Happy Lunar New Year! Here's everything you need to know about the Year of the Rabbit

The Chinese Lunar New Year begins on Sunday, heralding the start of the Year of the Rabbit, the fourth sign in the 12-animal zodiac.

Lasting until February 9, 2024, the year will celebrate the symbolically significant mammals; known for their deftness, cautiousness and competitive nature in Chinese culture.

This makes those born in the year of the rabbit - the most recent years being 2011, 1999, 1987 and 1975 - known for their razor-sharp wit, quick mind and intelligence.

In East Asia, these animals are also often associated with the moon and purity of life. 

As Chinese Lunar New Year begins tomorrow, it will start the Year of the Rabbit, the fourth sign in the 12-animal zodiac. Pictured, a department store in Taipei, ahead of the Lunar New Year

These qualities can be traced back to the origin story thought to have created the Chinese zodiac, in which 12 animals were challenged with a race to the gates of heaven.

According to China Highlights, the tale began with the Jade Emperor (considered Heaven's ruler) wanting a dozen guards.

Word soon spread into the mortal realm, where the living were advised that the sooner one reached the gates, the better their ranking would be. 

Hence, the fierce competition began. First place went to the whip-smart rat, who, knowing it couldn't physically measure up to its competitors, snuck into the ear of the ox.

The year, which will last until February 9, 2024, will celebrate the symbolically significant mammals. Pictured, celebrations of the Lunar New Year in Bangkok, Thailand

This didn't trouble the diligent and hardworking ox, who carried on towards the goal, and was outwitted by its passenger.

The rat jumped out just before the pair reached the gates, securing its first place title with the ox in tow.

Next came the tiger and rabbit - both signs renowned for the fiercely competitive spirits. 

The striped jungle cat ultimately raced ahead because it was faster, but the rabbit can be credited for its creative problem-solving skills which earned it fourth place.

In East Asia, these animals are also often associated with the moon and purity of life. Pictured, a little girl enjoying Lunar New Year festivities in Shanghai

When faced with a river, it used what they had to its advantage, hopping on stones and floating on logs to make its way across. 

However, the symbolic animal's competitive spirit has also in lore been criticised. 

ChineseNewYear.net explains that, in a version of the story, one of the reasons the rabbit wasn't higher up in the race was due to its arrogance.

So sure of its speed, the mammal didn't set off until the afternoon while other competitors left in the morning - such as the ox, which the rabbit was always said to tease and look down upon. 

Despite the rabbit's vivacious spirit in lore, those born in the year are often considered to be soft-spoken, gentle and pure - much like an adorable bunny. 

Chinese culture and language site CLI however explains that it's this mentality that may often hold them back from completing goals they want to chase - as they can be too guarded and weak-willed.

On the other side of the coin, they can also be a touch too ambitious, which may lead to resentment and jealousy when faced with obstacles.

Moreover, 2023 is the year of the Water Rabbit specifically.

The traditions which shape the culture's zodiac, dating back thousands of years, also saw each of the 12 animals assigned one element of five: water, fire, earth, metal and wood.

This, as explained by Reader's Digest, creates a 60 year cycle and means qualities associated with the element of a year, such as creativity and sensitivity, are set to affect all the signs in different ways.

China Highlights predicts a year of 'hope' in 2023 - as LA Times suggests more peace, calm and diplomacy than the previous year.