The Chinese New Year celebrations kicked off in January, but for anyone interested in Chinese culture and zodiac symbols, the Year of the Rabbit presents a variety of information throughout the year.

Q: What exactly is a Chinese New Year?

A: As with other cultural new year celebrations, the Chinese New Year celebrates the beginning of a new lunar year as a time to rid oneself of old luck and hard feelings in favor of a spiritual reset for the new year. Chinese New Year celebrations accomplish that goal through fireworks, the color red, parades, and time spent with family members to honor the living and those that have passed on.

Q: Where do these celebrations take place?

A: In addition to China, Chinese New Year celebrations occur in areas with Chinese populations, no matter how big or small. While major cities known for housing large numbers of Chinese residents may have bigger festivals, even small towns with smaller Chinese populations can host the New Year’s events.

Q: If it’s a Chinese event, why does it get celebrated here?

A: For the same reason so many other cultural events in America gets observed; to honor the people that helped build and maintain America by maintaining and celebrating their own unique histories.

It may help to think of the Chinese New Year as just one of the many major holidays observed in America associated with other cultures, such as St. Patrick’s Day with the Irish, Oktoberfest with the Germans, and Cinco de Mayo for Mexican families.

Q: Why is this year called the Year of the Rabbit?

A: Every Chinese Lunar Year gets associated with one of the 12 animals from the Chinese Zodiac, which rotates on a 12-year basis. Each animal symbol has its own unique features and attributes, such as temperaments and personalities associated with people born in each specific year.

For example, people born in the Year of the Rabbit tend to show good reasoning skills, desire surprise in their lives, and can be quite strong and resilient despite being outwardly perceived as weak.

Q: So, if I’m not a Rabbit sign, does that mean I’ll have a bad 2023?

A: Nope. Even when it’s not their turn, every zodiac symbol has it’s own fortune and outlook for each lunar year.

It should be noted that, just like the star zodiac signs, every Chinese zodiac symbol possesses both positive and negative attributes, and none of them can claim to be perfect. Rabbit signs tend to be insecure and can have trouble opening up to other people.

Q: So even Rabbits can have a bad year in 2023?

A: It’s always possible, although Rabbit signs do have a bit of home field advantage this year.

Q: How so?

A: It’s their year. Never discount a home field advantage.

Q: How do I find out my Chinese zodiac symbol?

A: Just go online. There’s a fantastic website called chinesenewyear.net that can provide more information, including history, attributes, lucky symbols, and anything else you’d want to know about the zodiac symbols.

Chinese restaurants also used to have zodiac placements on their tables, too.

Q: I’m a Rabbit, but my best friend is a Rooster, and the chart says we’re not compatible. What does that mean?

A: Nothing. Even zodiac signs don’t get everything right.

Happy Year of the Rabbit and make the most of the opportunities that present themselves to you this year!