2023 is the Year of the Rabbit. Those that are born this year are rabbits. I’m sure you have seen the different displays of rabbits at Chinese supermarkets, like T&T, in celebration of the Year of the Rabbit. This year red lucky packets have rabbits printed on them and lanterns are made in the shape of rabbits. Rabbits are super cute and adorable animals that many people love. My friend used to have a pet rabbit and he was so cute and fluffy.
Do you like Chinese mythology?
Do you know which zodiac animal you are?
I will be writing a series of stories where I will talk about the twelve different Chinese zodiac animals.
Recap:
Before adapting to the twenty-four-hour clock in western culture, in Ancient China, they used to divide a day into twelve periods. Each period is about two hours long and is named with the twelve earthly branches. When talking about the twelve zodiac animals, you will see the earthly branches written with the animals. Its purpose serves as a numerical number and also tells the time and date of the Lunar Calendar.
@GDJ / Pixabay
Rabbit 卯兔 (mǎotù)
Rabbit is the fourth animal in the twelve zodiacs, because it came right after the Tiger at the race to the Heavenly Gate.
Rabbit (tù) is associated with the fourth earthly branch (mǎo) which is from 5:00 am to 7:00 am. It makes sense because that is the time that rabbits go out and look for food in the morning. It is shortly before sunrise and the grass is still covered with dew.
In Western culture, the rabbit or bunny is associated with Easter. Little children go out to hunt for Easter eggs as it symbolizes new life and good luck. The “rabbit’s foot” is considered to bring good luck in North America.
In Chinese culture, the rabbit symbolizes the moon. The legend of Chang’e, a beautiful lady that was believed to have consumed the elixir of life and then ascended to the moon with a white rabbit as company. She is known as the lady in the moon or the moon goddess, therefore, the rabbit is associated with Chang’e and her story.
@Joyjit_as_JC / Pixabay
People who are born in the Year of the Rabbit (2023, 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, etc.) are known to be kind, skillful, patient and responsible. When interacting with other people, they are very gentle and sincere. It is easy to be friends with those born in the Year of the Rabbit.