Yes, I know it sounds like something Iron Maiden would come up with, but 2020 really is the Year of the Metal Rat. Let me explain.
The Year of the Rat is the first year in the Chinese zodiac cycle. According to the zodiac story, there was a competition called by the Jade Emperor to decide which animals should be part of the zodiac.
The quick witted rat asked the ox to give him a ride across the river. Just before they reached the other side, the rat jumped down and crossed the winning line first, allowing him to be the first animal of the zodiac.
The current Year of the Rat runs from 25th January 2020 to 11th February 2021, to be immediately followed by the Year of the Ox.
So why a Metal Rat? According to Chinese elemental theory, each zodiac sign has an association with one of the five elements; Wind, Fire, Earth, Water and Metal.
Characteristics of a Metal Rat include being smart, talented, hot-tempered, jealous and with a strong sense of self-awareness. One famous Metal Rat is Argentinian footballer Diego Maradona.
We do like a celebration here in Churchdown, so I have arranged for the showroom to be suitably decorated in Chinese style. Hope you like it!