Relics exhibition marks the Year of the Rat

An exhibition about relics and artifacts related to the rat, the first of the Chinese zodiac animals, has opened in Chongqing to greet the upcoming Chinese New Year.

The exhibition displays more than 90 rat-themed cultural items in the Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum. Highlights include rat-shaped jade accessories and clothes, made years ago, of rat fur.

An exhibit made of green jade has drawn the most attention. The small item in the shape of a lychee features a carved rat appearing to hold the fruit to indicate prosperity.

The museum is also holding rat-themed riddle activities for visitors.

The event will last until March 29.

In accordance with the Chinese zodiac cycle, the Year of the Rat will start on Jan 25 and last until Feb 11, 2021, when the Year of the Ox begins.

Twelve animals, namely the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig, are used to represent the Chinese zodiac to record the years and reflect people's attributes.

According to the story of the Chinese zodiac, in a competition held by the Jade Emperor to choose the zodiac animals, the quick-witted rat asked the diligent ox to let him ride on its back as it crossed a river, and jumped down before the ox crossed the finish line, winning the race and becoming the first of the zodiac animals.