1948 Chinese Zodiac: Earth Rat

Earth Rat personality

Quick-witted, resourceful and charming.

The Rat is the first animal of the Chinese zodiac. In the traditional story the Rat won the great river race by riding on the Ox and jumping ahead at the finish, which is a fair summary of its character: clever, adaptable and good at spotting opportunities.

Earth years add stability, practicality and loyalty. Earth people tend to be dependable, patient and grounded.

Strengths: Intelligent and adaptable, Resourceful problem-solver, Charming and sociable, Good with money, Quick to see opportunity. Watch for: Anxious, Overly cautious or calculating, Can be manipulative when stressed, Hoards time or money, Gossip-prone.

Read the full Rat guide for love, career and compatibility.

Born early in 1948?

The Chinese zodiac follows the lunisolar calendar, so a January or February birth often belongs to the previous animal. In 1948, Chinese New Year fell on February 10, 1948. Anyone born before that date is a Fire Pig instead. See the Pig guide.

1948 zodiac year facts

• Chinese New Year 1948 fell on a Tuesday, February 10, 1948.
• The Rat year lasted 354 days, slightly shorter than a calendar year.
• Anyone born in the first 40 days of 1948 (January 1 to February 10, 1948) belongs to the previous sign.
• People born in 1948 turn 78 or 77 during 2026, depending on their birthday.
• The same Earth Rat combination appears every 60 years: next in 2008.

Other Rat years: 1960, 1972. Each has a different element, which colors the animal's traits.

Rat compatibility

The Rat is traditionally most harmonious with Dragon and Monkey, and tends to clash with the Horse.

Near 1948, the Rat's harmonious partners were born in: Dragon: 1952; Monkey: .