Dawn of A New Spring...The Year of the Rabbit...

According to the Chinese lunar calendar, February 3, 2011 is the new Lunar Year of the Rabbit.  It is the Xin-Mao New Year. 

Xin (Metal) is the eighth of the ten celestial stems and Mao (Rabbit) is the fourth of the twelve terrestrial branches and marks the year of the Rabbit or Hare.  The New Year celebrations will last for 15 days.

As we countdown to the arrival of this new lunar spring, it is also an appropriate time for us to pause and reflect on our journey.  The rabbit is a symbol of peace - it is also tranquil, serene, humble, quiet and simple. 

What else can we learn from rabbits?  They are alert (as in conscious) and cautious (better known as timid); traits we can emulate as we journey through life with a deeper sense of awareness or sensitivity of God's presence and humble in responding to His radical callings.


According to Chinese beliefs, Rabbits are more often than not, uncomplicated (simple), attractive, talented and ambitious. 

They are comfortable with their characteristics and leaves the leadership to someone else (God, perhaps?). 

The Rabbit is also characterized as being happy and satisfied (contented).

The rabbit is similarly, a symbol of the great Christian feast of Easter, Jesus' resurrection.  Rabbits symbolises fertility - new life!


May this new year encourages all of us to be even calmer and more serene as we continue this pilgrimage through new life in the Spirit of the Risen Christ! Alleluia! Alleluia!