Each year, Lunar New Year is symbolised by one of 12 zodiac animals.
This is based on a story about the Jade Emperor trying to find a way to measure time. He told the animals they were to compete in a race. The first 12 animals to complete the race would be rewarded by having a year named after them. These animals are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.
2023 is the Year of the Rabbit. The last time there was Year of the Rabbit was in 2011. The next one will not be until 2035.
In the story of the Jade Emperor, the rabbit was the fourth animal to complete the race. The rabbit was so confident that he would win that he took a nap allowing three other animals to arrive before him.
In traditional Chinese Culture. Rabbits are quiet and agile（敏捷的）, which suits traditional Chinese aesthetic（审美的） values of being gentle and cultivated（有教养的）.There is a view in Chinese culture that rabbits are smart and gentle. This is shown by the phrase "dongrutuotu", a Chinese idiom used to describe people who are as smart and agile as rabbits. So it is believed that people who were born in the year of the rabbit would have the characteristics including being kind, agile, quiet and responsible.
There is also a Legend about a Jade Rabbit living on the moon which is the pet of Chang' e, a goddess widely known in China. This can explain why rabbits are regarded as an auspicious（吉祥的） sign.
In addition, in ancient China, people generally believed that the more children you have, the luckier and happier you will be. This belief makes the rabbit a popular symbol of good luck and fortune, because the rabbit is naturally full of vitality（活力） and fertility（生育能力）.
So, now it's the rabbit's turn. Maybe the Year of the Rabbit can bring you good luck!
