I added the pictures above to the message I shared below.
Stylecaster.com
written by Cam Zhang
Friday January 20, 2023
Before I learned anything about the modern astrology of zodiac signs and planets, I grew up with the lunar calendar in my Chinese-American household. The most influential time in the lunar calendar was always Chinese New Year, now culturally known as Lunar New Year. And because we’re about to begin the Year of the Rabbit 2023, it’s time to talk about what that means for you as an individual and us as a collective.
What excited me most as a child with no income were the red envelopes (hong bao), always filled to the brim with coins and single bills that I received from parents and aunties. This gesture always symbolizes prosperity and universal kismet for the upcoming year. The heaps of steaming dishes that would appear in front of my greedy little childhood eyes didn’t hurt either. I would giggle as I poached bites of bouncy and oily long wheat noodles (for longevity!) or snuck a freshly packed dumpling into my mouth before anyone caught onto me as the perpetrator of food thievery.
This celebration is based on the 28-day lunar cycle, because the moon’s calendar spans twelve to thirteen months and usually falls twenty to fifty days behind the Gregorian solar calendar we use now. A lunar month begins during the new moon phase, when the moon moves in line with the Earth and Sun, while a full moon happens in the middle of lunar month. This lunar calendar was used to let people know which dates are filled with good fortune (and which were not), making it easier to decide when to farm, work or even get married!
Here’s everything you need to know about Lunar New Year 2023:
What Is Lunar New Year?
The Chinese zodiac has twelve zodiac signs as well, just like the modern astrology we are used to. However, each sign is associated with one of twelve animals and an element (wood, fire, earth, metal, water) that spans a whole year, as opposed to just a month. Legend has it that the full zodiac kicks off with the Year of the Rat and ends twelve years later with the Year of the Pig. Depending on which Chinese zodiac year you were born into, you’re rumored to have attributes of that animal. 2022 was the Year of the Water Tiger—a year of passion, emotion, courage, strength, relationships, flow and flexibility. As Lunar New Year kicks off on Sunday, January 22, 2023, the energy shifts to the Year of the Water Rabbit. The whole celebration spans fifteen days until February 5, where the send-off Lantern Festival honors our ancestors while bringing peace and enlightenment on the first full moon of the lunar year.
What Does the Year of the Rabbit 2023 Have in Store?
Don’t be fooled; these cute, fluffy creatures are more than just docile and adorable companions. Rabbits are known to be incredibly witty, outgoing, well-spoken, creative, empathetic, thoughtful and meditative; the water element of 2023 means this year will bring even more introspection, peace and hope. Transience and malleability will be the name of the game. 2023 is a great year to be firm with your budgets, finances and plans, while maintaining an open mind to grand opportunities and changes. It’s a season to hone into your imagination, intuition and instincts. With artistic inspiration as a focal point, the rabbit encourages you to fill your heart and soul with hobbies and crafts. Poetry, painting, making music—any activity that instills inner harmony will reign supreme. Meanwhile, water signifies ease and mobility. Use your consciousness for developing multiple backup plans in case of surprises and switch ups, and make sure to assess and read the situation before making a move. However, it’s likely possible exciting travel or moving aspirations are cementing to reality! It’s time to get started on solidifying your next grandiose adventure.
As we navigate our changeover from the fierce, straightforward and interpersonal-focused Water Tiger of 2022, the Water Rabbit of 2023 calls onto us to bestow upon ourselves what we are looking for. Concentrate on tuning into your gut and emotions—the universe is ushering us officially into our self-care eras. Everything we are working on and desire is in us, as long as we approach it with kindness, sensibility, cunningness and ambition.
I added the picture above to the message I shared below.
New York Post
written by Reda Wigle
Saturday January 21, 2023
Hop to it. One thing’s for certain, 2023 will be jumpin’ jumpin’.
The Lunar New Year arrives Sunday, January 22, 2023, bringing us into the Year of the Rabbit, specifically the Water Rabbit. How will the wet bunny bode?
The Chinese calendar has a six decade cycle defined by 12 earthly animal totems and the five elements of wood, fire, earth, metal and water.
As in Western astrology, there are 12 signs within the Chinese zodiac, each represented by a different animal: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig, and each ruling a different set of years. The Chinese zodiac is known as shengxiao, which translates to “born resembling,” based on the belief that people inherit the traits of the animal whose sign they fall under.
Read more about the history of the Chinese zodiac and the traits associated with each sign, here. If you’re in the market for lunar new year gifts, check out our themed shopping guide here.
When is the 2023 Chinese New Year?
Unlike the fixed Gregorian calendar that blithely decrees Jan. 1 as the opening day of each new year, the Chinese Lunar New Year follows the moon’s phases and the new year coincides with a new moon. In China, the celebration of the Lunar New Year lasts 15 days, from the new moon to the full, culminating in the Lantern Festival.The Year of the Rabbit will end on February 9, 2024 and it will be followed, or swallowed by the Year of the Dragon which beings on February 10, 2024.
