In the Chinese zodiac of twelve animals, the Rabbit, symbol of longevity is considered the luckiest sign. It represents mid-spring, the rebirth of greenery, youthful energy and the prosperousness of nature.

In metal years Rabbit's will be active, clear and more than likely to bounce ahead of the pack, but they are cautioned not to be jumpy or impatient, since concentration, dedication and resourcefulness will be needed if they are to reach their goals. Intuition will be a useful and important tool.

People born in the Year of the Rabbit are graceful, cultured and love socializing, but at heart they're quiet, reserved and only truly happy when involved in scholarly pursuits. They are not generally risk takers, thrive in quiet situations and have a taste for secrecy.

They are romantic and sweet, make excellent long term partners and are never at a loss for suitors. But don't be deceived, Rabbits are easygoing on the surface but rigid inside and if a Rabbit makes the plans, be ready to comply, or they'll retreat into their burrow and not be seen again till spring.

Famous Rabbits Harry Belafonte, Ingrid Bergman, Cary Grant, Lewis Carroll, Arthur Miller, John Keats, George Orwell and Orson Welles.

About the Lunar New Year New Year is one of the most important holidays in China. It lasts 2 weeks; friends and relatives are visited, parades and festivities abound, houses are decorated, special foods are eaten and there are things to avoid.

To bring wealth, happiness and fortune: eat dumplings, melon seeds and candy. Decorate your house with peach blossoms for luck, kumquat plants for prosperity and chrysanthemum for longevity.

Open windows and doors to bring in good luck for the new year and put up red good luck symbols.

Don't sweep the house though, or you'll sweep out the benefits you've so carefully accumulated.

And - if you're a Rabbit, make sure you wear red underwear to enhance your luck.

Parades and Celebrations Here are some New Year events in New York City, so you can plan to attend those that look interesting.

Firecracker Ceremony Date: Thursday, February 3, 2011 Where: Roosevelt Park, NYC, NY Time from 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

12th Annual Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade Sunday, February 6, 2011 Time: 11:30 a.m. - 4 pm, Place: Canal Street South, NYC, NY

Thanks to the following websites for this information. http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110128/od_uk_nm/oukoe_uk_china_newyear. http://www.gotohoroscope.com/chinese-zodiac-rabbit.html. http://gonyc.about.com/cs/holidays/a/chinesenewyear.htm.