In which cultures is the rat considered a sacred animal? - briefly
The rat is venerated in Hinduism as the mount of the deity Ganesha, symbolizing wisdom and removal of obstacles, and in various East Asian folk traditions—particularly certain Chinese and Vietnamese customs—where it is associated with prosperity and the zodiac’s first sign. Additionally, some indigenous peoples of the Americas, such as the Pueblo, regard the rat as a sacred messenger in ritual contexts.
In which cultures is the rat considered a sacred animal? - in detail
Several societies venerate the rat as a divine or auspicious being.
In the Indian subcontinent, the rat serves as the mount of the Hindu deity Ganesha. Temples in Rajasthan and Gujarat keep colonies of black rats, feeding them as offerings. The animal is linked to fertility and wealth; devotees believe that caring for the rodents brings prosperity.
Chinese tradition assigns the rat a prominent position in the zodiac. The first sign of the lunar calendar, it symbolizes intelligence, adaptability and abundance. Ancient texts describe the rat as a messenger of the earth god, and certain regional cults honor a rat spirit during New Year festivities to attract financial success.
Vietnamese folklore treats the rat as a protector of rice fields. Rural villages maintain small shrines where a bronze rat statue is placed, seeking protection against pestilence and ensuring a bountiful harvest.
In Thailand, the Phra Rat (Rat Buddha) appears in some local animist practices. Shrines dedicated to the creature contain offerings of fruit and rice, believed to safeguard households from disease.
Among the Yoruba of Nigeria, the rat features in mythic tales as an emblem of cunning. Certain secret societies regard the animal as a totem, invoking its attributes during initiation rites to impart strategic thinking.
The Hopi of the American Southwest incorporate the rat into ceremonial dances that celebrate the earth’s renewal. Participants wear masks representing the creature, acknowledging its role in the cycle of planting and harvesting.
Ancient Mesopotamian records mention the deity Nergal, associated with plague rats, who received worship in specific city‑states. Rituals involved presenting grain to rat figurines to appease the god and prevent epidemics.
These examples illustrate a diverse pattern: the rat is revered for attributes such as intelligence, fertility, protection of crops, and connection to wealth across Hindu, East Asian, Southeast Asian, African and Indigenous American cultures.