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Oh, rats!
Once upon a time, the Jade Emperor challenged all the animals to a swimming race. The biggest and strongest were confident they would win, so when the little Rat asked the enormous Ox for a ride, the Ox said, “Sure.” What a mistake! As they reached the far bank of the river, the Rat jumped off the Ox and dashed ahead to win the race. And that’s why the Rat comes first in the twelve-year cycle of the Chinese lunar calendar.
According to Chinese tradition, 2008 is the Year of the Rat. Canada Post celebrates with another pair of stamps in its annual Lunar New Year series, one at the domestic rate (52¢) and one souvenir sheet stamp at the international rate ($1.60).
Never underestimate a rat—rats are highly respected animals in Chinese culture. A Year of the Rat marks a year of considerable scope and opportunity, with the launch of ambitious new ideas and plans, and major breakthroughs in science and technology likely. People born in a Year of the Rat tend to be ingenious, charming and generous to those they love. They are also likely to have many friends who they support in generous ways. You’re a Rat if you were born in 1900, 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996 or 2008. |
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