Do you know what your Chinese zodiac sign is? Unlike Western zodiac signs, which are determined by the date of birth and vary monthly, Chinese zodiac signs are determined by the year you were born. The Lunar New Year, which begins on January 22, 2023, will bring in the Year of the Rabbit following the Years of the Tiger in ‘22 and Ox in ‘21.
The date of the Lunar New Year varies from year to year, however, it always falls between January 21 and February 20. This is related to the lunisolar calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar. It occurs on the second New Moon after the winter solstice (the date varies from year to year). Oh, and if you were born in January or February, check to see if your birthday occurred before or after the Lunar New Year in the year you were born since this can alter your Chinese zodiac sign.
Chinese Zodiac Mythology
The Chinese zodiac consists of 12 animals. The account of how the animals joined the zodiac is based on a fable about Buddha leaving Earth. The animals came to say farewell as word of his departure spread. The rat was the first, followed by ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, monkey, sheep, rooster, dog, and then boar.
Starting with the year of the rat, each year of the 12-year lunar cycle is named after one of the animals in recognition of this gesture and your birth year corresponds to one of these signs and the traits of the sign influence your personality and life path.
What Will the Rabbit Year Bring?
The rabbit represents patience and good fortune in Chinese astrology. 2023 will provide traits like tranquillity and success that may have been missing in the previous year. This year is anticipated to be less dramatic or chaotic than the previous Year of the Tiger.
People who are impulsive or unrealistic will benefit from the Year of the Rabbit as they become more level-headed and sensible. Thus, it is an opportune moment to make critical decisions and thoroughly consider your alternatives to have the best chance of attaining your objectives and putting your plans into action.
Most zodiac signs will have a good year in the Year of the Rabbit. We may anticipate love and job success with no major health worries. And big bonus financial success will be easier to attain this year – ding ding! We’ve already seen that with the decrease in house prices in New Zealand.
The Chinese Zodiac Signs and their Characteristics:
RAT
Years: 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, and 2020
Characteristics: The Rat embodies charm and ingenuity. They are constantly in the know because they are straightforward and inquisitive. How? They can’t help but disclose our secrets because they ask such disarmingly honest questions. Rats are fun, trustworthy, and great bargain finders, but they will only be generous to people they are really close to.
OX
Years: 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, and 2021
Characteristics: The Ox represents good fortune from hard labour and genuine grit. The Ox is a patient and diligent worker who adores routines and regularity. Although Oxen are good listeners, they are tough to persuade. When things get chaotic, this is the indication you need to restore order.
TIGER
Years: 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
Characteristics: The Tiger evokes awe and admiration for being rebellious, flamboyant, and unexpected. This fierce and ferocious combatant is respected as a defender’s symbol. The Tiger is always ready for action, although they may be stubborn. Phone calls at all hours of the night? A last-minute trip planned in a whirlwind of text messages? That’s normal stuff for Tiger, who is constantly intriguing and always equipped.
RABBIT (THIS LUNAR YEAR)
Years: 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, and 2023
Characteristics: The Rabbit is the embodiment of elegance and excellent advice. People born under this sign will live a peaceful life, avoiding turmoil as much as possible. They like to surround themselves with beauty. Though they are temperamental and might appear disconnected to others who aren’t part of their close group.
DRAGON
Years: 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, and 2024
Characteristics: The great and gorgeous Dragon of myth never ceases to amaze us. Dragons are bursting with energy and strength. Life is a riot of colours, and they are always on the go. They have a lot of friends and fans despite being eccentric and demanding. It is critical that they establish a life purpose or specific mission. They require a cause to fight for, a purpose to strive for, or a wrong to be righted.
SNAKE
Years: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, and 2025
Characteristics: The Snake is introverted and might appear mysterious at first. Some Snakes look disconnected or lost in their own world, yet this is simply how they function. They are extremely perceptive and dislike being rushed while examining a problem. Snakes are graceful and soft-spoken creatures who naturally gravitate towards the better things in life.
HORSE
Years: 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, and 2026
Characteristics: People born in the Horse’s year are optimistic and full of energy, however, their moods might cause them to lose their cool. They are intuitive and communicative, and can persuade even the most reserved people to open up about their life. Horses have smart social instincts and can tolerate pressure and are physically active.
SHEEP
Years: 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, and 2027
Characteristics: Sheep are noted for having enormous hearts and a strong desire to help others. They are often timid and are drawn to creative areas and outlets such as art and fashion. They are soft and empathetic, yet they have an underlying resolve that appears to be at odds with their mild disposition. Even though they despise fighting, they may respond passionately and decisively when threatened.
MONKEY
Years: 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, and 2028
Characteristics: The Monkey is the inventor’s sign; those born in the Monkey’s year like a good challenge. They are a natural performer who engages via their ingenuity and charisma. The Monkey can tackle complex difficulties with ease and is extremely resourceful. A person born in this year is naturally ambitious and may accomplish things that others would not dare to attempt.
ROOSTER
Years: 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, and 2029
Characteristics: The Rooster is the most misunderstood and unconventional of the Chinese zodiac signs. They may appear loud and self-assured, yet they may be really conventional at heart. Roosters are exceptional performers that thrive when they are the focus of attention. The Rooster is a naturally compelling storyteller.
DOG
Years: 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, and 2030.
Characteristics: Those who are born in the year of the Dog are clever and refreshingly forthright. They have a strong feeling of loyalty and a strong desire for justice and equality. People born in this year have a natural ability to connect with others and collaborate with them, no matter how different they are.
BOAR / PIG
Years: 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, and 2040
Characteristics: The Boar sign represents honesty, simplicity, and courage. Boars are known to live in harsh environments. The Boar never does anything halfway, whether it’s love, friendship, charity, or fashion! With such a large personality and love of expression, the Boar never runs out of friends or invites. The most difficult aspect of this sign is saying no.
