Our tiny rat charm is cast in heavy, flat 19ga .925 sterling silver, and pierced with decorative cut-outs marking its eyes, ears, tail, and hindquarters.
Because the Chinese calendar historically developed around cycles of 12 lunar months to a year, and twelve years to a cycle, symbolic animals were chosen to represent each year of the cycle. The 12 Sheng Xiao (Chinese Zodiac) animals are in a fixed circular order according to Yin and Yang Theory. People born during those years were said to exhibit each guardian animal's own positive and negative characteristics. Learning to balance those traits could the key to a person's fortunes, health, love and success.
The Rat is first on the circle of the calendar. Year of the Rat (recent and upcoming): 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020 Strengths: quick-witted, resourceful, versatile Weaknesses: timid, may lack concentration, needs encouragement This Year of the Rat charm comes with two hanging options: a cast-in 2.8mm (1mm inner diameter) jump ring holding a free-swinging 20ga 5mm soldered jump ring. Stamped 925.
