In the Chinese lunar calendar, 2008 is the "Year of the Rat", and it begins on February 7, 2008.
The "Rat" is the first sign of the Chinese zodiac. Legend has it that the Jade Emperor invited the animals for a party. The first 12 to arrive was the Rat, followed by the Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and lastly, the Pig. All the animals were named after the 12-year cycle that governs Chinese life thereafter.
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