火Chinese zodiac · Fire element
Fire Rat 1936 · 1996 · 2056 · 丙子 (bǐng zǐ)
Fire Rats are quick-witted and resourceful like every Rat, with an added streak of passion and drive. This combination comes round only once every 60 years.
- Yang Fire
- Animal: Rat
- Element: Fire 火
- Every 60 years
Year of the Fire Rat dates
| Year | Dates | Stem-branch |
|---|---|---|
| 1936 | 24 Jan 1936 – 10 Feb 1937 | 丙子 (bǐng zǐ) |
| 1996 | 19 Feb 1996 – 6 Feb 1997 | 丙子 (bǐng zǐ) |
| 2056 | 15 Feb 2056 – 3 Feb 2057 | 丙子 (bǐng zǐ) |
Born in January or February? The Chinese zodiac year starts at Lunar New Year, not on 1 January, so check the exact dates above. If your birthday falls before Lunar New Year you belong to the previous year’s sign. The Birth Destiny calculator works it out for you.
What makes the Fire Rat different
At heart this is still a Rat: quick-witted, resourceful and charming. Fire is the element of action. It brings passion, courage and charisma, and Fire types are decisive, expressive and drawn to leadership.
Water masters Fire
The Rat’s native Water controls Fire. These Rats like to be in charge of their circumstances and usually are, though getting there takes effort.
Fire Rat strengths and challenges
Strengths
- Passionate and inspiring
- Decisive and brave
- Sharp, strategic thinking
- Thrifty and good with money
Watch out for
- Impatient and impulsive
- Risks burning out
- Can be over-cautious or anxious
- Prone to penny-pinching
Fire Rat in love
Fire turns up the intensity, bringing warmth, romance and a need for excitement. In love the Rat is devoted but slow to trust.
Fire Rat career and money
Fire favors leadership, bold moves and work that puts them in front of people. Rats do well wherever quick thinking and attention to detail pay off.
- Finance and accounting
- Research and analysis
- Writing and editing
- Business and entrepreneurship
The other types of Rat
The same animal behaves differently under each element. Compare the Fire Rat with the other four types, or read the full Year of the Rat guide.
The Fire years
Each element rules two years in a row, one Yang and one Yin. The Fire Rat year is followed by the Fire Ox. Fire is linked with summer, the color red and the south. Read more about the five elements.
Fire Rat questions, answered
What years are the Year of the Fire Rat?
The Year of the Fire Rat falls in 1936, 1996 and 2056. It comes round once every 60 years. The exact dates are 24 Jan 1936 – 10 Feb 1937; 19 Feb 1996 – 6 Feb 1997; 15 Feb 2056 – 3 Feb 2057.
What is the Fire Rat personality?
Fire Rats are quick-witted and resourceful like every Rat, with an added streak of passion and drive. It brings passion, courage and charisma, and Fire types are decisive, expressive and drawn to leadership.
Who is the Fire Rat compatible with?
Like all Rats, the Fire Rat is most compatible with the Dragon, Monkey and Ox, and finds the Horse and Goat more challenging.
How is the Fire Rat different from other Rats?
The Rat’s native Water controls Fire. These Rats like to be in charge of their circumstances and usually are, though getting there takes effort.
Check your exact sign
Enter your date of birth to confirm your Chinese zodiac animal and element, plus your star sign and life path number.