We are watching the Chinese Lunar New Year Parade on TV. It’s raining, like it almost always does on the evening of the parade. (I’m watching and blogging.) Oscar’s favorite things from the parade:
“The long dragons with all the people”, and, “the Kung Fu guys with the swords”. No surprises there.

This was my favorite float. The bunnies lit up individually, in patterns:

This is the Year of the Hare. Born in 1975, I’m a hare!
Here are my favorite descriptions of the Rabbit, or Hare:

The Rabbit symbolizes such character traits as creativity, compassion, and sensitivity. Rabbits are friendly, outgoing and prefer the company of others. Hares are happiest when with family and friends, and safely inside of social circles.

The Rabbit is the happiest sign of the Zodiac — gifted, nice to be with, discreet, refined, reserved, ambitious but not too much so, and virtuous in the bargain. Nobody ignores Rabbits, for they are good company and know how to make the best of themselves. Rabbits are articulate and good communicators which is why friends and acquaintances seek out their advice. Traditionally associated with clear-sightedness, the Hare is an excellent judge of character and has a certain ability to recognize when others are lying. A Hare’s home is typically a beautiful one, and they take great care and expend a lot of energy making it comfortable.

The Rabbit is quick, clever and ambitious, but seldom finishes what he starts. He epitomizes gentleness, refinement and elegance, turning his back on conflicts. Preferring a situation that is favorable, the Rabbit bypasses all obstacles and persons he does not find suitable. As a result, he is rarely angry, hostile or aggressive. Companions quickly forget any discord, only remembering his seductive grace.

A Hare is cautious. Their serene nature keeps Rabbits from becoming visibly upset. Their sensitive nature makes them shy away from aggressive or competitive situations. Overall, they’re conservative and not interested in taking risks. They will undertake nothing before they have weighed the pros and cons and examined the deal from every angle. Because of this, people admire the Rabbit and take him into their confidence. The Rabbit shines in trade, which permits him to capitalize on his good taste. Politics, diplomacy and the law all offer the Rabbit equally good opportunities — provided always that he can live the tranquil life he craves within their orbit.

Style as well as an eye for beauty are especially associated with this group whose members possess refined tastes together with artistic skills. Highly creative people, art is of particular interest to them. Because of the Rabbit’s built-in acquisitive nature, many become great collectors, filling their houses with beautiful paintings and objets d’art. In whatever walk of life Rabbits find themselves, they will always be distinguished by this sense of refinement and their cultured views.

The Rabbit is most compatible with the Pig and Dog (Mark!) and incompatible with the Rooster (Oscar!) and Rat.