The Chinese zodiac is a cultural tradition, shared here for reflection, not as a prediction or a Buddhist teaching.
1972
Water Rat
鼠 (shǔ) · Rat year 1 of 12
When the 1972 zodiac year began
In 1972, the Lunar New Year fell on Tuesday, February 15, 1972. The year of the Water Rat ran from that day until February 2, 1973.
If you were born between January 1 and February 14, 1972, your animal is the Pig (Metal Pig, the 1971 year). People born from February 15, 1972 onward belong to the Rat.
The Water Rat
In tradition, Water is linked with wisdom, flexibility and calm reflection. 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.