To celebrate the Chinese New Year and the start of the Lunar New Year on the 22nd January we thought we would look at the rabbit, our friendly bunny.
So, what might we expect from this new year?
The rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace, and prosperity in Chinese culture. 2023 is predicted to be a year of hope. People born in a Year of the Rabbit are believed to be vigilant, witty, quick-minded, and ingenious.
Rabbits have been seen as a symbol of sex and fertility since antiquity. In ancient Rome rabbits were frequently depicted as the animal of Venus. Conversely the rabbit was used by artists of the Middle Ages and Renaissance as a symbol of sexual purity and was often depicted alongside the Madonna and Child.
For those wanting to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit, you can purchase a £5 gold coin from The Royal Mint. If you have something more elaborate in mind, Christian Dior have produced a watch for this auspicious year, which retails at £29,000.
We could, however, simply celebrate the role of the rabbit in art over many centuries. See how the furry creature has inspired artists throughout the years.
Wishing everyone a Happy Year of the Rabbit.
