The Year of the Rabbit
As Lunar New Year of the Rabbit approaches, thoughts of being surrounded by beautiful iridescent lanterns while feasting on prosperity cake with loved ones come to mind. The year of the Rabbit heralds all that we can and should look forward to – peace and prosperity. The Rabbit represents good fortune, clarity, and hope for the future. Celebrations of Chinese New Year traditionally last for 16 days, starting from Chinese New Year's Eve to the Lantern Festival. The first 7 days are a public holiday, from January 21st to January 27th in 2023.
Rabbits born 1963, 1975, 1987, or 1999 are considered the luckiest out of all the 12 zodiacs. They are the fourth zodiac animal in the Chinese calendar and are known to personify elegance, kindness, and beauty. According to Chinese culture, Rabbits also possess a personality that requires them to be gentle, quiet, alert, skillful, quick, responsible, patient, and kind.
Some famous Rabbits include:
Michael Jordan (Basketball Superstar): February 17, 1963, Water Rabbit
Kate Winslet (Actress): October 5, 1975, Wood Rabbit
Albert Einstein - scientist.
Andy Murray - Former Wimbledon Champion.
Bob Hope - actor/entertainer.
Angeline Jolie - Actress, Activist.
Ingrid Bergman - actress.
Tracy Emin - Artist.
Frank Sinatra, singer/actor.
Mark Hamill - Actor
David Beckham
Chinese Astrologers believe that this lunar new year is lucky for people born under the sign of the Dragon, Horse, Dog, Rat, Money and Pig.
It is considered good luck to wear red on the Lunar New Year, and it is especially auspicious if the red garment or accessory is gifted to you. The color red symbolizes energy, happiness, and good luck in Chinese cultures. I personally will be wearing this beautiful silk Rabbit scarf gifted by designer Mary Lo in the days ahead.
With that in mind, designers have launched lines in honor of this auspicious holiday. Dior, Gucci, Proenza Schouler, Loewe, Burberry and Valentino are among the many houses that have capsule collections in honor of the year of the Rabbit. Acne Studios has created a collection in collaboration with artist Apollinaria Broche. The French-Russian artist is known for working with ceramic sculpture, as well as her use of zoomorphic shapes inspired by antique figurines. The capsule focuses around a story of a lucky rabbit named Bun Bun who can’t help but put a big smile on everyone’s face thanks to its big ears and endearing eyes.
If you don’t want to go in a fashion apparel route, presenting someone you love any item with a rabbit motif would be a favorable gift especially the jade rabbit. Gifting rabbit-shaped jade jewelry is very popular in Chinese mythology as the jade rabbit is the only zodiac animal to have lived with the Moon Goddess Chang’E, and thus, is a beloved animal. Or, you can present a loved one with a traditional red envelope -often decorated with beautiful Chinese calligraphy and symbols - containing paper money inside.
I wish you all the very best for this Lunar New Year, and every day.
Happy New Year.
XO
Kathleen.