Year of the Rat

     Lunar new years is celebrated by nearly 1.5 billion people around the world, and is mainly celebrated by spending time with family and friends, cooking up a feast for parties, gift-giving, and good wishes. Most importantly, each year is centered around an animal zodiac sign that is assigned to that specific year. These animal zodiacs are extremely in tune with the natural order of the world which includes the balance of the five elements of wood, earth, water, fire, and metal. Each year holds a special meaning and characteristic, and is typically celebrated during an individual's lunar birthday (essentially the month before their actual birthday following the lunar patterns).      The 12 signs of the zodiac calendar consists of the year: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. This specific order follows a popular folklore based off of a race among all animals. The folklore goes along the lines of each animal earning their position through clever tactics, or different character traits, therefore the individual born in the year of the animal also inheriting such traits.      It is said that the Great Race started through the Jade Emperor, who was the Emperor in Heaven in the Chinese Folklore. Animals were ordered to race for a designated spot on the calendar signs, and there were only twelve spots available. At that time, the rat and the car were good friends and neighbors, and when they heard about the race, the rat promised to wake the cat up on the day because the cat usually slept in. On the day of the race, the rat woke up very early, and was too excited to recall his promise to the cat, and hurried to the gathering site. He encountered the ox who ran much faster. He creatively allied with the ox and made the ox carry him in exchange of singing for the ox. The rat and the ox evidently come first place, but the rat slid in front and earned the official spot of being the first lucky animal on the Chinese calendar. By the time the selection ended, the cat finally arrived, yet due to missing the Great Race, the cat held a grudge so strong against the rat that every time they met, the cat would chase the rat and kill it. Year of the Rat:      The Rat is known for being sharp, resourceful, and inquisitive, each year of the rat delivering new ideas and perspective on experiences. The year of 2020 suggests that this year is to be filled with growth and accomplishments.  Search up your year and find out which zodiac animal you align with!