The rat is a special symbol in the Chinese tradition. Let’s find out why the Chinese New year rat symbol is reckoned to be so special.
People wouldn’t happily accept any associations made with the rat in particular because it is an animal that is associated with filth,shadiness and small structure. Westerners wouldn’t really go with getting linked to a rat. On the contrary, Chinese thinkers who are famous for their observational skills would completely prove you wrong and give a different character sketch of a rat.
One of the virtues of the rat is intelligence. The great Chinese thinkers also feel that the rat can be extremely hardworking and resourceful animal together with being in complete command of things. In fact, they are categorized to be perfectionists! These are some of the characteristics that the Chinese philosophers have discovered in Chinese rat people.
As has been the Chinese tradition for ages that each year has a special animal assigned to it. There is a whole process and a legend behind the assigning of the animals to the years. Basically there are 12 animals that function on a twelve year rotation according to the lunar calendar that the Chinese use.
The rat holds a very special place according to ancient Chinese tradition. Legend has it that the twelve animals that form the cycle were made to contest in a race. All the time the ox was leading the race without knowing that the rat was riding on its back. Just when the ox was about to reach the finish line the rat jumped off his back and claimed the first position.
Thus, it seems that the whole animal history begins with the symbol of the rat. Hence, after the completion of every twelfth year, a cycle gets over and a whole new cycle begins with the year of the rat.
The rat thus has proved its mettle in being one of the most innovative and sharp personalities. It is admired for its ability to get into the depth of all sorts of trouble and find a way to achieve success. Intelligence being its key characteristicit finds it easy to get success.
Chinese thinkers have come up with a personality sketch of the rat symbol and thus people now are more in favor of accepting any comparison to the Chinese perception of the rat’s persona. However, it is definitely simple to picture why the idea is difficult for the westerners because, the west have their own perception of the tiny creature.
Another interesting aspect about the animals of the 12 year cycle is the compatibility problems. How the Chinese philosophers came up with these connections is unclear but they have drawn conclusions as to which animal sign is compatible with another and which is likely to have confrontations.
Chinese philosophers say that the rat and monkey are well adjusted with each other. But where the knowledge is derived from is a mystery. But still these are the prevailing beliefs in China. For centuries now, the New Year rat is regarded by the Chinese as a symbol of prosperity and protection.
The original Chinese new year rat has deep symbolic significance. To read further on Chinese new year crafts follow the hyperlinks.
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