What is Lunar New Year? The best gifts for The Year of the Rabbit 2023

On 22 January 2023, the Chinese New Year of the Rabbit leaps into action. One of the most important aspects of the Lunar New Year is the Chinese zodiac, which is a system that assigns an animal to each year in a 12-year cycle. The animal for each year is thought to influence the personality and fortune of people born in that year. If you are interested in learning about the symbolism of The Year of the Rabbit, the Lunar New Year animals and what to expect these coming months, then here is our guide to the Lunar New Year 2023.

The holiday is sometimes called the Lunar New Year due to the dates of celebration following the phases of the moon. The Lunar New Year is a time of joy and celebration, and it is a lovely opportunity for people to come together and honour their traditions and cultural heritage. It is a holiday that is celebrated by people of all ages and is an important part of the cultural tapestry of many countries in East Asia.

What is Lunar New Year?

Lunar New Year is a holiday that is celebrated by many people around the world, especially in countries in East Asia such as China, Korea, and Vietnam. Sometimes known as the Spring Festival in China, it is the most important holiday in the Chinese calendar.

Lunar New Year is based on the lunar calendar, which means that the date of the holiday changes each year. The holiday typically falls in January or February, and it is a time for people to come together with their families, swap gifts, and partake in traditional cultural activities. It is also a time to honour ancestors and welcome the new year with good fortune and prosperity.

What is the Lunar New Year 2023 animal?

2023 is The Year of the Rabbit, and in Chinese culture, the rabbit is known to be the luckiest out of all the twelve animals. The graceful animal symbolises mercy, grace, and beauty. People who are born in the year of the rabbit are calm and peaceful. They avoid conflict and fighting, are artistic, and have a good outlook on life.

The Rabbit Chinese Zodiac falls on the year for those who were born in 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011 and 2023.

Not only are the new years in Chinese astrology characterised by one of twelve animals, but also by the five elements of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. These are also incorporated as the zodiac shifts through a different element each year.

This is no ordinary Rabbit year - 2023 is the year of the Black Water Rabbit - a particularly gifted, creative Rabbit that has not been seen since 1963.

What are the Lunar New Year animals?

The Chinese zodiac is a system of assigning an animal to each year in a 12-year cycle. The animals are believed to influence the personality and fortune of people born in that year. The 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac are rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, ram, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.

Each person's zodiac sign is decided by their birth year. Find out what yours is here and if you want to find the symbolism of each animal, read this guide to learn about your year's unique personality.

If you are looking to find someone the perfect Lunar New Year gift, here are our suggestions and make sure you check out The Year of the Black Water Rabbit 2023 predictions at the end of the article.

The best Lunar New Year gifts 2023

What is The Year of the Rabbit meaning? 2023 predictions

The rabbit is the fourth animal in the cycle. After a turbulent few years, the rabbit is thought to bring some calm and serenity as it is believed to be the luckiest out of all the twelve animals.

Last year was The Year of the Tiger - a year that was led by activating change, highlighting injustices, and breaking down barriers - and as it was the tiger energy, it didn't tread lightly.

All rabbit years are believed to bring happiness and good luck, but this is no ordinary rabbit year. 2023 is the year of the Black Water Rabbit - a specially gifted, creative Rabbit that has not been seen since 1963.

As mentioned earlier in the article, not only are the new years in Chinese astrology characterised by one of twelve animals, but also by the five elements of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water as the zodiac shifts through a different element, each year.

Linda Dearsley states in her book 2023: Thrive in the Year of the Rabbit, "The main source of energy in the Chinese calendar for 2023 is the Water element in its yin form, also known as the feminine, indicating that 2023 will be a more restful time for contemplating our values and goals in life.

"In 2023, the Water Rabbit energy will help us bring our major life goals to fruition. 2023 also provides fertile timing to become a highly paid specialist, so apply yourself, and you just may become significantly more abundant than you already are."