A Rat History...

For centuries, the Black Rat was infamous for the spreading of the Bubonic Plague, even though it was actually the fleas that carried the disease. Although the rat itself did not carry the plague, they have carried the bad name. The fear of rats have passed on through the generations and even to this day, people still associate them with carrying diseases, and being dirty and grotesque rodents. Although many are afraid of rats, there are also those who feel very differently. According to an article called Rat History, found at ramshornstudio.com, in India, there is a temple dedicated to worshipping the sacred rat. In many pictures and statues, the God named Ganesh is seen with Vahana the Rat by his side. The rats in India are thought to be reincarnations of people hiding from the God of Death. In the Chinese Zodiac, the rat symbolizes wealth and good luck, and is also an omen in Roman culture.