As we say goodbye to the roaring Tiger, we say hello to the simple Rabbit. This year, January 22nd, 2023 marks the beginning of the Year of the Water Rabbit!
The energy of last year was Yang, Masculine, BIG! The high octane year of the Tiger is considered to be very lucky, all about adventure and movement, they say if there are desires or things you’ve been nourishing from the previous year get ready to watch them take flight! And while that is all true, there’s a flip side to that as well. For me, last year had a little too much shift for me, a little too much change and movement, in fact, it knocked me down a few times, so I am definitely looking forward to a peaceful Yin type of year and that’s what the Rabbit brings!
Tigers and Rabbits couldn’t be any more different. The energy of this year promotes peace, patience, quietude, nurturing and contemplation and particularly 2023 is being coined the “Year of Hope”. And since it’s a Water Rabbit this year, the energy has an additional feeling of agility and elegance.
Unlike our Western New Year celebration, there are many things we can do to prepare. The list can be long and silly (but fun) like not washing your hair on New Years Day but also more meaningful like opening your windows and doors at midnight to welcome in the fresh, new year!
Here are the ways that I prepare for the New Year.
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Clean, clean and clean!
I make sure the house is clean, not by New Year’s Day but by New Year’s Eve! I also look around and take an inventory to see what feels a little stale, a closet, a drawer that needs to be cleared out, do I need to donate clothes or reorganize the snack cabinet in the kitchen? The idea is to get things fresh and make room for what is to come!
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Purchase something new and beautiful!
I make a new clothes purchase, some years it’s as small as a pair of red underwear for luck, other years it could be a new pair of red shoes. In my book, red is always the way to go! Superstition says to not purchase anything on New Year’s Day though or you’ll be spending money all year long, besides you want to wear it on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day!
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What you do on New Year’s Day sets the stage or theme for the entire year!
I take this one to heart. I am a stickler for doing things on New Year’s Day that only bring me joy and pleasure, even if I’m ‘working’ that day I will only do things that I love doing, luckily I do love my work so it’s not hard.
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All debts must be paid off!
I tie up loose ends. In ancient times, all debts must be paid off, but let’s get real, I’m not paying off my mortgage next week! But if you do owe someone money, you want to pay that back and complete the cycle. If you owe things like a parking ticket or a bill or something of that nature, pay it and cross it off your list!
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A dinner or celebration!
The last few years, I’ve had friends and family over for Joss paper and fake money offerings and food! I love to cook and well, I’ve done A LOT of cooking these past few years, so this year I think we’ll go out. LOL! The point is to have fun, celebrate and connect with those you love. Here’s a fun photo of us from last year, unfortunately all that money is fake!
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Exchange those red envelopes!
I never miss a year! To me this is such a simple and thoughtful wish for someone you love. You can purchase these red envelopes at any Asian store like 99 Ranch or I’m sure online as well. At least a $1 inside is all you need, close family and friends get more if you choose. Hand it to them on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day and they keep it in their wallet the entire year to attract more prosperity!
Those are my Big 6 to welcome in the new year, well that and actually I don’t wash my hair on New Year’s Day either! Superstitions die hard!
If you’re curious what this year might bring for your personally, here’s the yearly prediction from China’s renowned astrologer and television host, Tong Pik-ha. Enjoy! Click here.
Wishing you an amazingly auspicious New Year!
