The Rabbit is the Chinese zodiac animal linked to the earthly branch called Mao.
The 12 earthly branches are an ancient calendrical system used with the zodiac animals. Mao is the fourth branch and corresponds to the Rabbit in the standard Chinese sequence, where the Rabbit follows the Tiger and precedes the Dragon.
The earthly branches are also used in traditional timekeeping and directional symbolism. In the traditional double-hour system, Mao is associated with approximately 5 a.m. to 7 a.m., although modern clock-time interpretations are historical rather than official time zones.
Vietnamese zodiac tradition uses the Cat in the position occupied by China’s Rabbit. That regional difference is a common reason lists of Lunar New Year animals do not always match exactly.