The Year of the Rabbit hopped in on January 22, 2023, bringing with it some good news: Rabbit years mean peace and hope, especially for those embarking on new ventures like engagements, weddings and growing your family!
What is the Year of the Rabbit?
Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year, is based on the cycles of the moon and falls on a different day every year. It marks the start of a new Chinese zodiac year and it is a celebration of the arrival of spring in many Asian and Asian-diasporic communities around the world.
The rabbit is one of 12 animals represented in the Chinese zodiac, with the five elements of wood, fire, earth, metal and water rotating on their own unique cycle. Each year, a unique animal and element combination is presented, thought to bring distinct qualities and symbolism to the year. It takes 60 years for the same combination to present itself again.
What should I expect for this lunar year?
For the next 12 months, we are in a “Water Rabbit” year, which is believed to bring fortune, hope, relaxation and contemplation. This is particularly exciting for those taking the next step, whether through getting engaged, having a wedding or bringing a child into their lives. People entering the next chapter of their story are expected to experience auspicious results in those pursuits.
On top of that good energy, we are getting double springs this lunar year, a rare occurrence considered to bring double the luck and happiness to that year. Approximately every three years, a leap month is added to the lunar calendar (which typically sees 12 moons in a cycle) to remain in sync with the solar calendar, resulting in two springs.
The next year with double springs is not scheduled to occur for more than 1,000 years. (Yes, you read that right.) Steps taken this year through engagements, marriages and family growth are thought to bode particularly well thanks to this rarity. Congratulations are in order for those taking a leap in the months to come!
Fun facts about this lunar year
- This lunar year, we are getting two springs, two solar new years AND 13 months, instead of 12, making the year unusually long at 384 days.
- The Year of the Rabbit for 2023 will be the first Lunar New Year celebrated in California as an official state holiday, marking the first time that the festival has been officially recognized by any U.S. state.
- The Year of the Dragon will start on February 10, 2024.
How to optimize the luck of the Water Rabbit in your weddings and events
Every lunar cycle has symbolism attached to it that is thought to help maximize your fortune. Here are some ways you can reinforce your luck in any events this year:
- Lucky flowers: jasmine and plantain lily
- Lucky colors: red, pink, purple and blue
- Lucky animals: rabbits and dogs, perfect on jewelry to wear as you celebrate those special moments!
Happy Year of the Rabbit! 兔年快乐
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