The Year Of Rat - 1984

The Year of Rat Ð'- 1984

America and China are two of the most dominant and influential cultures/nations in the world. Each has a strong presence in the global economy, as well as a deeply rooted sense of national heritage. However, each nation remains unique and strongly immersed in their traditions. Such tradition is directly seen through the Zodiac Symbols from Chinese Tradition.

1984 is the year of my birth, and the year of the rat in Chinese tradition. Contradictory to Chinese thought, America views the rat as a cellar dwelling type of creature. The rat is associated with such words as filthiness, ugliness, and weakness. It is seen as a creature that is a mischievous scavenger, feeding off the scraps of other, more prominent animals. The rat in America is seen as an enemy of sorts to man. Its destructive nature annoys man and his desire for order. Overall, the rat in America is not a desired creature and is viewed as a symbol of chaos and filth.

Contrary to the view of many Americans, the Chinese view the rat in a much more favorable light. The people born in the year of the rat are seen as charming and hardworking. They desire order in their lives, hoping it will ultimately lead to success. Such people born in this year are also thrifty spenders and have short tempers. Unlike in American culture, the Chinese view the Rat as a strong, hardworking type. This creature is respected in society for its attributes, instead of cast out for its shortcomings. In conclusion, the rat, along with the eleven other creatures of the Chinese zodiac, are respected and viewed positively in the culture of the nation.

References:

www.chinesezodiac.com

Prof. Shen