blogs / 16 JAN 2023
Lunar New Year 2023—Hopping into the Year of the Rabbit!
Lunar New Year is typically celebrated for 16 days starting on the eve of the celebration, this year falling on January 21, 2023. It is followed by 15 days of the Chinese New Year from January 22 to February 9. This year, we usher in the Year of the Rabbit!
2023 is the Year of the Water Rabbit
In Chinese Astrology, 2023 is the Year of the Water Rabbit, also known as the Year of the Black Rabbit. In addition to the 12-year cycle of animals in the Chinese Zodiac, each animal is associated with one of five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water), which are associated with their own "life force" or "chi," and corresponding luck and fortune. The rabbit is the symbol of longevity, peace, and prosperity in Chinese Culture, thus 2023 is predicted to be a year of hope.
The Rabbit of 2023 falls under the wood element, with water as the complementary element. Since water helps wood (trees) to grow, 2023 will be a strong wood year. Thus, this is a good year for people with wood in their Zodiac sign.
Challenges for Relocation in China
As one of the world's most prominent and celebrated festivals, Mainland China will enjoy a week-long holiday from January 21 to January 27 when most offices and businesses will close. With most COVID-19 travel restrictions recently lifted in China, millions of people are expected to leave major cities to visit their families in rural parts of the country. Travel during this time can be stressful and challenging, with airports, roads, and trains overcrowded and uncomfortable.
COVID-19 cases are rising across China following the relaxation of COVID-19 measures, including the lifting of travel restrictions.
International travel and flights to China are resuming and with the removal of mandatory quarantine upon entry, relocating to China is now more accessible. However, be prepared for delays in areas such as immigration, household goods shipment, and moving services, as most offices and shops will be closed during this period. It is not surprising that nearly all companies avoid relocating employees in the lead up and during this celebration!
International assignees planning to travel and use public transportation in China over the holidays should buy their tickets in advance. If you plan to drive, allow extra time for your journey, as there may be heavy congestion on all major roads. Even with most pandemic controls lifted, to avoid unexpected delays to journeys, assignees should monitor the latest updates on imposed pandemic controls (if any), for both departure and arrival destinations.
What Will the Year of the Water Rabbit Bring?
According to Chinese Astrology, the rabbit symbolizes patience and luck. 2023 will bring qualities that may have been lacking in the previous year, such as peace and success. We expect this year to be less dramatic or tumultuous than the last Year of the Tiger.
During the Year of the Rabbit, we will see a positive influence on people who are impulsive or unrealistic, as they become more level-headed and practical. It is therefore, an excellent time to make crucial decisions and carefully think through your options before to have the best chance of achieving your goals and realizing your plans.
The Year of the Rabbit is going to be a favorable time for most zodiac signs. We can expect success in love and career advancement, with no significant health concerns. Additionally, financial success will be easier to achieve this year.
The Year of the Rabbit brings peace, harmony, and tranquillity to the new year. We look forward to the year ahead!
Here at Cartus, we wish you an auspicious Lunar New Year, and may blessings be in abundance upon you and your family!
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Ivan Shen
