Lunar New Year is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the world. The year of the Rat follows the year of the Pig in 2020. Macau Post issued four colourful stamps to welcome the Chinese New Year that is also known as a Spring Festival. The issue shows rats in a playful manner while they are preparing for the winter holidays.
The Rat is first in the order of all the Chinese zodiac animals. According to one folktale, the Jade Emperor decided that the order of the animals would be determined according to the order by which they arrived at his party. The rat cleverly convinced the Ox to give him a ride. Just as the pair arrived at the door, the Rat jumped ahead and landed before the Ox.
Those who are born in the year of rat possess the zodiac rat characteristics. They are believed to be very industrious and thrifty, diligent and positive. They love to enshrine and collect. They have a keen intuition and can foretell the danger. They can deal with the money carefully and have a good financial luck.
See also other Year of the Rat stamps.
