Year of the Rabbit: Chinese Zodiac Guide (2024 Updated)

A rabbit tends to look helpless, but did you know that it is considered the luckiest of the zodiac animals in Chinese culture? While the rat was the first to arrive at the heavenly gates, the rabbit would’ve been first - except it fell asleep.

If you’re born in the year of the Rabbit, take a look at your fortune and lucky digits this 2022!

Year of the Rabbit: An Overview

The rabbit is the fourth year in the cycle on the Chinese Lunar calendar, starting late January to early February, differing from the Gregorian calendar. It is also the luckiest of the twelve animal signs in Chinese culture [1].

According to Chinese folklore, the Jade Emperor held a race that determined the zodiac order of which animals arrived first at his party. The rabbit arrived first but took a nap at the side, waking up to three other animals already at the finish line.

You’re a rabbit if your birth year falls in 1903, 1915 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, and 2023 [2]. The rabbit is connected with the Earthly branch Mǎo (卯) and early morning hours.

Lucky Signs

Numbers

For people born in the rabbit year (based on the lunar calendar, including the New Year, falling between late January and early February), your lucky numbers are 3, 4, and 6. Any numbers containing the three, such as 34 or 36, are also considered lucky. 

On the other hand, the fluffy animal should avoid numbers 1, 7, and 8. The lucky numbers of rabbits (3 and 4) are also the luckiest this year, similar to the tiger. 

Colors

The lucky colors of rabbits are red, blue, pink, and purple, while dark brown, dark yellow, and white are unlucky. Since the lucky colors of the tiger this year are blue, gray, and orange, rabbits can definitely have a bit of luck!

Flowers

The lucky flowers for people born on rabbit years are plantain lily and jasmine.  

Directions

For the rabbit’s lucky directions in the world this year, head to east, south, and northwest. Make sure to avoid west, north, and southwest.  

Characteristics & Personality of the Rabbit

Rabbit people are known for being kind, righteous, and elegant while being attentive and skilled. Nonetheless, rabbits tend to be shallow, self-willed, desolate, and highly cautious.

Men with rabbit Chinese zodiac signs are polite and often smile, making them look reliable and honest. In addition, they show perseverance in difficulties and are clever in finding solutions.

Women with the rabbit zodiac animals are kind-hearted, loyal, modest, and charming. However, they are withdrawn, often daydreams, and too guarded, resulting in missing great opportunities. 

Love & Relationships

Most Compatible With

Chinese zodiacs compatible with rabbits are the dog, pig, monkey, and sheep. Although, the dog is the most compatible with rabbits for a happy marriage since both the rabbit and dog are sociable, love life, and their family.

For an easily satisfied marriage life, rabbit and pig would make the best pair for not being picky in life, feeling contented and happy. As for the rabbit and sheep, both are excellent negotiators, having less conflict in their marriage.

Least Compatible With

On the contrary, Chinese zodiac rats and roosters should be avoided by rabbits when choosing a romantic partner. If a rabbit and rooster are paired up, they have fewer chances of increasing their wealth. A rabbit should also be careful around a snake.

Considering that rabbits are detail-oriented, pairing up with an irresponsible rat will lead to common conflicts in marriage. So single rabbits should avoid pairing with the Chinese zodiac rats, roosters, and a horse for a happy life and family. 

Lifestyle & Health

All in all, people with the rabbit Chinese zodiac animals can expect good health. However, they should do more active sports to prevent getting diseases and drink water often to avoid problems in the urinary system and skin.

Best Careers & Jobs for Rabbits

People born in the rabbit year are acknowledged for their intelligence and skill. Thus, they can expect a better career. They also have a good sense of art to excel in painting, calligraphy, cooking, and tailoring.

Types of Rabbits

Water Rabbit

One of the five elements is the water rabbit, displaying different characteristics including being gentle, friendly, and versatile. However, people with the water element sign are weak-minded and lack principles.

Earth Rabbit

The earth rabbit sign displays slightly restrained yet straightforward, motivated, and persevering, making them successful in achieving their goals. However, their reservedness may cause them to lose good opportunities.

Metal Rabbit

Metal elements display positivity, joyfulness, and intelligence. These people are considerate, avoid conflicts, and live in harmony with others. They are visionary and promote freedom. Nonetheless, they have sensitive feelings and overthink things, leading to complications.

Fire Rabbit

A rabbit with the fire element is most likely to succeed in its endeavors. They are clever, skilled, and are liked by their friends for being open-minded and considerate. However, their high ambitions and dreams make them look arrogant.

Wood Rabbit

The wood yin yang sign for a rabbit combines good attributes and a negative personality. They are intelligent and quick-witted, but they use their talents to take advantage of others as they are shrewd and selfish, despite looking lively and friendly in appearance.

Famous People Born in the Year of the Rabbit

Famous personalities born in the rabbit’s year (based on the lunar calendar including the New Year, which falls somewhere between January and February) are:

• Albert Einstein
• Angelina Jolie
• Brad Pitt
• Frank Sinatra
• Jeff Bezos
• Johnny Depp
• Martin Luther
• Michael Jordan
• Michelle Obama
• Nicolas Cage
• Queen Victoria
• Ralph Lauren
• Tiger Woods
• Tommy Hilfiger
• Whitney Houston
• Zac Efron

FAQs

What does a rabbit symbolize in the Chinese zodiac?

The rabbit symbolizes compassion, grace, and beauty. It is also the Chang’e Moon Goddess’ pet associated with her nobility. Moreover, the rabbit is referred to as the reincarnation of the moon goddess. As the Chinese believe, the moon signifies luck and purity. 

Is the rabbit lucky in 2022?

Yes, 2022 is a lucky and good year for the rabbit. Individuals who are born in the year of the rabbit can get lucky things in life like purchasing a house, getting married, or having a baby. However, this sign will encounter stressful and risky situations, but these are only minor problems that can easily be resolved. 

Wrapping Up!

This Chinese New Year, expect better fortune for the rabbit cycle! Although these are only predictions, people with rabbit years can learn about themselves and their personalities based on fire, earth, wood, and water elements.

To celebrate your luck this Chinese New Year and display your lovely yet intelligent rabbit personality, make sure to check out this Year of the Rabbit Ramen Bowl!

References:

1. https://depts.washington.edu/triolive/quest/2007/TTQ07030/rabbit.html 
2. http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/c/chinese-zodiac-rabbit/