Happy Lunar New Year! The Year of the Rabbit begins January 22, and we suspect it will prove particularly fortuitous for event planners. But first, let’s explore the Rabbit’s mythology.
The Rabbit in the Chinese Zodiac
Although there are many variations of the zodiac mythology, the Rabbit is always the fourth zodiac animal. One legend says the zodiac order was determined by the order the animals arrived at the Jade Emperor’s party. Proud and confident thanks to his speed, the Rabbit arrived early but, seeing no one else, decided to nap before entering. When he awoke, three other animals had already arrived, making the Rabbit the fourth.
Another legend says the Jade Emperor ordered the animals to congratulate him on his birthday, and the order they arrived would determine the zodiac order. To reach the Jade Emperor, they had to cross a treacherous river. The Rabbit hopped from stone to stone across the river but eventually slipped and fell. After grabbing a floating log, he eventually made it to shore (thanks to a helpful gust of wind from the Dragon) and arrived fourth, with the Dragon behind him in fifth.
The Rabbit and the Event Planner
How is the Rabbit like an event planner? It may sound like the start of a riddle, but they actually share many characteristics. But first, how do you know if you’re a Rabbit? It’s based on your birth year according to the 12-year zodiac cycle. Rabbits were born in 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, and now 2023.
So what makes Rabbits similar to event planners? Rabbits are good fits for jobs requiring creativity, attention to detail, and social connections. That sounds like an event planner to us!
Known for being kind and welcoming, it’s no surprise they’re also very social and like to be around people, even naturally drawing people to them. Maybe event planners aren’t always the center of attention, but there’s no arguing it’s not a social career.
Rabbits are also confident and organized with strong attention to detail. They don’t like routine and prefer to shake things up, just like event planners are always introducing fun and surprising elements to keep attendees engaged.
And in a good sign for event planners everywhere, Rabbits are a symbol of longevity, peace, and prosperity—what every planner (and the events industry as a whole) is hoping for.
We wish you happiness and prosperity this Year of the Rabbit. Happy New Year!
