The rat is a special symbol in the Chinese tradition. Let's find out why the Chinese New year rat symbol is considered to be so special.
Not many people would like to link themselves with the image of the rat outside of the Chinese culture. For the majority of westerners the rat is a tiny, filthy, shady character that dwells in the dirtiest of places. On the contrary the Chinese thinkers known for their observation skills draw a completely different character sketch of the rat.
Intelligence is an important the attributes of the rat. The Chinese philosophers have observed that the rat is not only hardworking but also extremely innovative creatures who love totally like to control things. It has been realized that rat people go for perfection. These are but a few of their characteristic traits that have been observed.
As per the Chinese culture, for decades now each year has a specific animal suggested to it. A lot of study and historical background as to what animal should be assigned to which year. But as the Chinese people follow the lunar calendar, there are twelve animals that work every twelfth year in rotation as used by the Chinese.
The Chinese history reports that the rat has a unique position in the ancient culture. History says that the twelve animals that are part of the cycle were made to participate in a race. All along the ox was leading the race. But little did he know that the rat was on his back and so when he approached the finishing point, the rat jumped of his back and crossed the finishing line first!
So the whole animal legend begins with the year of the rat. Hence when the year of the rat returns it is a very special event because it means that one whole cycle has been completed and a new one has just begun.
The rat is thus renowned for his innovative personality and stewardship. The cunning animal is admired for its ability to dig through all sorts of trouble and find a way to achieve its purpose. Sharpness of mind is a key feature of the rat's personality.
On reading the character sketch drawn up by Chinese philosophers one would actually not feel that bad if one's personality was to be compared with the Chinese concept of the rat's personality traits. Nonetheless the idea is difficult to absorb for the west because of their own traditional perception of the animal.
Compatibility issue is a different aspect which is quite mysterious with regards to the twelve animals of the 12-year cycle. The process that led to these connections made by the Chinese philosophers are quite unknown but they have devised certain conclusions as to which animal sign is compatible with which other animal and which is not.
surprisingly the rat has great compatibility with the monkey. Where do they get this from? Who knows? But nonetheless this is what the prevailing beliefs are in China. From ancient times the year of the rat has been welcomed by the Chinese as a sign of protection and prosperity.
Not many people would like to link themselves with the image of the rat outside of the Chinese culture. For the majority of westerners the rat is a tiny, filthy, shady character that dwells in the dirtiest of places. On the contrary the Chinese thinkers known for their observation skills draw a completely different character sketch of the rat.
Intelligence is an important the attributes of the rat. The Chinese philosophers have observed that the rat is not only hardworking but also extremely innovative creatures who love totally like to control things. It has been realized that rat people go for perfection. These are but a few of their characteristic traits that have been observed.
As per the Chinese culture, for decades now each year has a specific animal suggested to it. A lot of study and historical background as to what animal should be assigned to which year. But as the Chinese people follow the lunar calendar, there are twelve animals that work every twelfth year in rotation as used by the Chinese.
The Chinese history reports that the rat has a unique position in the ancient culture. History says that the twelve animals that are part of the cycle were made to participate in a race. All along the ox was leading the race. But little did he know that the rat was on his back and so when he approached the finishing point, the rat jumped of his back and crossed the finishing line first!
So the whole animal legend begins with the year of the rat. Hence when the year of the rat returns it is a very special event because it means that one whole cycle has been completed and a new one has just begun.
The rat is thus renowned for his innovative personality and stewardship. The cunning animal is admired for its ability to dig through all sorts of trouble and find a way to achieve its purpose. Sharpness of mind is a key feature of the rat's personality.
On reading the character sketch drawn up by Chinese philosophers one would actually not feel that bad if one's personality was to be compared with the Chinese concept of the rat's personality traits. Nonetheless the idea is difficult to absorb for the west because of their own traditional perception of the animal.
Compatibility issue is a different aspect which is quite mysterious with regards to the twelve animals of the 12-year cycle. The process that led to these connections made by the Chinese philosophers are quite unknown but they have devised certain conclusions as to which animal sign is compatible with which other animal and which is not.
surprisingly the rat has great compatibility with the monkey. Where do they get this from? Who knows? But nonetheless this is what the prevailing beliefs are in China. From ancient times the year of the rat has been welcomed by the Chinese as a sign of protection and prosperity.
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The new year Chinese rat is just one of several animals associated with New Year in China. To read further about Chinese new year decorations please click on the links.
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