2023: Year of the Rabbit … Or Cat?

If you follow the Chinese lunar calendar or have an interest in the Chinese zodiac, you may already know that 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit. But why do some people call it the Year of the Cat?

In most parts of East Asia 2023 corresponds to the rabbit. However, the animal associations of the zodiac can vary. In Vietnam, January 22 (Chinese New Year) ushered in the Year of the Cat instead. But why?

We take a look at 2023’s fluffy conundrum and what lays in store for the year ahead.

What is the Chinese zodiac?

The Chinese zodiac is a classification scheme that assigns an animal to each year in a 12-year cycle. It’s based on a legend in which the Jade Emperor invited all the animals to a race. He named a year after each of them in the order they arrived.

The Chinese New Year animals or zodiac signs are (in order) rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. Each animal is associated with specific personality traits and characteristics. People born in a certain year apparently embody these traits.

Check out our piece Chinese New Year 2023 to find your Chinese zodiac animal personality!

12 animals and 5 elements

Because there are 12 animals, each sign will only appear once every 12th year. Additionally, each animal sign is associated with one of the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water). This further influences its characteristics and interactions with other animal signs.

The element associated with a particular year in the Chinese zodiac follows a 60-year cycle. Currently, the Year of the Rabbit in 2023 is associated with the Water element.

The Rabbit’s lucky colours are green, blue, and pink and their lucky flowers are the plantain lily, jasmine, and marigold. The Rabbit is also associated with the moon and the concept of Yin, which represents femininity, intuition, and nurturing energy.

Why is it Year of the Cat in some countries?

In Vietnam, the lunar calendar and the Chinese zodiac are widely used and celebrated. But there are some cultural differences in how people of that culture interpret and refer to them. One such difference is the replacement of the rabbit with the cat in the Vietnamese zodiac.

Reason #1

One explanation among scholars for why Vietnamese culture celebrates it as the Year of the Cat is that the earthly branch corresponding to “rabbit” is pronounced mao in Mandarin and meo in Vietnamese. Either way, they sound similar to the Vietnamese word for “cat.” While we’re on the topic of cats, read all about the lucky cat, Maneki Neko.

Reason #2

Another reason could lay in variations of the Emperor’s race folk story. In the Chinese version of the legend, the cat and the rat were traveling on an ox across the river. In its eagerness to win the race, the rat pushed the cat into the water. This caused the cat to arrive last and be disqualified. The rabbit managed to cross the river by hopping on stones and landed on a floating log that carried it to the shore, placing it fourth in the race.

In contrast, the Vietnamese version of the legend does not include the rabbit. Instead, the cat is included in the race and manages to swim across the river, arriving in fourth place.

Speaking of animals, did you know the dog is sacred in Hindu mythology? Find out more in our Sacred Animals: Hindu God, Covetous Cat article and watch this video on the myth behind the zodiac, here:

What’s in store for the Year of the Rabbit/Cat?

So with all of this knowledge about the Year of the Cat and Rabbit, you may be wondering just what it means for the year ahead.

It’s thought that this year will be one of hope, deepening connections and love. Sounds nice, right?

If you’re a Rabbit…

Anyone born in the years 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011 and 2023 is a Rabbit. Rabbits are considered elegant, gentle, and optimistic. Due to their calm outward temperament, they can surprise with their seemingly hidden strength and confidence.

Rabbits are also highly self-disciplined and goal oriented. They can be hard on themselves but are kind and tolerant of others. Their strengths are that they’re amiable, elegant, self-disciplined, gracious and generous. On the other hand, they can also be self-absorbed, volatile and conformist!

Despite their mellow and courteous disposition, rabbits don’t trust easily. They aren’t gullible and they’re highly alert. Although very sociable, rabbits can struggle to share their emotions and can sometimes turn to escapism.

Want to know what the Year of the Tiger‘s predictions were? 👈 Click there and see.

FAQ

Here are some simple questions and answers we thought might be on your mind…

Is the Year of the Rabbit lucky in 2023?

Yes! As mentioned, in Chinese astrology rabbits are symbols of good fortune, peace, and prosperity. It’s believed that children born in the Year of the Rabbit will be blessed with good fortune and will be lucky in their relationships.

When is the next Year of the Rabbit?

The next time Year of the Rabbit comes around in 12 years, so in 2035.

What signs are Rabbits compatible with?

It’s believed that the Rabbit sign is compatible with people born in the Year of the Sheep and the Year of the Pig.

Hopping good insurance

Whether you celebrate Year of the Cat or Rabbit, one thing your pet needs year round is a trustworthy pet insurance plan. Depending on which you choose, PD insurance can cover a wide range of pet health costs like prescription medication, surgery, hospitalisation, tests and other visits to the vet for treatment.

Plus, we offer one or more months of free cat insurance and dog insurance, depending on the age of your pet. Why wait a moment more – click below to start your quote now.