The Chinese New Year is such an exciting time and people from East and Southeast Asian cultures across the globe are looking forward to a new year of hope, prosperity, and calm. It is a 15-day long celebration filled with festivities to usher out the year that was and bring in good luck for the one that’s yet to come. The lunar new year aims to bring good fortune for a good harvest, thus, there are lavish banquets, with fireworks and dancing dragons to scare away monsters and bad luck. But people are also curious to find out the year of the rabbit meaning this 2023.
In accordance with the Chinese zodiac, a particular animal represents a given year, thus each one of these animals will repeat every 12 years. Such animals have characteristics that supposedly represent the personalities of people born within that year. In this case, it is the rabbit that has a gentle soul, and is approachable, expressive, and good-humored. In this post we are going to take a closer look at the Lunar New Year’s significance, learn what does the Year of the Rabbit mean, and shed light on the following:
- How will the Chinese New Year 2023 animal affect everyone this year?
- Will the Chinese Year of the Rabbit bring good luck or bad omen?
- What is the meaning behind the Year of the Rabbit in ancient Chinese culture?
- Is the 2023 Chinese zodiac something to look forward to?
What does the Year of the Rabbit mean? Let’s go ahead and dive in!
Year of the Rabbit Meaning: A Walk Down Memory Lane
The answer to the question “what does the year of the rabbit mean?” is hard to come by unless you understand the myth behind the Chinese zodiac. What is your zodiac sign? If you look at this from a Western astrology perspective, it is a constellation that determines when your birth date falls in the calendar. However, based on the Chinese zodiac, it is the animal in accordance with your year of birth.
There are a lot of myths that explain these animals and their arrangement, but one of the most famous and enduring is that of the Great Race. It says that the Jade Emperor or Ruler of the Heavens wanted to devise a way for him to measure time, thus he organized a race. Only the first 12 animals to make it across the river could take a spot on the zodiac calendar in order of their arrival.
A Test of Speed and Wit
The rat woke up very early to get an early start. However, on his way to the river, he met the tiger, horse, and ox. This rat knew how small it was and that it was a poor swimmer, so he asked the three bigger animals if they could help. The horse and the tiger refused, but the kind-hearted ox felt sorry for him and agreed to carry it across.
Never Trust A Rat
When they were about to reach the other side of the river, the rat bolted off from the ox’s head and landed in the first place, while the ox came in second, and the powerful tiger behind him. The little rabbit was too small for the heavy current, so it slowly hopped across the stones and logs before finally coming in fourth place. It was the mighty dragon who came in 5th, but only because it stopped to help other creatures it encountered along the way. Next, the horse came galloping across the river, but before it was able to cross, the snake slithered by, taking it by surprise. This caused the horse to rear back, allowing the snake to grab the 6th spot.
The Winner Takes It All
When the Emperor checked their progress, he saw the monkey, sheep, and rooster on top of a raft, working hard to push through the weeds. After making it across, the three of them agreed to award the 8th place to the sheep, who provided calm and comfort throughout their journey. The monkey and rooster followed. Next in line was the dog who came scrambling into the shore. Despite being a great swimmer, it came in 11th because it frolicked in the water for far too long. The pig snags the 12th and final spot. It came in last after going hungry, stopping to eat, and falling asleep before waking up to waddle across the finish line.
A 60-Year Cycle
And so, every year goes with one of these animals in this order, a cycle that completes itself every 60 years. Some may be wondering why it is 60 instead of 12, and it is because the traditional Chinese calendar comprises two overlapping systems. The zodiac animals relate to the Twelve Early Branches. While another system, called the Ten Heavenly Stems connect with the five classical elements. These are metal (xin), wood (mu), water (shui), fire (huo), and earth (tu).
Every element is either a Yin or Yang, which creates a ten-year cycle. When these 12 animals of the Earthly Branches match with these five elements as well as the Yin or Yang of the Heavenly Stems, there are 60 years worth of various combinations known as the Sexagenary Cycle or Ganzhi. Thus, a person born in 1980 will have the Yang Metal Monkey sign, while those born in 2007 will have a Yin Fire Pig.
Inner animals can also be based on your month of birth, true animals based on your date of birth, and secret animals based on your hour of birth. The Great Race supposedly determined the animals that are present in the Chinese zodiac. However, when this system spread across Asia, other cultures tweaked it and made changes to better reflect their communities. For instance, if you look into the Vietnamese zodiac, you will learn you’re not really a rabbit, but a cat. And when you are in Thailand, you will be a mythical snake called Naga instead of the mighty dragon.
