Chinese New Year

by Qineng Tan, L.Ac., Ph.D. and Xiaomei Cai, L.Ac., Ph.D.

The Lunar New Year will begin on January 23, 2023. It is the Year of the Rabbit! The shift in energy will be significant as we move out of 2022, the Year of the Tiger, and into the more patient and gentle Rabbit Year 2023.

The Chinese Zodiac, like the Western Zodiac, is made up of twelve signs, each represented by an animal or magical creature. In Western astrology, the signs cycle through the twelve months every year, but in Chinese astrology, each sign gets a whole year to itself, and a cycle lasts twelve years.

Chinese Astrology also incorporates the five elements: Water, Metal, Wood, Earth, and Fire. The zodiac moves through a different element each year. 2023 will be the Year of the Water Rabbit. Because the Yin Water element is associated with the color black, some people call this the “Year of the Black Rabbit.”

The Yin Water element represents sensitivity, intuition, and, in its most positive form, the way of inner peace. The Water Rabbit Year promises a period of rest and reflection after the dynamic Year of the Tiger. 

In Chinese culture the Rabbit is associated with the moon. According to ancient Chinese legend, the Jade Emperor disguised himself as an old beggar in order to find a trustworthy helper. The Rabbit offered itself as a meal to the starving man by jumping into the fire. The Emperor revealed his true self and took the generous Rabbit to the moon, where together they created the Elixir of Life. The outline of the Jade Rabbit can be seen on the moon, using a mortar and pestle to mix herbs into a powerful potion of healing and longevity.

The rabbit is a symbol of good luck. In Chinese philosophy, rabbits are also considered to be emblematic of patience. So, as long as you can bide your time until the moment is right to act in 2023, you should experience some lucky breaks!

What Is My Sign In Chinese Astrology?

To find your Chinese horoscope, look for your birth year: 

(As the lunar year begins on a different date each year, check more closely if your birthday lands in January or February)

• Rabbit 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023 
• Dragon 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012 
• Snake 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013 
• Horse 1942, 1954,1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014 
• Goat 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015 
• Monkey 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016 
• Rooster 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017 
• Dog 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018 
• Pig 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019
• Rat 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020 
• Ox 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
• Tiger 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022

Chinese Zodiac – Year of the Rabbit Horoscope

2022 was the Year of the Water Tiger. The Tiger was brave and ambitious, ready to pounce when the moment of opportunity presented itself. Then, there were periods of rest, like afternoon naps after a good lunch. The Water element served to soften Tiger’s sharp edges.

As you might imagine, the Rabbit is known for its gentle spirit. Rabbits tend to be “homebodies,” content to wait patiently, studying and paying attention to every detail. People might underestimate the Rabbit’s quiet strength, but make no mistake; the rabbit can move with speed and agility when the time is right.

Rabbits are social and attractive to many, but they may be reluctant to be very open with their true feelings. They can charm people with their warmth and good manners, and always want to make a good impression. They like to escape into stories or wear stylish fashions to keep things interesting. Rabbits may need a lot of assurance that they are lovable.

How to Create Good Luck for The Water Rabbit Year 2023

If you were born in a Rabbit year, then 2023 is your “ben ming nian.” When it’s “your year,” it can be an exciting yet tumultuous time of new beginnings. According to tradition, is it wise to take certain precautions to protect your health and your luck during your ben ming nian.

Wearing the color red or a jade amulet can help ward off misfortune, while following good Feng Shui arrangements in your home can help maintain a peaceful atmosphere. This is especially true for Rabbits, who tend to favor the colors red and pink, and because of the rabbit’s legendary association with jade.

Avoid risky trips or big renovation products that could cause a commotion. Instead, focus on giving back to your community in any way you can and attending joyous celebrations whenever possible.

Chinese New Year Traditions

The gift-giving tradition of Chinese New Year centers around the iconic red envelope. Within the family, children and adults can both look forward to receiving packets filled with crisp, new bills. Tradition dictates that one give and receive the envelope with both hands—and that the envelopes must never be opened in the presence of the giver. Wait to open it later!

In Chinese culture, there are many ways to extend wishes for a “Happy Lunar New Year” to others. One way to greet people in Mandarin during the New Year season is to say, “新年好!” which translates as “New Year Goodness!”

Feng Shui for Chinese New Year 2023

Giving your home a thorough cleaning and reorganizing is really the most important tradition to observe going into the New Year. A fresh start creates a positive outlook and harmonious setting for your New Year’s celebration and will hopefully carry you through the first months of the year.

Making your bedroom a soothing place for rest and rejuvenation is important.

Happy New Year From Art of Wellness Acupuncture Los Angeles

Chinese New Year is a time of sharing and togetherness, of preparation and taking care of ourselves and others. We take special care of our homes and loved ones, and we take care of our own health. It is a perfect time to come in for acupuncture treatment. Chinese medicine has always been an excellent form of preventive medicine. Taking the time to reset your system is a way of investing in your future good health. 

From everyone at Art of Wellness Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, we wish you 岁岁平安 Peace all year round!

*This article is for education from the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine only. The education provided by this article is not approved by FDA to diagnose, prevent, treat and cure human diseases. It should not stop you from consulting with your physician for your medical conditions. Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on Qi, which is an invisible force that usually cannot be observed by modern science. Because science focuses on testing ideas about the natural world with evidence obtained through observation, these aspects of acupuncture can’t be studied by science. Therefore acupuncture and Chinese herbs are often not supported by double-blind, randomized trials, and they are considered alternative medicine therapies in the United States.