Year of Rabbit may offer respite.

With Lunar New Year upon us, the fortune-telling fraternity has gone into over-drive to predict what the coming Year of the Rabbit will mean.

Most Asian nations mark the lunar celebration on February 16 and 17.

In Hong Kong, the "Lucky Uncles" and "Lucky Aunts", as they are known, were accurate with their Year of the Tiger predictions last year, forecasting "a fiery year in which people would need to maintain a sense of humour and let things take their course".

This proved uncomfortably true for many Asian nations.

Forecasters predict the Year of the Rabbit will be one of peace and reconciliation, a time when life's hectic pace slows down and leisure takes precedence.

People born in the Year of the Rabbit (1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999)are characterised by their peace-loving nature. They make great negotiators and are always ready to calm troubled waters.

How will you fare in the Year of the Rabbit? As is customary at this time of the year, the Hong Kong Tourist Association (HKTA) has consulted a well-known Hong Kong "Aunt". Following are...