6 Chinese New Year Traditions for the Year of the Rabbit
Try these good luck traditions incorporating foods, colors and open windows.
As an Asian-American, the Chinese or Lunar New Year was always a great time of celebration in our family, and we followed many Chinese New Year traditions to secure a prosperous and fortunate year ahead. Here are some things to know about the upcoming Chinese New Year.
What animal represents the Lunar New Year 2023?
The 2023 lunar year celebrates the Year of the Rabbit (兔子 tùzǐ in Mandarin).
When does the 2023 Lunar New Year begin?
The Lunar New Year of the (Water) Rabbit begins on January 22, 2023.
What traits are shared by those born in the Year of the Rabbit?
If you were born in the Year of the Rabbit (1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011), people may find you have a soft and tender personality with a modest attitude. Those who are Rabbits prefer peace and quiet, and will likely try to avoid arguments and confrontation as much as possible. Rabbit personalities may appear like they are soft and malleable, but they are stubborn on the inside
What are the lucky numbers for a Rabbit?
Lucky numbers for those born in a Rabbit year are 3, 4 and 9 or any combination thereof.
What are the lucky colors for a Rabbit?
Red, pink, purple and blue are the most auspicious colors for those born in the Year of the Rabbit.
What Chinese Zodiac animals are most compatible with the Rabbit?
Those born in the Year of the Dog, Sheep or Pig are those most compatible with those born in the Year of the Rabbit.
What celebrities were born in the Year of the Rabbit?
Celebrities born in the Year of the Rabbit include Michael Jordan, Charlize Theron, Angelina Jolie, Tiger Woods, Whitney Houston, Brad Pitt, Zac Efron and David Beckham.
What are some Lunar New Year traditions I can follow?
Follow these Chinese New Year traditions and you practically ensure a wonderful new year!
Chinese New Year traditions
1. Wear red, not white.
White symbolizes death in the Asian culture so wearing predominantly white is a no-no. Also avoid giving white flowers—instead bring a colorful bouquet. Try to wear a new outfit on New Year’s Day—just not a white one!
Related: 5 Things to Know About the Chinese New Year
2. Forget greeting cards.
Give red envelopes instead! Known in Mandarin as hong bao, red envelopes containing money are often given from elders to children or unwed young adults. Avoid giving amounts ending in four as the word for "four" sounds much like the word for "death" in Mandarin.
3. Don't cut or wash hair on New Year's Day.
Do these in the week or so leading up to New Year's Day, but don't do it on the day of as you don't want to wash away or cut short your luck! Same goes for knives and scissors—avoid using them.
Related: Chinese New Year Animals
4. Avoid using a broom.
You should clean your house before and not on the day of as you don't want to sweep out any good luck. Also, don't take out the trash. Do this before or after new year's day.
5. Open windows.
Blow in the good luck and blow out the bad the days leading up to New Year's Day (unless it's too cold to do so!)
6. Eat traditional food.
Some of the things you should eat during New Year's: Dumplings, noodles, fish and fruit like oranges, tangelos and pomelos. Here are explanations for why some foods are associated with luck and good fortune for Chinese New Year.
—Dumplings symbolize wealth and prosperity as they look like ancient Chinese ingots/money.
—Noodles symbolize longevity and strands should be eaten whole and not bit in half or cut.
—Fish symbolizes a surplus of wealth and prosperity and should be the last savory dish served with a few pieces left to ensure a surplus of wealth and prosperity in the coming year.
—Fruit like oranges and pomelos symbolize fullness and wealth. Some say the more fruit you eat the more wealth will be brought to you.
Related: 15 Hacks to Make Your Life Easier in the New Year
What can I expect in The Year of the Rabbit?
The Rabbit symbolizes peace, patience and luck, so we should hopefully look forward to a year of calming and prosperity.
Is it a lucky year?
Yes! For all the signs, luck is in the stars this year in terms of romance, career and health!
How do I greet someone during the Lunar New Year?
When greeting someone for Lunar New Year, say "Xing Nyan Kwai Lo!" and "Gong Xi Fa Cai"! Not sure how to say it? Check out the video below.
