London will celebrate the Chinese Year of the Rabbit in 2023

Legend has it that the Jade emperor selected 12 animals to be his guards, each embodying different character traits. He sent an immortal being into the world , and the animals were told to compete in a Great Race to the Heavenly Gate, to decide their celestial rank.

This is one theory behind the origins of Chinese astrology, which is divided into 12 zodiac animals; the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat (or Ram), Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.

And, regardless of its origins, the Chinese zodiac calendar has been a significant factor when it comes to shaping traditions, events, holidays, and even food enjoyed among Asian communities across the world.

This year, Chinese New Year falls on Sunday, January 22, with the day heralding the Year of the Rabbit.

What is the Chinese New Year of the Rabbit?

In the past century, the Year of the Rabbit has been celebrated in 2023, 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951, 1939, and 1927.

The rabbit is the fourth animal in the 12-year cycle and, for those who’ve been struggling the past few years, it’s deemed the luckiest of all animals.

In Chinese culture, the rabbit is said to symbolise longevity, elegance, mercy, prosperity, and beauty, with those being born in the Year of the Rabbit described as being both calm and peaceful in nature.

What happens in London for the Chinese New Year?

Each year, on Chinese New Year, hundreds and thousands of people make their way to London’s West End to join in the festivities and celebrations, that are centred around Chinatown.

An array of bright colours, traditional Chinese food, free stage performances, and a large parade take over the city, with everyone wishing each other “Xin Nian Kuai Le” (Happy New Year in Mandarin) or “Sun Nin Fai Lok” (in Cantonese).