When is Chinese New Year 2023 and what is the animal?

Chinese New Year comes a little later in 2022 (Picture: Getty)

While the New Year has come and gone for most of us, the celebrations aren’t over for everyone – as Chinese New Year is just around the corner.

The ushering in of a new year means a new animal will be taking over as the zodiac.

Just when is Chinese New Year in 2023, and what will the animal be?

Here is all you need to know about the festival.

When is Chinese New Year 2023?

Chinese New Year falls on January 22 2023.

This date differs every year – so, for example, Chinese New Year 2022 fell on February 1.

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This is because it is based on the lunisolar calendar – which is why it’s sometimes called Lunar New Year, too.

Each year, it will fall between January 21 and February 20, coinciding with the relevant year’s lunar cycle.

The last year of the rabbit was in 2011 (Picture: Getty)

Chinese New Year 2023 marks the start of the Year of the Rabbit.

Each year is represented by one of 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac – including the Rooster, Rabbit, Snake, and Dragon, among others.

The Chinese zodiac has a 12-year cycle, so the previous Years of the Rabbit were 2011, 1999, and 1987.

Each animal is also assigned an element – metal, earth, wood, water, or fire. 2023’s Rabbit will be a Water Rabbit.

The sign of Rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace, and prosperity in Chinese culture. 2023 is predicted to be a year of hope.

It’s easy to find out which animal’s year it was when you were born – and what that says about your personality.

Last year, 2022, was the Year of the Tiger, while 2021 was the year of the Ox.

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February 1 is Chinese New Year – also known as Lunar New Year – with 2022 being the Year Of The Tiger.