Year of the Rabbit


The Chinese (Eastern) Zodiac has no historical connection with the Western Zodiac.  In fact, the Chinese Zodiac does not even use constellations.  It consists of 12 sets of animal symbols originated in ancient times in China, Korea, and Japan.  Of course, one of them is the Year of the Rabbit.

Here is the chronological order of the Chinese Zodiac:  Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig.  Each of these symbols corresponds to a specific year, so they are repeated every 12 years (whereas the Western Zodiac’s symbols corresponds to monthly cycles).

The next Year of the Rabbit will occur in 2011.  It is believed people born in the Year of the Rabbit will have certain characteristics.  A study of these characteristics will reveal that the personalities and temperaments of the Rabbit are very similar to those born under the sign of Pisces.  This makes sense because the time of Pisces takes place just before the Spring season begins.

A Rabbit person is intelligent, and attuned to the importance of details, such as in color and design.  Rabbit people are tranquil, compassionate individuals who are faithful friends.  Their tender heart is in need of security and trust, so they tend to be cautious.  Rabbit people are sociable yet have a secret side.  They can be moody and emotional.  Rabbit people like to work at their own pace, and they avoid conflict.  They are also considered lucky.

Does the description of a Rabbit person apply to your house rabbit?

If any one reading this article was born in 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, or 1999 congratulations - you are a Rabbit person!

Here are some famous Rabbit people:  Cary Grant, Bob Hope, Orson Welles, George Orwell, and of course Lewis Carroll.

Even if we were not born in the Year of the Rabbit, we can all strive to emulate the wonderful characteristics of the Rabbit person by being more humble, gentle, cautious, attentive to details, and content to just be ourselves.

This may not be a Year of the Rabbit, but at the Mid-South Bunny Museum it is the Year of the Rabbit every year (and every month, for that matter).