Each year is linked to one of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. The order of the years of zodiac signs are said to be based on a folk tale known as the Great Race, where Jade Emperor invited a series of animals to participate and they were placed in the order they finished in the race.
2023 is the year of the rabbit, the fourth animal in the Chinese zodiac. Characteristics of people born in the year of the rabbit include attention to detail, sociability, and kindness. The year of the rabbit also fell in 2011, 1999, 1987 and 1975.
On Chinese New Year’s Eve, Saturday 21 January, a reunion dinner takes place where families sit around a table and enjoy delicious food and time together. Dumplings are a traditional dish often served at the dinner as they are a symbol of luck.
To celebrate, Chinese people put up decorations including red couplets, spend time with loved ones, watch lion and dragon dances, set off fireworks, visit a temple to pray for good luck, and gift red envelopes containing money.
People put on new clothes, and say ‘gong xi fa cai’ which translates to ‘may you attain greater wealth’, wishing each other good luck and happiness in the new year.
‘Gong xi fa cai’ to all who are celebrating!
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