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Year of the Rat 2020: What does the Chinese Zodiac mean and is it lucky?

THE Rat in the Chinese zodiac represents wealth and surplus and due to their fast reproduction, married couples prayed to them in hopes of having children. 

Recent years of the Rat are: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020.

The rat is the first sign of the Chinese zodiac
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The rat is the first sign of the Chinese zodiac

What does the Rat mean in the zodiac?

The Rat is the first sign of the .

The animal represents abundance and according to a Chinese myth, it was chosen as the first of the zodiac because of Emperor Jade.

Legend has it that the emperor was hosting a party and claimed that whoever arrived first would hold the spot as number one in the Chinese zodiac.

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The Rat tricked the Ox into giving him a ride and just as they arrived at the finish line, the Rat jumped down and landed ahead of Ox, thus being the first to arrive.

The 12 zodiac animals are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. 

A Rat year occurs every 12 years.

2020 is a year of the Rat, starting from January 25th, 2020 and lasting until February 11th, 2021

Some famous Rats are; Lebron James, Eminem, Cameron Diaz and Hugh Grant.

What are the characteristics of the Rat?

Rats are known to be quick-witted and smart. 

They are also optimistic, energetic and easily likeable by all. 

Lebron James is a Rat in the Chinese zodiac
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Lebron James is a Rat in the Chinese zodiacCredit: AP:Associated Press

However, they lack communication skills and may be perceived as rude and cold at times. 

They can also be stingy with their money and hoarders with items. 

Types of Rats and their characteristics

Each zodiac sign has its own element: Earth, Wood, Fire, Metal and Water, which add more uniqueness to it.

Wood Rat: Independent, self-confident, virtuous and talented, with a strong sense of teamwork.

Fire Rat: Energetic, brave, quiet, cordial and friendly to their friends, but very strict with themselves. 

Earth Rat: Amiable, honest, flexible, modest, serious, with high self-esteem.

Metal Rat: Smart, talented, hot-tempered, jealous, and very self-aware. 

Water Rat: Talkative, shrewd, conservative, and wise.

Compatibility

Rats are most compatible with the Ox, Monkey and Dragon. 

The Rat and the Ox are good compliments to each other in work and life.

Similarly, Rat and Dragon couples will be able to understand each other well, and enjoy success together.

Eminem is a Rat in the zodiac
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Eminem is a Rat in the zodiacCredit: Getty - Pool

Monkeys and Rats also have the potential to live harmoniously with each other. 

Rats are least compatible with the Horse, Goat, and Rabbit. 

Rats and Horses will clash because of their different natures and the Horse’s impossible high standards.

A notable rat in the zodiac is Cameron Diaz
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A notable rat in the zodiac is Cameron DiazCredit: ©Icon Film

Goats would be attracted to the Rats money and success and it could lead to superficialness and competition between them. 

Additionally, the Rabbit is a free spirit and will not listen to the Rat’s needs, causing communication problems. 

Lucky things for Rats

Colors: Blue, gold, green

Hugh Grant is a Rat in the zodiac
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Hugh Grant is a Rat in the zodiacCredit: EPA

Numbers: 2, 3

Flowers: Lily, African violet, alley lily

Unlucky things for Rats

Colors: Yellow, brown

READ MORE SUN STORIES

Numbers: 5, 9

Other Zodiac Animals

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