The Chinese zodiac is a cultural tradition, shared here for reflection, not as a prediction or a Buddhist teaching.
1960
Metal Rat
鼠 (shǔ) · Rat year 1 of 12
When the 1960 zodiac year began
In 1960, the Lunar New Year fell on Thursday, January 28, 1960. The year of the Metal Rat ran from that day until February 14, 1961.
If you were born between January 1 and January 27, 1960, your animal is the Pig (Earth Pig, the 1959 year). People born from January 28, 1960 onward belong to the Rat.
The Metal Rat
In tradition, Metal is linked with clarity, determination and strong principles. Each animal comes around every 12 years, and with the five elements the same combination returns every 60 years. The Rat is traditionally linked with being quick-witted and observant. Read more about the Rat in Chinese tradition.
A practice for the Rat
Slow down before you decide: three calm breaths turn quick wits into wisdom. Try the 3-minute morning practice.
Not sure of your animal? Enter your full birth date in the zodiac animal finder.