Year of the Rabbit Meaning: A 2023 Forecast for the Earth, Metal, Water, Wood, and Fire Rabbit
Those born in 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, and 2023 are born in the year of the Rabbit, and if you’re one of them may be interested in this year’s forecast and recommendations. There are also individual forecasts for the earth rabbit, metal rabbit, water rabbit, wood rabbit, and fire rabbit. Let’s begin.
The Rabbits and the Taisui
Your income in 2023 won’t be so bad as long as you know how to manage your finances well. For those working in an organization, there is a great chance that you will be promoted or get a raise. However, be careful not to make impulsive decisions especially if you are in business. Those who want to scale their business need to slow down and avoid taking huge risks. This year money will not come easily and you will have to put in a tremendous amount of work and commitment if you wish to achieve your goal. Moreover, don’t forget to set aside an emergency fund for any unexpected expenses.
Career
Careerwise also looks good as long as you continue good collaboration with your colleagues. Two auspicious starts will aid the rabbits in moving forward to achieve their goals. Take this chance to demonstrate your leadership skills in your workplace and make it a team effort. You are most likely to achieve success this way and expect big bonuses and commissions because of your hard work. Don’t be hasty in making decisions and make sure you weigh all the pros and cons, as well as ask for advice from a mentor or trusted superior.
Love
If you started on the right foot in 2022 and made smart choices, this positive energy will continue flowing this year to bring in good luck. For single people, you will meet your life partner in the workplace. Take your time in getting to know each other before taking your relationship to the next level to make sure they are reliable and trustworthy. Married couples need to trudge carefully for you may run into some serious conflicts if they are not careful. Avoid misunderstandings due to lack of communication. Make sure you are spending quality time together, expressing genuine thoughts and feelings with each other.
Health
Healthwise, you need to cut out those bad habits for they have not and never will serve you in good stead. Cut down if not totally eliminate smoking, drinking, and staying up until the wee hours of the morning. Stay vigilant, especially when traveling out of the country. Avoid binge eating and exercise regularly to boost your immune system.
The Earth Rabbit
A little diplomacy may go a long way. Stop being too direct, you can still express your thoughts without being too crass. If you don’t, you will continue offending other people without you even realizing it. Those who are looking forward to a carefree retirement in 2023 must learn to stay out of other people’s business. Don’t be too nosy, and avoid giving unsolicited opinions. Also, pay attention to your health and don’t take minor health issues for granted. Nip it in the bud, and have regular check-ups to ensure peace of mind.
The Metal Rabbit
The year 2023 is a time for rabbits to organize and attend positive activities such as organizing big birthday parties, attending wedding feasts, or housewarming parties. Such activities can help attract and accumulate good fortune this year. Also, avoid purchasing high-risk stocks this year to prevent serious financial troubles.
The Water Rabbit
If you’re looking forward to some amazing changes this 2023, you need to create a detailed plan and take calculated steps for you to succeed. Avoid making impulsive decisions that could jeopardize your future. If you wish to stay with the company you are in, don’t only work hard, work smart, but don’t cut corners. For those who wish to take on a different career path, make your transition as seamless as possible. Don’t quit your job just yet unless you have a new one to fall back on. Weight gain due to stress is another issue. So watch your diet and exercise more.
The Wood Rabbit
Wood rabbits must not lend money to friends and relatives this year, as you simply cannot risk dipping your hands into your life savings, not sure whether or not they will return it on time (if they will at all). Take stock of your short and long-term goals and learn to prioritize your ambitions. Money won’t be that good this year, so don’t put too much thought or effort into financial investments for now.
The Fire Rabbit
Fire rabbits can look forward to a fruitful career this 2023. As long as you have a clear goal and remain focused on the right path of where you want to go. Feel free to grab amazing opportunities that come your way. Don’t fear the obstacles, keep moving forward and expect to see success on the horizon. For singles, love is in the air, but this doesn’t mean you can be complacent. Do not ignore the red flags for your life partner will make a significant impact on your future.
Year of the Rabbit Meaning: Luck= Preparation + Opportunity
So, the Year of the Rabbit meaning spells 100% luck and good fortune, right? Yes and no. Of course, it is good to know all these forecasts and recommendations for the Lunar New Year according to your birth animal. But no matter how gloomy or positive these forecasts may be, the END GAME results will still be up to you. You cannot rely on sheer luck to determine your future.
Remember that luck happens when preparation meets opportunity. It’s still up to you to pave the way for good fortune and opportunities to find you. But if you’re just lying under the tree with your mouth wide open, waiting for the apple to fall, you may need to rethink your game plan. What is the Year of the Rabbit meaning for 2023? That is totally up to you.