卯 (Rabbit)

A lantern featuring a fairy is illuminated during a lantern show at 大唐芙蓉园 (Dàtáng Fúróng Yuán) in 西安 (Xī’ān) before Chinese New Year, the year of the rabbit. Photo: VCG/Getty Images.

Cosmos and Metacosmos

2020 is the Year of the Metal Rat, beginning on January 25, 2020, and ending on February 11, 2021. The Rat is the first animal in the 12-year cycle of Chinese zodiac, and its Year symbolises a time of deep transformations, both on personal and professional fronts. Photo: Vladimir Astapkovich/Sputnik.

The Challenge of Dialogue

A panda cub plays with a stuffed toy pig concurrently to the celebrations of the Chinese Lunar New Year of the 豬 (Pig) at the 神树坪大熊猫基地 (Shénshùpíng Giant Panda Base) in 卧龙自然保护区 (Wòlóng National Nature Reserve), 四川省 (Sìchuān province), China on January 31, 2019. Photo: Reuters/中国日报 (China Daily).

Pigs with Wings

A folk artist makes dough figurines of pigs holding couplets to greet the Year of the 豬 (Pig) in 临沂 (Línyí), 山东省 (Shāndōng province), China. Photo: VCG/Getty Images.

Dog Day Night

Performers take part in a street parade to mark the Lunar New Year celebrations for the Year of the Dog in 香港 (Hong Kong), China. Photo: AFP/Anthony Wallace.

戌 (Dog)

14-year-old male sea lion Chen writes the Chinese character 戌 (dog) at the Hakkeijima Sea Paradise (八景島シーパラダイス) aquarium in Yokohama (横浜), Japan to mark the imminence of the Year of the Dog which will begin on February 16, 2018. Photo: Aflo/Rex/Shutterstock.