Year of the Rabbit!

Submitted by Markydoodle February 1st, 2011
Certifikitsch Winner

This year’s Chinese New Year is the Year of the Rabbit, and the first day is February 3.  And who doesn’t love a rabbit?

I’ve read a little bit on the internet about this, and I think it’s fascinating.

Apparently, if you were born in the Year of the Rabbit, you are blessed with many virtues, and most are compatible with those born in the years of the Sheep, Pig, and Dog.

I don’t know if in the Lunar Zodiac Animal Farm, some are more equal than others, but the Chinese have some traditional idioms for the rabbit.

“Shou Zhu Dai Tu” for example, means to wait by a tree which a rabbit rushed into and died, hoping to get another prey with the same good luck.

“Jiao Tu San Ku” simply means a canny rabbit always has several holes, making it hard for predators to track it down.

I’d rather see any rabbit run down it’s hole than into a tree, but that’s just me.

Here a group of people seem to be running towards what looks like a giant rabbit that they might grow in China.

The rabbit doesn’t look very excited, but maybe they all have carrots in their pockets, and they’re going to surprise it.

The picture reminds me a little of the old Elmer Fudd and Bugs Bunny cartoons when I was a kid.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yxiv3CBMS4M

And while China is supposed to be a communist economy, there are signs of creative products being marketed for the Year of the Rabbit.

I love the lamps that are being sold now to commemorate the year.

This young lady seems to be petting her mp3 rabbit speaker apparatus.

Here in America, we name motels after them.  https://www.awmok.com/?s=big+bunny+motel

For a great perspective, and some interesting pictures from China, take a look at “China Daily’s” special report on the Year of the Rabbit.  http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2011-01/27/content_11928764.htm

8 Responses to “Year of the Rabbit!”

  1. Allee Willis

    As usual, I’m very impressed by your complete exploration and documentation of your topic!

    I, however, was not lucky enough to be a furry little rabbit but, rather, I am the year of the Boar/Pig. This seems so appropriate after I blogged so much about pigs yesterday (https://www.alleewillis.com/awmok/kitschenette/2011/01/31/allee-willis-kitsch-o-the-day-kitschtastic-east-la-and-my-saturday-ride-with-charles-phoenix/)

    I love the little Chinese garbed bunny taking the photo in the last photo. And really love those bunny lamps.

    I hope all you rabbits have an excellent year this year!

  2. Mooshe

    As a rabbit I daresay I don’t feel like the luckiest sign… but I do love all these rabbit things! That speaker-rabbit is kind of positioned so it looks more like a cord heating a coffee mug. There’s a rabbit toy I’d want!

  3. windupkitty

    wow, fabulous post…I’ve always liked Chinese astrology because, of course, I’m an animal person, but it’s kinda fun too (says the girl who doesn’t believe in pretty much anything)…I do love the pics of the bunnies! I always had pet rabbits growing up and they were quite often free to roam…One of my favorites was Mr Toot (named by my sister). He was like a dog! He used to come running over when I’d yell “wanna ritz!?” because he LOVED Ritz Crackers….Bunnies make great companions and there was nothing cuter than seeing them play with the cats or curl up with the dogs for a nap!

    I REALLY need one of those big bunny lamps! Those are pretty cool!!!!!!

    • Mark Milligan

      Did the bunnies go outside, or did they have a litter box?

      I think if I stayed home I’d get a bunny for a pet now, and wonder why more people don’t?

      I love that-“wanna ritz?”

      • windupkitty

        we never used litterboxes (though I know people who do) they came and went through the back screen door like the rest of the menagerie! Mr Toot used to beat on the door when he wanted inside and do the same to go back out…they never went in the house :) They’re great pets…so affectionate and full of personality!

  4. Patty McDonald

    HAHAH..Michael you are a GEM! Love how you put things together…

    • Mark Milligan

      No problem Patty! I love telling the stories with just a little bit of tongue in cheek.

      But honestly, I do think the rabbit in the first picture is a giant one.