Happy New Year of the Rabbit (video)

Kimmy Yam (NBC News); KREM 2 News, Jan. 20, 2023; CC Liu, Crystal Q., Wisdom Quarterly

Lunar New Year 2023: Rabbit | What to Know

(KREM 2 News) Jan. 20, 2023. Happy Lunar New Year! People from East and Southeast Asian cultures across the world [not just the Chinese] are ringing in a new year of prosperity, hope, and calm.

It's the Year of the [Black] Water Rabbit

It’s the Year of the Rabbit and we should all be focusing on rest, introspection, and working smarter not harder [to be like good little bunnies in a cubby hole].

The Lunar New Year, celebrated primarily by Chinese diasporas [ex-pat communities] and other East Asian cultures as well as the Vietnamese, will begin on Sunday, kicking off 15 days of festivities and customs.

While the preceding Year of the Tiger was seen as a powerful period of action and, at times, impulse, the rabbit sign is expected to usher in a softer period focused on self-reflection, Jonathan H. X. Lee, an Asian and Asian American studies professor at San Francisco State University, told NBC News.

“There is a lot of possibility for prosperity and flourishing, and for peace, really,” said Lee, whose research focuses on religions and folklore.

“The rabbit is a very strong symbol for peace.” Lee added that to make the most of the year, people should also behave in accordance with this tranquil energy.

“There needs to be a moment of introspection and thoughtfulness in being, in action, and for the intention of long-term success,” said Lee.

“You’re going to be much more conservative and reflective in your decision-making.” Additionally, the years are further classified as one of two sides of the yin yang symbol.

This year is considered yin and, compared to its light and more active counterpart, emphasizes the importance of rest, Lee said. The rabbit is a symbol of intellect and cautiousness.

As the lore goes, the rabbit was among the 12 animals [all real and one mythical] who raced to the Jade Emperor in a cosmic contest that ultimately determined the order of the Chinese zodiac signs.

Though it was a weak swimmer, the rabbit used its brain, opting to cross the river portion of the course on a raft. Like the animal, Lee said, it’s important to approach everything in a smart, deliberate way.

“If you look at the economy and real estate, last year was a year dictated by FOMO [fear of missing out]. ‘I have to go get mortgage rates for all-time low, I have to go buy something,’” Lee said.

Feng shui expert in the Philippines explains the Year of the Water Rabbit

“This year, it’s not going to be the same. You’re not just going to jump in and get any kind of loan and offer anything on a house....If you did just jump in because of FOMO, you’re going to have a whole slew of issues.”

The rabbit in the Chinese zodiac also speaks to the power of empathy. At one point in the race, the rabbit found itself stuck in the water.

The [mythical reptilian] dragon, who was flying overhead, opted to finish behind its woodland friend, blowing a heavy gust of wind to help send the rabbit across the finish line. The act speaks to the importance of both giving and receiving compassion, Lee said.

Other Chinese and Buddhist mythology confirm the rabbit’s role in fostering empathy, Lee explained.

In one Buddhist story, an old man and child were lost in the wilderness, hungry and cold. The Buddha, who took the form of a rabbit, started a fire and hopped into the flames, thus sacrificing itself to nourish the two, Lee said. More

Lunar New Year 2023: What's in store for Year of the Rabbit?

(ABC7 News Bay Area) Jan. 20, 2023. #abc7news #rabbit #lunarnewyear The Chinese Zodiac animal for this Lunar New Year is the rabbit. Here's what that means and some surprising facts about this Lunar New Year. abc7ne.ws/3QTRFNg #lunarnewyear #zodiac #rabbit #abc7news