Year of the Rat: Rat Celebrities

Happy Year of the Rat! The 2008 Chinese New Year begins February 7 and ends January 25, 2009, according to the lunar calendar. Any babies born during this time falls under the Chinese zodiac symbol the Rat, one of 12 astrological symbols.

The Year of the Rat cycles around every 12 years, so if you're turning 12, 24, 36 -- or other multiples of 12 -- this year, it's a good chance you're also a Rat. You're in good company. Zap2it has compiled a list of celebrities that you know and love (or mildly recognize) that also celebrate their birthdays during the Year of the Rat.

So check out the gallery of our Celebrity Rats and learn about Chinese New Year traditions, characteristics of the Rat and other miscellaneous rat trivia.

-- Hanh Nguyen