The Asian Culture Center of TN board of directors and staff sent a New Year’s greeting to readers of Knox TN Today:
“Welcome, 2023! May the rabbit help you hop your way to health, prosperity and joy in the new year.
“The year of the rabbit is one where the sacrifices of the past are rewarded generously. All the seeds of effort we have sown shall finally bear fruit whose sweetness is determined by the purity of our heart’s intent.
“Gamblers and stockbrokers find an extra ounce of ‘good-luck’ this year, for the year of the rabbit is a rewarding one for those willing to take risks. Owing to rabbits being also a fertility symbol, this is also a powerful year to not only start new business ventures, but also, be beneficial for those looking to have children, as well as, for artists to get inspired and move in new directions.
“Legend has it that the Great Jade Emperor Yu Di, ruler of the heavens, wanted to devise a way to measure time. So, he organized a race, where he challenged all the animals to cross the mighty river. The first 12 would not only earn a spot on the calendar and zodiac, but would also be the guards of his heavenly realm.
“Thus, these 12 animals represent the cycles of the Chinese zodiac – the rat, the ox, the tiger, the rabbit, the dragon, the snake, the horse, the sheep, the monkey, the rooster, the dog and the pig.”