Chinese Zodiac --- Rat

1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032. 2044, 2056

The Rat, 1996's animal, was the first to attend Buddha's meeting, and thus the first animal in the zodiac cycle. Considered aggressive, suspicious, and power-hungry, the Rat also is said to be honest, generous, and have a sense of fair play. Those born under the sign of the Rat play to win, but not at the cost of cheating. Famous "Rats" include William Shakespeare (1564), Truman Capote (1924), and George Washington (1732).