Chinese Year of the Rabbit 2011
Ranked #11,288 in Culture & Society, #226,963 overall
What's in store for the upcoming year?
Lots of unique fun t shirts, gift ideas and cards to give and receive. Make 2011 a memorable happy new year!
From the outset I think it's only fair to say I am not Chinese, nor am I an astrologer. I cannot predict you will live a long and happy life any more than I can make you the most authentic Chinese dim-sum, but I do have an absolute fascination with all forms of oriental mysticism, spiritualism and symbolism; and of course being a designer...the art, so much of which is created with all of the aforementioned deeply intwined.
2010 is the Year of the Tiger, when I created my design for it back in 2009 I tried to depict strong, bold and full of energy, this certainly seems to have been appreciated by many customers throughout the year. Following on from the huge success with that design I was a little stuck when it came to creating something that would have the same visual impact. The rabbit illustration is my design for the upcoming Year of the Rabbit or Hare in 2011. Although I've still given the animal the centre stage, I'm hoping that the use of the soft grey tones and generally muted colours, coupled with softer brush strokes have given the entire picture a much more gentle feel...just as the rabbit is.
You'll see this design featured here on a number of the products available to purchase from my stores, but there's also lots more to see and read right here about the year of the rabbit.
*All of my own artwork shown on these pages ©Specialeetees 2008-2011 All rights reserved. All other artwork © the respective artists
From the outset I think it's only fair to say I am not Chinese, nor am I an astrologer. I cannot predict you will live a long and happy life any more than I can make you the most authentic Chinese dim-sum, but I do have an absolute fascination with all forms of oriental mysticism, spiritualism and symbolism; and of course being a designer...the art, so much of which is created with all of the aforementioned deeply intwined.
2010 is the Year of the Tiger, when I created my design for it back in 2009 I tried to depict strong, bold and full of energy, this certainly seems to have been appreciated by many customers throughout the year. Following on from the huge success with that design I was a little stuck when it came to creating something that would have the same visual impact. The rabbit illustration is my design for the upcoming Year of the Rabbit or Hare in 2011. Although I've still given the animal the centre stage, I'm hoping that the use of the soft grey tones and generally muted colours, coupled with softer brush strokes have given the entire picture a much more gentle feel...just as the rabbit is.
You'll see this design featured here on a number of the products available to purchase from my stores, but there's also lots more to see and read right here about the year of the rabbit.
*All of my own artwork shown on these pages ©Specialeetees 2008-2011 All rights reserved. All other artwork © the respective artists
When does the Chinese new year start?...
The Chinese new year does not fall on a specific date each year, it is determined by the cycle of the moon. Here is a little table of dates for this year and the coming years...2010
February 14
Tiger
2011
February 3
Rabbit
2012
January 23
Dragon
2013
February 10
Snake
2014
January 31
Horse
2015
February 19
Sheep
2016
February 8
Monkey
2017
January 28
Rooster
2018
February 16
Dog
2019
February 5
Pig
The Chinese calendar is a lunar calendar and the Chinese New Year takes place on the second new moon after winter solstice (this always falls on 21st December). The next new moon is 4th January, and the second new moon is on 3rd February in 2011.
*The rabbit year is the fourth animal in the cycle of the twelve animals.
*The year 2011 is attributed with the element "Metal"
*The rabbit year is the fourth animal in the cycle of the twelve animals.
*The year 2011 is attributed with the element "Metal"
Countdown to Chinese New Year 2011
Chinese New Year 2011: February 3, 2011
So it's more than just an animal for each year!
A few more things you might like to know...
Beyond the assignment of an animal for each year, rotated on a 12 year cycle, there are other charts which further asign characteristics based on which year and even which date and time a person is born. As well as the 12 animals, there are also 5 'terrestrial' elements of metal, water, wood, fire and earth cycled and assigned to a year. And just to add in another one, each year is also deemed to be either "Yin" or "Yang" depending on which number the year ends in.
There are many books on the subject which range from a little more in depth to extremely comprehensive. A very good one is featured on this page and if you wish to study the subject more, definitely browse the bookshelves and bag yourself a great bed time read.
