The Chinese Zodiac
Year of the Rabbit

Years of the Rabbit - 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999

The symbolism of the rabbit in East Asia shares some traits with its symbolism in the West, with fertility and its propensity for creating offspring being the chief among them.

However, the association of fertility with the rabbit is itself rooted in the association of the moon with the rabbit. Ancient peoples knew well that the rabbit is a nocturnal creature, sleeping during the day and most active at night. The moon was, in turn, linked to feminine cycles of regeneration. Indeed, to the ancients, the spots on the moon often resembled rabbits. Specifically in China, the rabbit was considered a yin (feminine, passive, dark, cold, wet) symbol and an omen of good fortune.

In the Chinese zodiac, people who are born in the Year of the Rabbit are considered reserved, cultured, and well mannered. Although their inner world is a peaceful one, it is also a conservative one and averse to risk. Their inner peace can extend to their immediate enviroment as well, since most Rabbit people are adept at creating comfortable and hospitable surroundings by paying attention to even the smallest details.

People born in the Year of the Rabbit are considered most compatible with people born in the Year of the Pig or Goat while they are least compatible with those born in the Year of the Rooster.