Lunar New Year celebrations
Celebrated by millions around the world, the Lunar New Year is an absolute banger, folks. The aesthetic emphasis is on the color red, which is believed to bring fortune and ward off bad spirits, and children are traditionally gifted crimson envelopes with money as a sign of good luck and the expectation of abundance. Another way the baddies are kept at bay is by setting off fireworks and leaving lights on throughout the night.
Year of the Rabbit
On a physiological and spiritual level, the rabbit is a radical departure from last year’s tiger. The striped big cat is kind of a jock, focused on exerting vitality and making gains at all costs. Lots of ‘me’ yang energy that encourages growth but not necessarily serenity or satisfaction. By contrast, the rabbit is considered the most tender animal in the zodiac (stew meat reference not intended). The energy of the bunny is yin, receptive rather than assertive, weed not speed if you will.
Legend holds that the rabbit was the familiar of the moon goddess Chang’e and the creature and the year it governs are imbued with a noble knowing and a certain serenity. The soft approach of the regal rabbit encourages us to move through the world with quiet confidence, low key cunning and the knowledge that kindness is not weakness but rather benevolent strategy.
The Rabbit: 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
It’s always dicey when your Ben Ming Nian rolls around AKA your zodiac year returns. Chinese tradition holds that it will be an unstable year for bunnies but rest assured there are key ways to prevent calamity and invite success. Primary among these is to wear a talisman of your zodiac animal and the color red as often as possible. That good juju is multiplied if the token or item is given to you by a close friend or family member as the belief is their good luck will transfer. Ready your rouge and your rabbit’s feet my babies, keep an eye on your fiber and practice persistence.
The Dragon: 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
The odds are in your favor dragons and the future is so bright you’ll want to breath fire. Your challenge is to welcome the good will and glad tidings coming your way but to receive these gifts graciously with an eye on the long game. It’s a great time to commit to a partner or practice but it’s important to avoid impulse purchases and reckless behaviors. Shoot your shot but don’t blow your wad, dig?
The Snake: 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
Just as the shedding of a skin cannot be rushed, all processes of creation and change will require patience this year my snake babies. Take your time, take deep breaths and when your grace is tested think about who you want to be and how you’d like to be remembered. You’re well on your way to your next great incarnation.
The Horse: 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
Trot your fine self right into the new year as much of what has held you back or kept you bridled will finally fall away leaving you free and free to expand into new pastures of success. You might not strike it rich, but luck is on your side when it comes to switching gears and starting over.
The Goat: 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
Your body is your greatest vehicle for success and how you treat it will have serious influence on the way your year plays out. Treat it like a ticking temple, keep it hydrated, sun kissed, protein rich and generally pure? Skies the limit. Treat it like a Dollar Store dumpster and you might not necessarily fail, but you will fall far behind.
The Monkey: 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
The only true barrier for you this year my simian friends is your own set of limiting self-beliefs. You are capable, you are captivating and the world waits for you to get on board with the idea that you deserve, neigh are divinely positioned to receive, more than you ever thought possible.
The Rooster: 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
Celebration and contemplation are the primary themes for you in the months ahead, roosters. It’s in your nature to want to take charge and charge ahead but this year you are called to take stock and take your time. Celebrate your small victories and the win that is taking a beat before action and a pause before speaking.
The Dog: 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
Dogs are naturally loyal but have you been devoting yourself to habits and relationships that are comfortable but not conducive to your highest self? This is the year to shake loose and lean into experimentation. You don’t have to have all of the answers or carry all of the burden. Entertain unexpected perspectives, go somewhere you’ve never been and remember that risk is a great way to get the heart rate up.
The Pig: 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
If you’ll excuse the reference, they don’t call it pig headed for nothing my porcine peeps. I say this with love and with the message that this year in particular, what you resist could very well be bearing your greatest reward. Be open to the possibility that you can and will be proved wrong.
The Rat: 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032
It’s a fertile year for the people of the rat with myriad opportunities for developing wealth, health, relationships and even new buds on the family tree if that’s in line with your wanting. Progress is promised if you are clear about what you want to conjure, spend sparingly and love intentionally.
The Ox: 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033
Caution is the key word for the ox lot this year. Whether you are forging new bonds, developing new skills or working on your mental and physical health do so with utmost care and curation as the seeds you sow and ties you bind this year will play a major part in the future you are building towards. Keep it 100.
The Tiger: 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034
On the heels (or tail) of your Ben Ming Nian, you tigers could use a cat nap. Adequate rest and the implementation of a work/life balance that prioritizes creativity are essential to your well being and your ability to produce the kind of work that garners the attention and financial level up you’ve been seeking. How you take time away from toil is just as important as what you put into it. Bonus: whether you are seeking it or securing it, the forecast for love is favorable for you fine felines.
