The Year of the Rabbit
According to the Chinese Lunar Calendar, 2011 is the Year of the Rabbit. It starts Feb. 3, 2011 and goes until Jan. 22, 2012, and it is calculated by the 12-year cycle of the Chinese Zodiac, which famously symbolizes 12 animals — the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. The rabbit, the fourth animal, represents calm, mild and timid traits. The Lord Rabbit and Jade Rabbit (Moon Rabbit) may be the two most famous images of rabbits that originated from Chinese myths. In addition, on the 15th day of the first month of the Chinese Lunar New Year, it is Chinese custom to illuminate rabbit-shaped lanterns to celebrate the Lantern Festival, a traditional gathering in which people eat glutinous rice dumplings and wish for a year of family togetherness.
