By Kimmy Yam —
NBC News
It's the Year of the Rabbit and we should all be focusing on rest, introspection and working smarter, not harder.
The Lunar New Year, celebrated by China and other East Asian cultures, kicks off 15 days of traditional festivities this Sunday.
While the previous Year of the Tiger was seen as a period of action and, at times, momentum, tradition has it that the sign of the rabbit ushers in a softer period focused on self-reflection, said Jonathan HX Lee, professor of Asian studies. from San Francisco State University.
"There's a lot of prospects for prosperity and flourishing, and peace, really," said Lee, whose research focuses on religions and folklore.
“The rabbit is a very strong symbol for peace,” she added.
To make the most of the year, people should also behave in accordance with this calm energy, he added.
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“It's a time of
introspection and reflection
on being, in action, and with the intention of being successful in the long run,” Lee said, and “being much more conservative and thoughtful in your decision-making.”
The years are further classified as one of the two sides of the yin yang symbol.
This year is considered yin and, compared to its lighter, more active counterpart, emphasizes the importance of rest, Lee added.
The rabbit is a symbol of intellect and caution.
According to tradition, the rabbit was one of the 12 animals that ran towards the Jade Emperor in a cosmic contest that ended up determining the order of the Chinese zodiac signs.
Although he was a poor swimmer, the rabbit used his brain and opted to cross the river on a raft.
Like the animal, Lee explained,
it's important to approach everything intelligently and deliberately.
Chelsea Stahl/NBC News
“If you look at the economy and real estate, last year was a FOMO
year
.
I have to go find the lowest mortgage rates ever, I have to go buy something,” Lee said.
“This year, it will not be the same.
You are not just going to jump in and get any type of loan and offer nothing on a house.
... If you just jumped in because of FOMO, you're going to be in a lot of trouble."
The rabbit also speaks of the
power of empathy.
At one point in the race, the rabbit got stuck in the water.
The dragon, which was flying overhead, chose to finish behind its forest friend, blowing a strong gust of wind to help the rabbit cross the finish line.
The act speaks to the importance of giving and receiving compassion, Lee said.
Other Chinese and Buddhist mythologies confirm the rabbit's role in fostering empathy, Lee explained.
In a Buddhist story, an old man and a boy were lost in the desert, hungry and cold.
Buddha, who took the form of a rabbit, lit a fire and jumped into the flames, sacrificing himself to feed the two.
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For the Asian-American community in particular, the past year has been one of aggressive organizing and mobilizing against racist and xenophobic hate, Lee said.
The rabbit can teach us to value some daily and significant gestures that can nurture our relationships.
“This year may call us to think more abroad.
What do those around me need?
What does my community need?
What does my country need?
How can I put myself at the service of my community?” she added.
There are other aspects of the upcoming holidays that also affirm a calmer energy.
The year falls under the sign of water, Lee said, and while water, one of the five elements in the cycle, can be a powerful force, it can also be viewed from a more Taoist point of view, which involves going with the flow rather than fight it.
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“It's about realizing that you have to take care of yourself to be able to continue taking care of others, because you burn out,” Lee said, “it's time to take stock of a situation and then make the best decision with your resources. that we have... How can we really resolve and put an end to the anti-Asian hatred that continues to exist?”
Those born before the rabbit years (2023, 2011, 1999, 1987...) should try to behave with greater caution, since the consequences of their actions are magnified, Lee said.
“If they are thoughtful, smart, cunning and resourceful in their decision-making and life choices, they will be able to flourish to the fullest in terms of prosperity, health and longevity,” he concluded, “on the contrary, if they are not, it will be difficult times. ”.
