Lunar New Year 2023: Year of the Water Rabbit
The Lunar New Year is an important holiday celebrated by many Asian countries and cultures. It is aligned with the lunar-solar Chinese calendar and celebrated for 16 days. This year, the Lunar New Year falls on January 21, 2023 followed by 15 days from January 22 to February 9. In China, Lunar New Year lasts from the new moon to the next full moon. The holiday represents new beginnings and an opportunity to renew good health, happiness and fortune.
The Chinese Zodiac has 12 animals that each carry their own characteristics and are associated with the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water). These 12 animals coincide with the lunar calendar and follow a 12-year cycle. It’s believed that the year ahead will be characterized by the qualities of its corresponding animal.
2023 is the Year of the Water Rabbit (also known as Year of the Black Rabbit) - the fourth animal sign in the Chinese zodiac cycle.
IN CHINESE CULTURE, THE RABBIT SYMBOLIZES:
Longevity
Peace
Tranquility
Prosperity
Positivity
Auspiciousness
Cautiousness
Cleverness
Self-Protection
Governed by the Water element in its 2023 iteration, the Rabbit is imbued with compassion, intuition, and emotional intelligence. As such, it is predicted that this will be a year that brings hope, patience and luck - characteristics embodied by the the two.
In general, the coming year looks to be favorable and prosperous for most. Many will experience success in love, career advancement, health and financial success. This year will also be a positive influence on those with impulsive or unrealistic personalities as the rabbit encourages more level-headed and practical thinking. For all, the year of the rabbit signifies a great opportunity to think carefully and make important life decisions.
IN CHINESE CULTURE, THE LUNAR NEW YEAR INVOLVES MANY WONDERFUL TRADITIONS THAT ARE BELIEVED TO BRING GOOD LUCK:
Cleaning the home before New Year’s Day sweeps away bad luck from the previous year and makes way for good luck in the next.
Decorating with red colors (paper cuttings, lanterns, flowers). Red is an auspicious color believed to bring prosperity and energy while warding off evil spirits and negativity.
Lion and dragon dances during Lunar New Year festivities are believed to bring prosperity and good luck for the upcoming year.
Gifting red envelopes filled with money
Enjoying tea, fruits, sweets and purchasing new clothes and home supplies
Eating dumplings (the shape resembles ingots, the pieces of gold used as money during ancient times)
Long noodles (aka longevity noodles) - the longer the noodle you eat, the longer you’ll live
Oranges (given as gifts) are believed to bring riches into your life. The fruit’s gold color symbolizes prosperity
Although North Americans traditionally follow the Gregorian Calendar, the arrival of the Lunar New Year is a great opportunity for us all to welcome new prosperity and luck. With the past few years behind us, which may have been challenging for many, the Water Rabbit signifies a hopeful next chapter that embraces the importance of slowing down, living peacefully and making exciting life decisions.
If you feel ready for a New Year’s reset, always feel free to reach out or schedule an appointment online.
Happy New Year!
