ARE YOU A RABBIT?

THE CHINESE NEW YEAR CALENDAR

Chinese New Year isn't celebrated on the same day like the New Year of the western world. This is because the Chinese use the lunar calendar – so New Year depends on the cycle of the moon and falls on a different day each year.

New Year is a special time in China. It is a time when the festive spirit is high and there are all kinds of celebrations going on. As has been the ancient tradition, the years are represented by 12 animal signs that repeat in a twelve-year cycle. Each animal is said to give insight into what can happen during those years.

To find out how the order of each animal was determined, visit our Chinese Zodiac page.

YEAR OF THE RABBIT: 22 January 2023 – 09 February 2024

The year 2023 recognises the fourth-ranked animal in the Chinese zodiac, the Rabbit, which in the Chinese culture symbolises longevity, peace and fortune – 2023 is predicted to be a year of hope.

Elements – Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water

In traditional Chinese philosophy, there are five elements, Water, Fire, Wood, Metal, and Earth, and each specifically outlines the relationship with nature and the life force or ‘qi’ that flows through them.

This year’s Rabbit is symbolised by Water; gentle, amicable, and able to adjust readily to different conditions.

Characteristics

Rabbits tend to reflect characteristics of real rabbits; calm with quiet confidence at most times and can react swiftly when required. Generally positive, gentle and sophisticated, they love freedom but are steadfast and focused once goals are set.

Don’t be fooled by their mild and accommodating natures, Rabbits are alert to strangers and tomfoolery. Their sensitive nature leads them to avoid conflict and aggression

In relationships, they may feign indifference but they are caring and romantic, and are particularly family-oriented, including household chores.

Rabbits are creative, with dexterous hands, and thus are gifted at the craft (eg calligraphy, painting, fashion designer), medicine/health, and cultural pursuits (eg architecture, teacher).

YEARS OF THE TIGER

1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011 and 2023

Strengths:  Optimistic, gracious, generous, kind-hearted, witty and alert
Weaknesses:  A little vain, easily satisfied with the status-quo
Good match: Goat, Dog, Pig
Bad match: Rat, Rooster
Lucky colours:  Blue, Purple, Pink, Red
Lucky flowers: lily and jasmine
Lucky numbers: 3, 4, 6 and numbers containing them, like 34 and 46
People born in the year of the Rabbit: Albert Einstein, Michael Jordan, David Beckham, Lionel Messi, Kate Winslet, Tiger Woods, Johnny Depp