When is Chinese New Year 2023 and what is the animal?
MILLIONS of people around the world are set to celebrate Chinese New Year and the arrival of a new animal.
But when do the celebrations take place and what is the animal? Here's everything you need to know.
When is Chinese New Year 2023?
In 2023, Chinese New Year falls on Sunday, January 22.
The New Year celebrations last up to 16 days - but only the first seven days are considered a public holiday.
On February 5, 2023, the Chinese New Year will culminate with the spectacular lantern festival.
What is the animal in Chinese New Year 2023?
This year marks the transition between zodiac signs, with 2023 being the year of the Rabbit, more specifically the Wood Rabbit.
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In 2022, the year of the Tiger was celebrated.
This year will mark the first year of the Wood Rabbit since 1975.
The next Wood Rabbit will be in 2035.
What is the year of the Rabbit?
The year of the Rabbit occurs every 12 years - that means that the most recent Years of the Rabbit were 1999 and 2011.
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Other years include, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975 and 1987.
According to cultural experts, “The Year of the Rabbit 兔年 symbolizes longevity, positivity, auspiciousness, wittiness, cautiousness, cleverness, deftness and self-protection.''
What does the Rabbit mean in the Chinese Zodiac?
The Rabbit is the fourth of the repeating 12-year cycle of animals of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac, constituting part of the Chinese calendar system.
This animal represents strength, kindness and courage.
Rabbits are very goal-driven and are careful with their next moves - no matter what negativity the receive.
With an attractive aura, Rabbits are good at socializing and play close attention to detail.
However, they do find it hard to open up to others and often turn to escapism.
Legend has it that the emperor was hosting a party and claimed that whoever arrived first would hold a spot in the Chinese zodiac.
Rabbit arrived at the party first but did not see any other guests, so instead he went off to the side and had a nap.
However, when awoke, three other animals had already arrived.
Thus, he was crowned the fourth animal in the zodiac.
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The Chinese zodiac includes 12 animals such as the Rat, the Ox, the Tiger, the Rabbit, the Dragon, the Snake, the Horse, the Goat, the Monkey, the Rooster, the Dog and the Pig.
Some notable Rabbits in the zodiac include: Angelina Jolie, and