Why is it called 'The Year of the Rabbit'?

In Chinese culture,one of 12 different animals represent each new year.These animals form the Chinese zodiac,which repeats every 12 years.The zodiac tradition began many years ago and has been linked to a story about Buddha,a religious figure known in Buddhist religion.According to legend,Buddha asked all animals to come and compete in a great race. Only 12 animals came, so Buddha gave each of them their own year in the Chinese zodiac.The animals received their year in the order that they finished the race.

2023 is the Year of the Rabbit,which is the fourth year of the Chinese zodiac's 12-year cycle.In 2023,the new cycle will commence on 22 January.This is the date of Chinese New Year,also known as Lunar New Year.