Lunar New Year, often called the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year, is the most important holiday in China and Chinese communities around the world.
How do you wish someone “happy new year” in Chinese? It depends on who you’re talking to. In China, the official language is Mandarin. Gong xi fa cai is how Mandarin-speakers wish you a happy new year – literally “wishing you to be prosperous in the coming year.” Many overseas Chinese communities speak Cantonese. Gung hay fat choy is how Cantonese speakers wish you a happy new year – literally “wishing you great happiness and prosperity.”
The two-week celebration includes family and friends, feasting and fireworks, parties and parades. The Year of the Rabbit started on January 22, 2023. Years of the Rabbit include 2023, 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951, 1939, 1927, 1915 …
People born in a year of the Rabbit are called ‘Rabbits’ and are believed to be vigilant, witty, quick-minded, and ingenious. The rabbit is a symbol of intellect and cautiousness. As the lore goes, the rabbit was among the 12 animals who raced to the Jade Emperor in a cosmic contest that ultimately determined the order of the Chinese zodiac signs. Though it was a weak swimmer, the rabbit used its brain, opting to cross the river portion of the course on a raft.
Do you know, or are you a Rabbit?
2023 is a year of the Water Rabbit, starting from January 22nd, 2023 (Chinese New Year), and ending on February 9th, 2024 (Chinese New Year’s Eve). The sign of Rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace, and prosperity in Chinese culture. 2023 is predicted to be a year of hope.
At Broadmead Care, we celebrated with special meals and activities, such as lantern making at Rest Haven Lodge (use photo from RHL).
A very happy Year of the Rabbit to all!
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