1972 Chinese Zodiac: Water Rat

Water 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.

Water years add intuition, adaptability and empathy. Water people tend to be thoughtful, diplomatic and perceptive.

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 1972?

The Chinese zodiac follows the lunisolar calendar, so a January or February birth often belongs to the previous animal. In 1972, Chinese New Year fell on February 15, 1972. Anyone born before that date is a Metal Pig instead. See the Pig guide.

1972 zodiac year facts

• Chinese New Year 1972 fell on a Tuesday, February 15, 1972.
• The Rat year lasted 354 days, slightly shorter than a calendar year.
• Anyone born in the first 45 days of 1972 (January 1 to February 15, 1972) belongs to the previous sign.
• People born in 1972 turn 54 or 53 during 2026, depending on their birthday.

Other Rat years: 1948, 1960, 1984, 1996. 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 1972, the Rat's harmonious partners were born in: Dragon: 1976; Monkey: 1968.