Welcoming the Year of the Rabbit

2023 is the Year of the Rabbit according to Chinese zodiac. Starting on 21 January (Chinese New Year’s Eve), our colleagues in mainland China will enjoy a week’s holiday break to celebrate the Spring Festival

What does the New Year festival mean to Chinese people?

The Spring Festival is the best time for people working in other cities to return to their hometown and reunite with their families.

The most profound meaning of the Spring Festival for the Chinese people is "reunion" and “accompany”, returning to our families. On New Year's Eve, the whole family will prepare the New Year's Eve dinner, including various local specialties. Abundant food means a good harvest and success in the New Year.

Watching the Spring Festival Gala is also a traditional program for the Spring Festival, which is a precious time to put aside all daily pressures and be with your family and show appreciation for each other.

This year's Spring Festival ought to be meaningful for most people as China has just officially loosened up the COVID19 prevention and control policy and people are keen to make this festival a big one.

The streets and shopping malls have all been decorated with Spring Festival symbols and especially the rabbit sign. Cities and towns are recovered and back to their festive best and hoping for a prosperous year of harvest.

What's your zodiac animal?

After knowing above story, you must be curious about your zodiac!

People’s birth years determine their Chinese zodiac signs. However, things are not that easy! There is an animal representing each year, but the “year” is defined by Chinese lunar calendar, not the Gregorian year you are familiar with from 1 January to 31 December.

You can quickly find your corresponding zodiac symbol using a zodiac wheel. As Chinese New Year moves during January and February, so it is easier to check if your birthday falls between March and December, but if you were born in January or February, you need to check the exact Chinese New Year date of that year!

New Year, New Me: Photos of the decorations around Beijing taken by Lloyd's colleagues in China

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Lloyd’s in China

Jessica Wei - Market Development & Admin Executive, Beijing, Lloyd's

19 Jan 2023