2020 is the ‘Year of the Rat’

On the Chinese calendar, 2020 is the Year of the Rat.

According to the website China Highlights [www.chinahighlights.com] the rat became the first of the zodiac animals.

The Year of the Rat was also celebrated in 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996 and 2008, among other. The next Year of the Rat will be 2032.

According to the website, “In Chinese element theory, each zodiac sign is associated with one of the five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Gold (Metal), and Water. For example, a Wood Rat comes once in a 60-year cycle.”

It names five types of rats, each with different characteristics:

• Wood Rat (born in 1924 and 1984) – independent, self-confident, virtuous and talented, with a strong sense of teamwork

• Fire Rat (born in 1936 and 1996) – energetic, brave, quiet, cordial and friendly to their friends, but very strict with themselves

• Earth Rat (born in 1948 and 2008) – amiable, honest, flexible, modest, serious, with a strong sense of self-esteem

• Gold Rat (born in 1960 and 2020) – smart, talented, hot-tempered, jealous, with a strong sense of self-awareness

• Water Rat (born in 1912 and 1972) – talkative, shrewd, conservative, and wise

Famous ‘Rat Year people’ include Prince Charles, Eminem and Cristiano Ronaldo.

So-called ‘lucky Rat colours’ are blue, gold and green. ‘Lucky numbers’ are 2, 3 and numbers containing them like 23 and 32 while ‘Unlucky numbers’ are 5 and 9.

Visit their website at www.chinahighlights.com (https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/chinese-zodiac/rat.htm) to find out about your Chinese zodiac sign.