The Rabbit, also translated as Hare, is the fourth animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac. The Year of the Rabbit is associated with the earthly branch symbol.
Persons born within the date ranges below may be said to have been born in the Year of the Rabbit, while also bearing the following elemental signs:
- 29 January 1903 – 15 February 1904: Water Rabbit
- 14 February 1915 – 2 February 1916: Wood Rabbit
- 2 February 1927 – 22 January 1928: Fire Rabbit
- 19 February 1939 – 7 February 1940: Earth Rabbit
- 6 February 1951 – 26 January 1952: Metal Rabbit
- 25 January 1963 – 12 February 1964: Water Rabbit
- 11 February 1975 – 30 January 1976: Wood Rabbit
- 29 January 1987 – 16 February 1988: Fire Rabbit
- 16 February 1999 – 4 February 2000 Earth Rabbit
- 3 February 2011 – 22 January 2012: Metal Rabbit
Metal Rabbits – Years 1951 & 2011: Metal gives Rabbits more strength, resilience and determination. Metal Rabbits are more intense in their actions, whether they’re work-related or romantic.
Water Rabbits – Years 1903 & 1963: Like the currents, Water Rabbits prefer to go with the flow, avoiding conflict at all costs, even in situations that are bothersome. It’s easy to take advantage of Water Rabbits. They’re very supportive of others.
Wood Rabbits – Years 1915 & 1975: Wood Rabbits occupy their time doing for others, always feeling the need to make others content. This generosity is easy for others to take advantage of and sometimes Water Rabbits don’t even realize it is happening.
Fire Rabbits – Years 1927 & 1987: Fire adds spark to the Rabbit’s personality and all that Fire Rabbits do. Fire compels Rabbits to seek new adventures. Prone to tantrums, Fire Rabbits prefer to avoid conflict.
Earth Rabbits – Years 1939 & 1999: Earth Rabbits are grounded in reality. Their advice can be harsh, but honest. Home life is important to Earth Rabbits as are money and material goods.
Personality: Occupying the 4th position in the Chinese Zodiac, the Rabbit symbolizes such character traits as creativity, compassion and sensitivity. Rabbits are friendly, outgoing and prefer the company of others. They also prefer to avoid conflict. In confrontational situations, Rabbits approach calmly and with consideration for the other party. Rabbits believe strongly in friends and family and a lack of such bonds can lead to emotional issues.
Their serene nature keeps Rabbits from becoming visibly upset. Because they’re serene animals, Rabbits are easily taken advantage of. Their sensitive nature makes them shy away from aggressive or competitive situations. They’re overall conservative and not interested in taking risks. Classy, sophisticated, expressive, well mannered and stylish, those born under the Sign of the Rabbit enjoy leaning about cultural issues and people from other countries. Rabbits are most comfortable being at home and their homes are always neat and organized. Home is also where Rabbits prefer to entertain. Rabbits are conservative in their decorating tastes. Rabbits should work at building more self-confidence and self-worth so they can feel more secure. The desire for remaining in safe, comfortable environments keeps Rabbits from taking risks which sometimes causes them to miss out on good opportunities.
Health: Even though Rabbits don’t usually get visibly upset or stressed, they do tend to keep these feelings inside. When they don’t express these feelings, such feelings can cause Rabbits to become ill. Rabbits could benefit from more everyday activity, which would reduce their stress levels and better their health.
Relationships: Rabbits are very sexual, but tend to give more of themselves than they should. This can lead to unrealistic expectations and unhealthy situations. Rabbits need partners who won’t take advantage of their giving nature. Such pairings will be strong.
Career: Rabbits are articulate and good communicators, which is why friends and acquaintances seek out their advice. It’s also why Rabbits make excellent diplomats and politicians. Other good careers for Rabbits include: writer, publisher, actor, fashion designer, therapist, doctor, administrator, public relations and teacher.
Compatibility: The Rabbit is most compatible with the Pig and Dog and incompatible with the Rooster and Rat.
Traditional Rabbit attributes and associations:
- Zodiac location: 4th
- Ruling hours: 5 AM – 7 AM
- Direction: East
- Season and month: spring, March
- Fixed element: wood
- Stem: negative
- Gemstone: Aquamarine
- Colours: Green, aqua
- Roughly equivalent western sign: Pisces
- Polarity: yin
- Ruling Countries: Oman, Iraq, Malaysia, Croatia, Chile, Syria, South Korea
In the related Vietnamese zodiac, the cat takes the place of the rabbit.
