The Chinese New Year is on Sunday, January 22. Also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, Chinese New Year is celebrated at the second new moon following the Winter Solstice. This festival marks the end of winter and the beginning of a long-awaited spring. According to the Chinese zodiac, 2023 is the Year of the rabbit, which is also the year 4795.

The Chinese Zodiac dates to the Qin Dynasty over 2000 years ago and is rooted in a system of zoolatry (or animal worship). As the legend goes, the Jade Emperor challenged all the animals in the Kingdom to a “Great Race.” Whoever arrived at his palace first would win his favor. The Rat was first because he tricked the Ox who was second, then the tiger, rabbit whose tail had been bitten by a wolf, and a dragon saved him. As the rabbit got away, he accidentally crossed the finish line, and then the dragon followed, so Rabbit years are full of dumb luck – right place right time, then the snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.

Feng Shui originated in China and as did the Chinese philosophy of the five-element theory. Each of the years in the Chinese calendar is not only named for one of the twelve animals, but they also refer to one of the five elements- water, earth, fire, metal, and wood.

So, what does the Year of the Water Rabbit have in store for us?
In Chinese culture, the rabbit is known as the luckiest out of all the twelve animals. It symbolizes mercy, elegance, and beauty. This year will symbolize longevity, peace, and prosperity. It is predicted to be a year of hope. Rabbit years bring lucky breaks and partnerships for those on their true path. Although the Rabbit is not the strongest of animals its charm, and speed attract money, fertility, lovers, and success. This is especially true combined with the water element of the year. This will be a calm year. A year that represents sensitivity, intuition, and in its most positive form the way to inner peace. A relaxing year and a year full of good friends and family. However, be careful because the devil-may-care attitude might lead to inaction. So don’t get trapped like the rabbit almost was by the wolf.

This is a great year for stability, the perfect year to go back to school or write a book or start a ritual of reading every day. The Rabbit is the most literate of all the animals. Jeff Bezos was born in the year of the rabbit and look what Amazon has done for the book industry. Great year for romance. The rabbit is a strategist so a great analytical business year. The rabbit symbolizes good luck, so if you practice patience, you should experience lucky breaks in business and romance.

Happy New Year!

Have any Feng Shui questions? Feel free to contact me at michelle@michellecromer.com and sign up for your Power Color or visit me on Facebook at Michelle Cromer Feng Shui.