Do you like Chinese mythology?

Do you know which zodiac animal you are?

I will be writing a series of stories where I will talk about the twelve different Chinese zodiac animals. I will share some of my observations and fun facts about my friends and family that are born in those years.

Before adapting to the twenty-four-hour clock in western culture, in Ancient China, they used to divide a day into twelve periods. Each period is about two hours long and is named with the twelve earthly branches. When talking about the twelve zodiac animals, you will see the earthly branches written with the animals. Its purpose serves as a numerical number and also tells the time and date of the Lunar Calendar.

I used to have difficulties remembering the order of the animals. In 2012, Jackie Chan made a movie called Chinese Zodiac and Leehom Wang performed the theme song “12 Zodiacs”. I was brainwashed by this song for a while, and now I know the order of the twelve animals front to back. I have to say, it is a catchy song.

Rat 子鼠 (zǐ shǔ)

Rat is the first animal in the twelve zodiacs.

Rat (shǔ) is associated with the first earthly branch (zǐ) which is from 11:00 pm to 1:00 am.

@perianjs / Pixabay

According to Chinese mythology, the Jade Emperor wanted to select twelve animals, so he held a competition. The animals had to race and see who could go through the Heavenly Gate the earliest and that would determine their place and ranking. The Rat got up very early in the morning to go out but was stuck at the river. Rat saw Ox coming and decided to jump on him to get a ride across the current. When they were arriving at the Heavenly Gate, Rat jumped off the Ox and became first place of the race.

People who are born in the Year of the Rat (2020, 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, etc.) are known to be optimistic, energetic, skillful, resourceful and intelligent. In Chinese culture, it is believed that those born in the Year of the Rat are wealthy and prosperous.

@mamasoyfeo / Pixabay

I have a cousin that is born in the Year of the Rat. She is very smart and is talented in crafts. She used to fold origami frogs for me to play with. I think she is also very resourceful, and she knows what she wants to do. I know that she is confident in her work and she is considerate of her family.

Do you know people that are born in the Year of the Rat?