What is the Chinese Zodiac?
In Chinese culture it is believed that a person’s horoscope, personality, fortune and love compatibility are closely linked with their Chinese zodiac, which is determined by their birth year.
The story that explains the beginning of the zodiac comes in many titles but is commonly referred to as ‘The Heavenly Gate Race’. In this story the Jade Emperor ordered that animals would be designated as calendar signs and the twelve that arrived first would be selected. The diligent Rat stealthy hide on the Ox back and occupied the first place at the essential moment. The Tiger was crowned as the King of the Forest while the Dragon was titled the Lord of the Sea, and they ranked behind the Ox. The Rabbit won a race with the Dragon and gained forth. The Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, and Rooster followed. The Dog was punished to be the last one for biting the Rabbit in a pet. Actually the Dog was the 11th, because there is one being late for the interview – the Pig finally took the last place.
Chinese Zodiac Elements
The elements of the Chinese zodiac are wood, fire, earth, water and metal. They are based on the Five Elements theory – the basis of many practises applies in medicine and feng shui.
Each year has a specific element assigned to it, and between the five elements and the 12 zodiac signs, that creates a 60-year cycle. Any given element affects the year as a whole and everyone in it. It also influences the personalities and propensity of those born during that year. Understanding your Chinese zodiac element can help you learn more about yourself and balance your life.
Year of the Rabbit
2023 is the year of the Water Rabbit. It starts from 22nd January 2023 and ends 9th February 2024. Most recently, the Years of the Rabbit have been 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, and 2011.
The Year of the Water Rabbit is supposed to be a year of energy, changes, and possibilities. Entering Year of the Rabbit 2023, every zodiac sign’s horoscope will change.
Fortunes change every lunar calendar and it is said that the following are lucky for Rabbits this year:
- Lucky numbers: 3, 4 and 6
- Lucky colours: pink, red, purple and blue
- Lucky flowers: plantain lily and jasmine
