Today, January 22, marks the day of the Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year. Unlike the Gregorian Calendar, the Chinese Lunar New Year observes the moon’s phases and occurs concurrently to the New Moon. In Chinese traditions, the New Year is celebrated for 15 days, following the moon from the New phase to the Full. This holiday is meant to be about removing the bad and the old, in order to welcome the new and the good. It's also a time to honor ancestors, banish evil spirits and pray for a good year of fortune and luck.
The Lunar New Year is celebrated enormously by millions of people around the world. Some of these celebrations include lantern festivals, fireworks, family reunions, feasting, outdoor festivals, dancing dragons, and more. During these events, emphasis is put on the color red, this color is given significant importance in decor and clothing. Red symbolizes prosperity and is believed to bring fortune; it also is seen as a sign of protection and is believed to ward off bad spirits. Another significant tradition involves gifting "hóngbāo", red envelopes containing money, to the younger members of families as a wish of good luck and to manifest abundance.
The Chinese calendar follows the structure of a six decade cycle that is outlined by 12 animal totems, including the five elements of wood, fire, earth, metal and water. The Chinese zodiac is known as “shengxiao” meaning “born resembling”, which is applied to the belief that one inherits and mirrors the traits of the spirit animal of the zodiac sign they are born into. The Chinese zodiac is made up of 12 signs, each represented by one of the different spirit animals. The Chinese zodiac signs are also determined by the year of birth, compared to Western astrology that follows the month and day.
The year 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit. The rabbit is seen as the luckiest and most tender animal out of the 12 Chinese zodiacs, while also representing longevity, peace, and prosperity. Many believe the rabbit is also spiritually a symbol of new beginnings, fertility, sensitivity, patience and wisdom. This Year of the Rabbit is said to be the year of Hope. For those who have the rabbit as their spirit animal... enter this year with mindfulness, use the wisdom and intuition within to look twice before leaping. With that being said, this is also a time to be open to change and look for new beginnings, with the guidance of the rabbit the possibilities for the life one desires are endless.
How to Attract Prosperity & Good Luck this Lunar New Year:
Clean & Cleanse the House
Wear the Color Red
Wear a Zodiac Animal Talisman
Decorate the House (Red & Gold Colors, Flowers, Fresh Fruit, Chinese Knots, etc.)
Get a Prosperity Frog
Say Lucky Words (Manifestations, Affirmations, Mantras)
Utilize the Fire Element (Candles, Fireworks, Lantern)
Keep Jade Stone/Crystals in the Home
Share Good Fortune with Loved Ones
Have a Dragon or Elephant Figurine/Statue in the Home
The Year of the Rabbit reminds us to look within our true selves, to recognize and embrace the qualities and strengths we have been gifted, and build upon them to create the best version of ourselves.
Wanshi ruyi!
Wishing you the best of everything!
~ Blessings