase the rat and other zodiacal animals. In English, Rat Years are sometimes referred to as Mouse Years, although no such distinction exists in Chinese.
Conclusion
The Rat embodies the qualities of intelligence, adaptability, and resourcefulness. Its position as the first animal in the Chinese zodiac symbolizes new beginnings and the start of a 12-year cycle. As the Year of the Rat approaches, let us embrace the traits of this remarkable creature and embark on our own journey of growth and transformation.