The Chinese New Year is a two-week-long celebration that starts with the second New Moon after the December Solstice and lasts until the next full Moon. The Lunar New Year 2023 or the New Year 4721 of the Lunar calendar is on January 22, 2023, ending the Year of the Tiger and welcoming the Year of the Rabbit.
The Rabbit
The cute furry animal with long ears and a short tail is the fourth animal sign in the Chinese zodiac calendar. According to Chinese astrology, the rabbit exemplifies creativity, fertility, luck, intuition, and compassion. The animal often corresponds to fresh beginnings and often prompts us that life offers tons of possibilities.
A rabbit is shown on the reverse of Thailand’s 20 baht banknote from 2017 which commemorates King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The furry white animal can be seen on the lower right portion, next to the king rowing a boat design. The obverse of the note displays a picture of King Bhumibol Adulyadej in the Royal House of Chakri gown. The banknote’s security features include a Rama IX and an electrotype symbol watermark. Also a red-to-purple windowed security thread with a demetallized denomination and symbol.
The rabbit also appears on the obverse of the 2018 Costa Rica 20,000 Colones polymer banknote, along with a coyote, from Lyra’s Cuentos De Mi Tia Panchita (Tales of My Aunt Panchita). Also on the note’s front design is Maria Isabel Carvajal who was also known as Carmen Lyra. Rabbits are also visible on the reverse. In addition to a Chispita hummingbird in flight and a mountainous view in the background.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has also unveiled 10 collectible 2023 Year of the Rabbit almanac coins featuring a rabbit in front of East Coast Park on one side. On the other side of the coin is the coat of arms of Singapore.