For the purposes of this page we'll just keep it fun and very light, so you can enjoy all of the artwork and the fun bits to the max and not have to suffer brain strain in the process.
There are many books on the subject which range from a little more in depth to extremely comprehensive. A very good one is featured on this page and if you wish to study the subject more, definitely browse the bookshelves and bag yourself a great bed time read.
For the purposes of this page we'll just keep it fun and very light, so you can enjoy all of the artwork and the fun bits to the max and not have to suffer brain strain in the process.
Who's a rabbit?...
Are you, or do you live with one?
The years 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, and the upcoming year of 2011 are all the year of the rabbit or hare in the Chinese Zodiac system. If you were born in one of these years that makes you a rabbit! Although if your birthday is around the end of January or beginning of February you will need to check the chart below to see which day the New Year started in the year you were born.1915
Wood
Feb 15th
1927
Fire
Feb 2nd
1939
Earth
Feb 19th
1951
Metal
Feb 5th
1963
Water
Jan 25th
1975
Wood
Feb 10th
1987
Fire
Jan 29th
1999
Earth
Feb 15th
2011
Metal
Feb 3rd
Special gifts to give to rabbits...
The personality of rabbit people
I have gathered together a number of the words commonly used to describe many traits associated with rabbit people:
calm, reserved, sensitive, compassionate, creative, good mannered, strong willed, possesses an aversion to confrontation, self controlled, discrete, peaceful, understanding, precise, sociable, over cautious, occasionally moody, occasionally temperamental, comfort loving.
The personality of rabbit people is also affected by the element assigned to their year of birth...
-Wood would be more moral and ethical, cooperative, progressive, generous, compassionate,
-Fire would be more enthusiastic, passionate and outspoken, emotional, restless
-Earth would be more sensible and prudent. wise, serene, logical, disciplined, grounded
-Metal would be more ambitious, determined, unyielding, persevering, constant
-Water would be more creative and imaginative, alluring, aware, persuasive,
How accurately does this describe you or someone you know was born in a Year of the Rabbit?...
Rabbit Personality Poll
Anyone can answer, you don't need to be a rabbit!
Just for fun here's a little poll and there's answers for everyone, whether you are a rabbit, know a rabbit, or haven't got a clue what this is all about!...Just select the answer which most applies to you
Loading poll. Please Wait...
Little Year of the Rabbit collectables
Great gifts for Rabbits!
Buy your rabbit a collectable keepsake, or give as timely gifts for anyone in the Year of the Rabbit 2011...
The personality of a rabbit year
The next year in the cycle is the year of the rabbit and this is reputed to be in complete contrast. It is always forecast as a year of calmness, tranquility. A time of peacemaking, bridge-building, refinement and a slower pace.
Lets hope at least a little of this will be true!
Carved jade and gemstone amulets
Lucky Lucky Lucky!
Beautiful little carved rabbits to give as gifts throughout the year...
What else is being offered for the coming year...
People have all kinds of things to sell in relation to the year of the rabbit...
Original Art Gifts
A selection of unique and original tees, gifts, cards and more from the wonderful creators at Zazzle.If you are not familiar with Zazzle, it is a "print on demand" site where many talented artists, designers and creators can add their designs to a wide range of t-shirts, gifts, cards and stationery. There is a marketplace where you can browse literally billions of unique designs. Due to the vast number of products I have hand picked some of the best items that relate to the topic of these pages. The products listed here are just a small sample of what is on offer.
If you wish to see other products and designs available from the same designer, once on a product page clicking the "store" link will take you directly to that designers individual store on Zazzle.
*On this page just click any product that you like to go to the individual product page on Zazzle. For the selected item you will see full details of prices, product specifications, sizes and styles available. All product links open in a new tab.
Year of the Rabbit T Shirts
Have a stylish year...
These fun t-shirts are great to give as gifts or wear yourself, consider it your "lucky" tee for the year, and if it doesn't bring you good fortune at least you'll have a cute bunny to keep you company!Note: The designs shown below are all available on many different styles of tees, sweatshirts & hoodies for men, women and children. Click through to the product pages to see other styles available.
Pocket Money Gift Ideas
Small but perfectly formed!
