The first sign in the Chinese zodiac cycle is the Rat with the most recent year being 2008. It is considered an honor to be born in this year. Personality traits of this sign are courage and they tend to be enterprising. At work they have a personality that makes for a better boss than employee and although highly motivated, the Rat prefers to not be caught up in routines and rather enjoys having flexible schedules to explore personal creativity.
The Rat usually has many acquaintances and very few the true friends they have are treasured and will be treated as well as their closest family. They are talkative but have a tendency to not share their problems and never confide in anyone.
The Rat child may appear to be shy but, actually loves to be the center of attention and has quite a charismatic personality; unfortunately, if the little girl or boy does not get the attention they feel they deserve they will resort to attention getting devices such as tantrums, clinging behavior, and dominating a younger sibling.
The Rat male enjoys having high pressure careers preferably in the public eye. He enjoys gambling and spending money but does not like to lend it. Sexual relationships with him are very passionate, although he is not the marrying kind he will remain in a relationship for a while until his desire for variety takes over and he needs to move on.
The female Rat’s personality shows her calm on the outside, but she has a cunning mind and is the queen of her castle. She is afraid of loneliness and is a woman that needs to have significant other in her life. While dating she prefers to take it slow to insure she has found the right partner While in a sexual relationship she is passionate and over time her emotional needs increase sometimes to the point of sending her mate away.
The Rats are most compatible in relationships with a Dragon. They can have a good relationship with other Rats, the Monkey, Ox, and Pig. The lesser compatible zodiac signs are Tiger, Snake, Dog, and Rooster. It is not advised that a Rat date or enter a relationship with a Rabbit, Goat, or the worst compatibility match, the Horse.
Examples of good occupations for the Rat are manager, writer, lawyer and engineer.
Lucky Colors for the Rat are blue, gold and green
Their lucky numbers are 2 and 3.
The years of the Rat are 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, and 2020.
Sources:
http://www.usbridalguide.com/special/chinesehoroscopes/Rat.htm
http://pages.infinit.net/garrick/chinese/
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