1996 Chinese Zodiac: Fire Rat

Fire 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.

Fire years add passion, enthusiasm and boldness. Fire people tend to be dynamic, expressive and quick to act.

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 1996?

The Chinese zodiac follows the lunisolar calendar, so a January or February birth often belongs to the previous animal. In 1996, Chinese New Year fell on February 19, 1996. Anyone born before that date is a Wood Pig instead. See the Pig guide.

1996 zodiac year facts

• Chinese New Year 1996 fell on a Monday, February 19, 1996.
• The Rat year lasted 354 days, slightly shorter than a calendar year.
• Anyone born in the first 49 days of 1996 (January 1 to February 19, 1996) belongs to the previous sign.
• People born in 1996 turn 30 or 29 during 2026, depending on their birthday.

Other Rat years: 1972, 1984, 2008, 2020. 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 1996, the Rat's harmonious partners were born in: Dragon: 2000; Monkey: 1992.