The 12 Chinese Zodiac Signs http://www.pbase.com/vickibrown/the_12_the_chinese_zodiac_teapots
The Rat is the first Sign of the Chinese Zodiac, and it is a Yang Sign commonly associated with the Water Element. Recent Rat years have been 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984 and 1996. The typical Rat personality traits include charm, intelligence, passion, elegance, opportunism, sentimentality, practicality, and honesty. Some of the less attractive aspects of this Sign include greed, excessive calculation, and an overdeveloped business sense verging upon workaholicism. The Rat is very smooth and even-tempered, but can turn into a grouch if things don't go their way, and even explode from time to time if provoked for too long. They are very successful in the business world, but whether this arises from their positive or their negative properties is anyone's guess.

Rats are a symbol of good luck and wealth. Clever, intelligent and quick-witted. This Sign is ambitious and strong-willed, and is motivated by its own interests, which often include money and power. Natural charm and persuasion. They are energetic and versatile and can usually find their way around obstacles, and adapt to various environments easily. Its natural charm and sharp, funny demeanor make it an appealing friend for almost anyone. The Rat likes to know who is on its side and will treat its most loyal friends with an extra measure of protection and generosity. The Rats are strongly family oriented. Although they are often hoarders, Rats are very generous to their family and friends. The Rats have a great capability of accruing and holding on to items of value. (Source: Wikipedia)

Years and the Five Elements
Persons born within these date ranges can be said to have been born in the "year of the Rat," while also bearing the following elemental sign:
12 February 1888 - 30 January 1889: Earth Rat
31 January 1900 – 18 February 1901: Metal Rat
10 February 1912 – 5 February 1913: Water Rat
5 February 1924 – 24 January 1925: Wood Rat
24 January 1936 – 10 February 1937: Fire Rat
10 February 1948 – 28 January 1949: Earth Rat
28 January 1960 – 14 February 1961: Metal Rat
15 February 1972 – 2 February 1973: Water Rat
2 February 1984 – 19 February 1985: Wood Rat
18 February 1996 – 6 February 1997: Fire Rat
7 February 2008 – 25 January 2009: Earth Rat
24 January 2020 – 11 February 2021: Metal Rat