This week’s new moon, on Wednesday, Jan. 29, will signal the beginning of the Chinese Lunar New Year, which is this year called the "Year of the Snake."

Although the rabbit was smaller than the other animals, it was clever and skilled at jumping, ultimately racing to secure fourth place. Folktales portray the rabbit as a symbol of gentleness, kindness and purity, which explains its ranking among the top five in the zodiac.

There are 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, which have astrological and cultural meanings, and each animal is associated with certain characteristics