If you're looking for a little keepsake or give-away gift item take a look at these. Pretty magnets, buttons and keychains that can be included with a card or given as a momento.*these items attract very generous bulk discount rates (see product pages for details), so great for businesses, clubs and groups to use as promotional items. The round buttons shown are available in a choice of 5 sizes.
Pretty Art Pendants
Silver plated unique rabbit necklaces
Another new item to appear at Zazzle is their range of silver plated pendants. Each pendant is supplied with a chain and the artwork is covered with a think acrylic coating to protect it. From the reviews I have seen these are very well made and would certainly make a great gift idea.
Home & Office Gift Ideas
Things to brighten up the home and office for 2011...
Here's a range of items that are ideal for introducing a splash of rabbit bounce to your home, or a dash of spring freshness to that drab office!*The mugs shown here are all available on a wide variety of styles and colours, you can make your choice on the product page.
The stickers available from Zazzle are fantastic. The round ones are supplied in sheets of 20x 1.5" or 6x 3" and have a beautiful glossy finish to them, the smaller size are ideal for sealing little parcels or sweets! The rectangular ones are supplied on Avery label sheets and are perfect for additional home printing too!
Year of the Rabbit Hanging Ornaments
Good luck throughout the year!
Zazzle have recently introduced ceramic ornaments to their range of goodies....
Year of the Rabbit Baby Birth Announcements
Expecting the delivery of a new bundle of joy in the coming year?...
Why not announce your new arrival to the world with these beautifully designed Year of the Rabbit birth announcement cards!Whether it's a boy or a girl, you can fill in all your little bunnies details and even add their photo. Send a personalized announcement card to friends and family. Available on a range of cardstock choices from basic white to luxury metallic.
Year of the Rabbit Greetings Cards
Send your best wishes for the Chinese New Year!
Zazzle prints exceptional quality greetings and notecards and most of the designers create their cards with personalisation in mind. So what better than sending a unique card that is not available on the high street to loved ones and wish them luck for the coming year.
Chinese New Year Party Invitations
Personalise them yourself!
A unique selection of customizable party invitations created especially for the year of the rabbit in 2011. Create your own personalized version and send out stylish invites that will get your event noticed! Available on a range of quality heavyweight cardstock, from basic white through to luxury gold!
My artwork on other home and office gifts
Available from my Time Zone store...
My artwork can also be found on clocks and ceramic gift ideas such as ornaments, framed tiles and keepsake boxes from my Time Zone store. All orders are fulfilled by Cafe Press for the products shown below.
Click here to see all "Year of the Rabbit" products available at Time Zone
Special Edition T-Shirt
Bag yourself a BIGGER bunny!
I have a small store on Skreened which is a very ethical and eco-friendly POD company. They offer a very nice choice of t-shirts for all ages and a tote bag, but the thing I love is that they have a large print area on their tees. So every once in a while I add my designs, most often with additional design detail as "special editions". My Year of the Rabbit design is shown here on a one of their tees, but if you wish to purchase you can choose from many styles and colours of clothing options or the canvas tote on the product page.
Latest News...
Keep up with Specialeetees!
I run a little blog magazine that highlights my new designs and creations from all my stores, as well as promoting Zazzle's special offers and discount coupons, new products and more. Why not stop by and take a look for more articles like these...
This has been blessed by Squid Angels...
Thanks all for your support!
Guestbook
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Would love to hear your feedback & comments ....
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prosepine
Jan 8, 2012 @ 7:13 pm | delete
- Great selections of the Bunnies!
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UKGhostwriter
Mar 16, 2011 @ 5:38 pm | delete
- excellent lens
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TapIn2U Feb 18, 2011 @ 1:42 pm | delete
- I am excited to know! Thanks for this fascinating information! Wonderful lens! Sundae ;-)
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Jewelsofawe Feb 17, 2011 @ 4:27 pm | delete
- Wonderful lens! I am blessing it and putting it on my astrology lens!
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EuroSquid
Jan 30, 2011 @ 1:15 am | delete
- Lovely lens. I also enjoy your artwork. Keep it up. Blessed
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Give it a try yourself!...
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I am a full time freelance artist and designer from the UK. You can check out my art and designs in my Zazzle stores. You can also find news, articles,... more »
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