The signs of the Chinese zodiac, also known as the Animals of the Chinese Zodiac, are taken from the names of the Chinese New Years, which in turn are named after a set of 12 animals: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. A person's Chinese zodiac sign is taken from the Chinese Year of their birth.
Chinese astrology associates positive and negative characteristics and character traits with typical people from each sign of the Chinese zodiac. These characteristics and character traits may not fully apply to a particular person.
Chinese astrology also holds that these character traits are affected by the Chinese elements, Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, and Earth.
Rabbit Characteristics
People born in the Year of the Rabbit tend to be calm, gentle, and loving. Rabbits are often very ambitious, knowing intuitively how to get ahead in the world.
Rabbits usually make good friends as they are good listeners, and are good natured. Rabbits tend to stay calm whatever the provocation, and act as peacemakers. These attributes make good them diplomats, and help them excel at work, particular in delicate business dealings.
Most Rabbits have a feel for art, design, and fashion, and like to be surrounded by beautiful things.
Rabbits typically consider all options before moving into a new situation. Rabbits are usually very romantic in close relationships, but tend to take their time before committing themselves to the relationship.
Rabbit Character Traits
People born in the Year of the Rabbit tend to have these character traits:
- Positive traits: gracious, good friend, kind, sensitive, soft-spoken, amiable, elegant, reserved, cautious, artistic, thorough, tender, self-assured, shy, astute, compassionate, lucky, flexible
- Negative traits: moody, detached, superficial, self-indulgent, opportunistic, stubborn
Influence of Western Zodiac Signs on Rabbits
Read about how the characteristics and character traits of people born in the Year of the Rabbit are influenced by the Western Zodiac Sign under which they are born.
Birthstone: Garnet
Each Chinese zodiac sign has an associated birthstone, which is intended to support the strengths of the zodiac sign, and to compensate for its weaknesses.
The pearl is the birthstone for people born in the Year of the Rabbit. Pearls are associated with purity and purification, innocence, and people's feminine side. Chinese people call pearls "The Tear from Heaven" and "The Tear of God".
Precious Flower: Narcissus
Each Chinese zodiac sign has an associated precious flower, which have a special meaning in Chinese culture.
The jonquil is the precious flower for people born in the Year of the Rabbit. The Chinese use jonquil flowers to make good luck charms which are worn on special occasions. In ancient China, coaches and horses with decorated with jonquil flowers.
Dates for Year of the Rabbit
The Year of the Rabbit is the fourth animal in the cycle of 12. It last occured in 1999, and is the current Chinese year now in 2011.
Compatibility with other Signs of the Chinese Zodiac
Chinese astrology uses the character traits associated with each zodiac sign to determine if two people are compatible. Followers of Chinese astrology consider this compatibility before commencing a business or personal relationship.
Typically, Rabbits are compatible with Sheep and Pigs, but are incompatible with Roosters.
Rabbit Horoscope for 2012
Every year Chinese astrology makes forecasts for the upcoming Chinese New Year, for both the year in general, and for people belonging to each Chinese zodiac sign in more detail.For more information, see Chinese Astrology – Horoscope for 2012 Year of the Dragon.
Sources:
Chinese Astrology - Zodiac Signs
The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes, Theodora Lau, published by Souvenir Press, New York, 2005
Chinese Horoscopes - The Rabbit
Lucky Chinese Horoscope Gem Stones
Chinese Astrology and Precious Flowers
Mark Tibbits - A professional writer and educator who writes about Astrology, South Asia/China, the UK, the British Royal Family, and Religion.
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