I added the picture above to the message I shared below.
China Highlights
written by Fercility Jiang
Tuesday January 10, 2023
There are 12 Chinese zodiac signs, in the following order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each sign is named after an animal, and each animal has its own unique characteristics.
Do you know why the 12 Chinese zodiac animals are in the sequence above? The following story reveals legendary reasons, and some of the characteristics of the 12 animals.
The story is widespread (and widely varying) among Chinese. Though it is made up, it might be interesting for you to tell your children and friends.
The Heavenly Gate Race Story - Reasons for Zodiac Rankings
Long, long ago, there was no Chinese zodiac. The Jade Emperor wanted to select 12 animals to be his guards. He sent an immortal being into man's world to spread the message that the earlier one went through the Heavenly Gate, the better the rank one would have.
Early Risers: Quick-Witted Rat and Diligent Ox
The next day, animals set off towards the Heavenly Gate. Rat got up very early. On his way to the gate, he encountered a river. He had to stop there, owing to the swift current. After waiting a long time, Rat noticed Ox about to cross the river and swiftly jumped into Ox's ear.
The diligent Ox did not mind at all and simply continued. After crossing the river, he raced towards the palace of the Jade Emperor. Suddenly, Rat jumped out of Ox's ear and dashed to the feet of the Emperor. Rat won first place and Ox was second.
Competitive and Fast: Tiger and Rabbit
Tiger and Rabbit came third and fourth because both are fast and competitive, but Tiger was faster. (Rabbit got across the river by hopping on stepping stones and a floating log.)
Good-Looking Dragon and Crafty Snake
Good-looking Dragon was fifth and was immediately noticed by the Jade Emperor, who said Dragon's son could be sixth. But Dragon's son didn't come with him that day. Just then, Snake came forward and said Dragon was his adoptive father; so Snake ranked sixth.
Kind and Modest Horse and Goat
Horse and Goat arrived. They were very kind and modest and each let the other go first. The Jade Emperor saw how polite they were and ranked them seventh and eighth.
Jumping Monkey
Monkey had fallen well behind. But he jumped between trees and stones, and caught up to be ninth. Last were Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
These 12 animals became guards of the Heavenly Gate.
The Chinese zodiac great race explanation above left out the Rooster, Dog, and Pig story. I found another website that included these three animals shared below. (emphasis mine)
The picture above is from this article below.
Not long after, a rather well-constructed raft made its way to the riverbank carrying the monkey, the rooster, and the goat. They explained how they had worked as a team to get across. The Emperor was very pleased. He said the goat would be the eighth year, the monkey the ninth, and the rooster the tenth.
Splashing happily onto the shore next was the dog. “What took you so long, when you’re such a good swimmer?” asked the Emperor.
“The river was so lovely and fresh that I decided to have a bath along the way,” the dog explained. She was rewarded with the eleventh year.
There was one place left in the zodiac. The sun was setting, and the Emperor wondered who the last winner would be. All the animals and the Emperor had their eyes on the horizon, waiting for the last animal to appear...
All of a sudden, everyone heard a scuffle, a squeak, and an oink.
The pig turned up! “You took a long time. What happened?” the Emperor asked.
“I was hungry and stopped to eat, then I fell asleep,” said the pig. And so, the twelfth year was given to the pig.
As for the poor cat, he finally crawled out of the river, soaking wet and tired. But, he was too late to have a year named after him. The cat was very angry with the rat for pushing him into the water. Since then, cats have disliked water and have never been friends with rats!
I added the picture above to the message I shared below.
[source: StudyCli.org]
When Westerners gaze at the ๆไบฎ (yuรจliang; moon), they may jokingly say that the moon is made out of cheese or that they see the Man in the Moon. When a Chinese person looks at the moon, however, they most certainly will see the Jade Rabbit (็ๅ
Yรนtรน) standing under a cassia tree holding a precious elixir.
Like the Chinese zodiac itself, the legend of the Jade Rabbit has many different origin stories. One of the most common stories in China begins with the Jade Emperor disguising himself as a beggar. Once disguised, he embarks on a journey to find a worthy animal to help him prepare the elixir of life.
In this tale, the Rabbit willingly attempts to sacrifice himself as food for the beggar by jumping into a fire. However, the Rabbit is saved by the Jade Emperor, who then carries the Rabbit to the moon where he helps create the elixir of life.
Those looking for the Jade Rabbit will find his outline on the moon with his pestle and mortar, mixing the divine elixir to this day.
The concept of the Chinese zodiac has spread to other Asian countries, but other cultures have slightly different interpretations regarding the Jade Rabbit. In Japan, the Old Man of the Moon brings the Rabbit back to the moon to live with him because of the Rabbit’s great kindness.
According to this myth, the image seen on the surface of the moon is of a rabbit pounding out mochi rice cakes, not the elixir of life.
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