The Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, took place on January 22, 2023. This marked the transition from one animal from the Chinese zodiac to the next, moving from the Year of the Tiger to the Year of the Rabbit.
Rather than assigning a sign to week-long periods throughout the year, the Chinese zodiac calendar assigns a year to each sign. The years are named after the Chinese zodiac animals, including the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. These zodiac signs play an important role in Chinese culture. They are often used to determine one’s fortune for the new year, obstacles to overcome, and significant milestones in life, including career, health, and relationships.
What is the Year of the Rabbit?
2023 marks the Year of the Rabbit, the fourth year in the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle. In Chinese culture, the rabbit symbolizes good luck, according to the Chinese Language Institute. The origin story of this sign dates back to the Great Race, in which all of the zodiac animals had to race as they crossed a wide river. To cross, the rabbit hopped from stone to stone but appeared to be losing the race until it was lucky and grabbed a floating log which brought him to shore.
Regionally, there are different superstitions as it pertains to the rabbit. In the northwestern region of the country, for example, buns in the shape of rabbits are popular fixtures at weddings, with the bride’s mother cooking the buns for her to take to her husband in hopes that the couple will give birth to a child.
What does it mean to be born in the Year of the Rabbit?
To be born in the Year of the Rabbit can assign various characteristics to your personality, according to the Chinese New Year. Rabbits are believed to be kind but may be perceived as soft or weak. They tend to have quiet personalities, which hides their confidence and strength. They tend to work toward a goal without considering what others say, have great reasoning skills, and are good socializers though they find it hard to open up to others.
Those born in the Year of the Rabbit are creative, good listeners, work well on a team and have great reasoning skills, and are good socializers though they find it hard to open up to others. Many born in the Year of the Rabbit are not accustomed to routine and desire surprises to break up the monotony. On the other hand, they also dislike arguments and avoid stressful or risky situations.
Men born in the Year of the Rabbit tend to be polite and avoid conflicts at all costs and maintain control of themselves. They also like to organize and decorate and help out with household chores. While they may come across as someone who says yes to everything, they will always have a line they’d never cross. Women born in the Year of the Rabbit tend to be more social. They are seen as thoughtful and polite to others, are conscious of their image, and dislike arguments and violence.
What is the significance of the Year of the Rabbit?
Because 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit, those who were born in previous Rabbit years (1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, and 2011) will be “Fan Tai Sui,” leading to a year that will include varying levels of luck, including high-highs but also low-lows.
This year, those born in the Year of the Rabbit should watch their health, expenses, safety, and wealth. When it comes to work, Rabbits will be provided a wide range of opportunities at work, with the decision in their hand to make the next move. However, there will also be more opportunities for others to try to bring you down. So share your ideas, do the work, and take the initiative to help propel you within your career.
While there is potential to advance in your career this year, you likely won’t reap the benefits until later in the year or next, so it’s best to manage your finances and set some funds aside. However, even with detractors from every direction, Rabbits should power through and continue to work through the adversity with tea understanding that it is only temporary.
As for health, there are some risks for Rabbits this year. Because of work stress, they may see a decline in their mental well-being and will have to work on making space mentally and emotionally to make room for other challenges. Past illness in Rabbits should be monitored, and it’s best to get frequent check-ups. This year, Rabbits are encouraged to begin meditating or practicing yoga to help stabilize their mood.
