CLANCY OVERELL | Editor | CONTACT
Millions of Australians around the country are this week celebrating the Lunar New Year this week, with the Year of the Rabbit cheered in on January 22.
This zodiac sign could not be more welcomed, as it is said to symbolise longevity, peace, and prosperity. Providing some much needed reprieve after several years of global pandemic, economic and diplomatic chaos
However, for some Australians – the year of the rabbit carries a whole different meaning
Devout South Sydney Rabbitohs fan, Jayden Phu, says as qualified psychologist – he tries his very best to avoid the superstition that surrounds star signs, lunar zodiacs, and omens.
But this one might be hard to ignore. As a Chinese-Australian based in Sydney’s Botany Bay, Jayden cannot deny the perfect fusion of his two cultures.
“It’s only January, but the predictions surrounding the year of the Rabbit seems to match perfectly with Demetriou’s plan for the boys in 2023” he says.
Both anatomically and behaviourally, the rabbit is historically known as the gentlest and most tender of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, the traditional classification scheme based on the lunar calendar that assigns an animal and its attributes to each year.
“Gentle and tender” says Jayden.
“That describes Cody and Latrell perfectly. The bunnies are cunning, but they are gentlemen. The only decent men in the game of rugby league. Hard but fair”
This Lunar Year of the Rabbit is particularly special because it’s a leap year with a rare two Februaries and 13 months, instead of 12 — it makes the year unusually long at 384 days.
“We’ve always played a long game. We aren’t here for the sugar hits like Manly and the Doggies” says Jayden.
“I hate to say this but it’s all a bit too bang on to ignore”
When asked if putting this much faith in superstition might result in extra disappointment if the Bunnies collapse mid-season, Jayden says there’s always 2024.
“2024 would be exactly ten years after the last Premiership. I mean, I don’t believe in omens… But you’ve gotta imagine that counts for something”
