Fire Rabbit
Fire adds intensity, visibility and speed. The most driven version, and the quickest to burn through its own energy.
Years
1927, 1987
Animal 4 of 12 · Wood · Yin
The Rabbit
Tact, refinement and avoidance of unnecessary conflict.
Position in cycle4 of 12
Fixed elementWood
Yin or yangYin
Hours governed05:00–07:00
SeasonSpring
Lucky numbers3, 4, 6
Lucky colourspink, purple, blue
Strength. Keeps the peace intelligently and notices what everyone needs before it is said.
Friction. Avoids confrontation past the point of usefulness, and withdraws instead of arguing.
Each animal also governs two hours of the day — the Rabbit holds 05:00–07:00. Someone born in those hours is said to carry the Rabbit as an inner sign regardless of their year.
Traits
Diplomatic
Cautious
Artistic
Conflict-averse
Kind
Rabbit years
| Year | Element | New year began |
|---|---|---|
| 1939 | Earth Rabbit | 19 February |
| 1951 | Metal Rabbit | 6 February |
| 1963 | Water Rabbit | 25 January |
| 1975 | Wood Rabbit | 11 February |
| 1987 | Fire Rabbit | 29 January |
| 1999 | Earth Rabbit | 16 February |
| 2011 | Metal Rabbit | 3 February |
| 2023 | Water Rabbit | 22 January |
Born in January or early February of one of these years? Check the new year date — you may belong to the previous animal.
Rarely covered in English
The five Rabbits
Every animal exists in five versions, one per element — and that is the reason the cycle runs sixty years rather than twelve. A Wood Rabbit and a Fire Rabbit are described quite differently, but most English sites stop at the animal.
Earth Rabbit
Earth adds steadiness, practicality and patience. The most reliable version, and the slowest to change direction.
Years
1939, 1999
Metal Rabbit
Metal adds discipline, resolve and sharp edges. The most determined version, and the least willing to bend.
Years
1951, 2011
Water Rabbit
Water adds adaptability, perception and diplomacy. The most intuitive version, and the most easily influenced.
Years
1963, 2023
Wood Rabbit
Wood adds growth, patience and cooperation. The most flexible version — expands rather than forces.
Years
1975, 2035
Each element holds for two consecutive years, so your element depends on which of the two you were born in. Twelve animals against five elements gives sixty combinations — a Wood Rabbit recurs only once every sixty years.
The year of your own animal is not lucky
In Chinese tradition the year of your own animal is considered unlucky rather than fortunate — you are said to offend Tai Sui, the god of the year. The customary protection is to wear red, and specifically red given to you by someone else rather than bought for yourself. Red underwear, belts and socks are all standard.
The next Rabbit year is 2035.
Western sites almost universally present your own animal's year as fortunate, which inverts the tradition entirely. In China the twelfth year is the one people take precautions for.
Rabbit compatibility
| With | Relation | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Goat | Traditional ally | 90% |
| Pig | Traditional ally | 90% |
| Dog | Traditional ally | 88% |
| Ox | Sextile — easy | 78% |
| Snake | Sextile — easy | 78% |
| Rabbit | Same sign | 72% |
| Tiger | Neutral | 68% |
| Dragon | Neutral | 68% |
| Monkey | Neutral | 68% |
| Rat | Square — friction | 60% |
| Horse | Square — friction | 60% |
| Rooster | Traditional clash | 45% |