Chinese New Year: What to expect from babies born in the Year of the Rat
If you have a little one due this year, then congrats on your rodent on the way! Oops, we mean baby. According to Chinese astrology, though, you are carrying a rat!
The year to be a rat
2020 is the year of the rat, so what does it mean for your little one’s personality and future?
Chinese New Year, which starts on January 25 this year will mark the beginning of the year of the rat. Bye bye pigs, because your year will then be over.
The Chinese zodiac moves in a 12-year cycle, so babies born in 2020, 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972 and so on are born under the rat zodiac sign.
According to Chinese astrology, the year you are born and the zodiac animal you are crowned, will have a big impact on your life and who you become.
So what does this mean for little newborn rats?
Rats are clever, optimistic and content
Little rats, much like their animal namesake, are said to be energetic and enthusiastic. They are optimistic, have a positive attitude and are liked by all.
BUT despite this, rats can be weak communicators and a little introverted. They can sometimes come across as a tad rude or impolite.
Little rats are also affectionate and charismatic. They are described as shrewd, meticulous, and hardworking with big goals.
Rats also have a keen intuition and can even predict danger. They are sharp thinkers.
Rats can be stingy when it comes to finances, but that’s okay because it makes them good savers! They are not frivolous with money.
On the whole, rats are content with a quiet life.
Best rat baby names
If you are yet to name your incoming rat, Chinese astrology believes you should pick a name that will balance the energies in your baby’s birth year.
The Rat is in the Water group according to the Chinese Five Element theory. Water is related to wisdom and intelligence. So the rat is a clever, tricky, and tactical animal.
The Year of the Rat is said to be lacking in Wood, Earth and Fire energies, which suggests that giving your baby a first or middle name that directly relates to these is thought to be a good choice.
For boys:
Oliver, Edan, George, Ashton, Declan, Sydney, Evan, Brand, Malo
For girls:
Gretal, Nour, Daisy, Lena, Inika, Rose, Penelope, Paris, Serephine
Rat luck
Luck is a big part of Chinese astrology.
For your rat, keep an eye out for these lucky symbols:
Lucky numbers: 2, 3
Lucky colours: blue, gold, green
Lucky flowers: lily, African violet, valley lily
Also, the best companions for rats are ox, dragon and monkey.
What about the other signs?
If you have other little ones as well as your rat on the way, here’s what Chinese zodiac sign they belong to, and the main personality traits that go with it.
Pig: 2019 – happy, friendly, generous, funny and peace-loving.
Dog: 2018 – lively, apt at communication, courageous, fearless and loyal
Rooster: 2017 – observant, hardworking, resourceful, courageous, talented and confident
Monkey: 2016 – ambitious, smart, compassionate, fearless and optimistic
Goat: 2015 – gentle, mild-mannered, shy, stable, sympathetic, amicable and kind
Horse: 2014 – animated, active, energetic, funny and optimistic
Snake: 2013 – intuitive, wise, deep thinker, hates to fail, determined and a strong communicator
Dragon: 2012 – courageous, tenacious, smart, enthusiastic, confident and not afraid to take risks
Rabbit: 2011 – gentle, quiet, elegant, skilful, kind and patient
Tiger: 2010 – brave, competitive, unpredictable, self-confident and charming
Ox: 2009 – diligent, dependable, strong, honest and patient
