In 2023, the Chinese New Year begins on 22 January and will last until 9 February 2024. While most of Asia celebrates the Year of the Rabbit, Vietnam celebrates the Year of the Cat.
New Year is celebrated on the same date in both China and Vietnam. In China, it is called Chinese New Year, and in Vietnam, it is typically celebrated as Lunar New Year.
How the Cat replaced the Rabbit in Vietnam’s Chinese zodiac remains unclear. In the Chinese and Vietnamese zodiacs, there are 12 animals, and the 4th animal is the Rabbit; in the Vietnamese zodiac, the 4th position is occupied by the Cat.
In China, the story says that the Buddha invited the animals to a river race, and the first 12 to reach the shore will appear in the Chinese zodiac.
The cat and the rat, who were close friends at the time, decided to walk on the back of a bowl because they couldn’t swim. But as they approached the finish line, the rat pushed the cat into the water – and so the rat won, making the cat and the rat enemies ever since.
In Vietnam, the story is different. Emperor Jade, a Taoist god, organized the race. During the race, the cat is the one who wins his place among the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac.
Another explanation would be that most Vietnamese people are farmers, and rabbit has nothing to do with Vietnamese farmers.
Instead, the cat has always been an excellent friend to farmers, trying to kill the rats that threaten their crops.
At the same time, the Vietnamese year of the Cat also symbolizes tenderness, gentleness, and kindness.
The Year of the Rabbit or Cat includes all people born in 1903, 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, and 2023. If you were born in one of these years, you’d want to discover everything there is to know about the strengths of both signs:
What is the Cat Zodiac Sign Known For?
The Cat is known for its grace, intelligence, and ability to adapt to new situations. It is also known for its charm and diplomacy and is thought to be a symbol of sensitivity and a desire for beauty and harmony. Despite its delicate appearance, the Cat is quite strong and tough and is known for its sneakiness and ability to dissimulate.
Those born in the Year of the Cat are often admired for their impeccable public image and desire to be loved and have many friends. However, they can also be quite two-faced and will not hesitate to lash out and attack if they feel criticized or exposed. Despite this, they are known for their ability to bounce back from difficult situations and always land on their feet.
What is the Rabbit Zodiac Known For?
The Rabbit is known for its tact and diplomatic skills, often preferring to avoid confrontation and conflict. It is valued for its intelligence, refinement, and good taste and has a gift for social discourse. The Rabbit works hard to be liked, not only for the sake of popularity but also to further its interests. It is highly skilled at achieving its goals and almost always succeeds.
The Rabbit is a highly respected and admired member of the Chinese zodiac, known for its tact, diplomacy, and social skills. It is a natural diplomat, preferring to avoid confrontation whenever possible and using its intelligence and refinement to navigate challenging situations gracefully. The Rabbit is a master of social discourse and is highly valued for its good taste and charm.
Despite its gentle and modest appearance, the Rabbit is a shrewd and clever creature, always working to further its interests and achieve its goals. It is highly skilled at spotting obstacles in its path and finding ways to avoid them with ease. The Rabbit is also very cautious and protects its well-being, leading a comfortable and peaceful life.
In addition to its social skills, the Rabbit is known for its practicality and excellent business sense. It is particularly adept at trade, spot opportunities, and making sound decisions that lead to success. The Rabbit is also highly conscientious and meticulous, with a strong sense of order and disliking being disturbed or interrupted. It values its peace and takes great care to maintain its health and well-being, often living to a ripe old age.