Celebrations to ring in the Year of the Rabbit have kicked off with the release of a special Chinese Zodiac commemorative birth certificate by NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
NSW Registrar Amit Padhiar said this was the third commemorative certificate design crafted by Australian-Chinese contemporary brush painter Lucy Wang.
"The Year of the Rabbit commemorative artwork is set among the majestic waterfalls of the Blue Mountains and features the iconic Three Sisters in Katoomba and the Pool of Siloam in Leura," Mr Padhiar said.
"This new Chinese Zodiac commemorative birth certificate fosters multicultural unity and recognition among Australian and Chinese communities in New South Wales.
"Commemorative birth certificates have proven popular, with the 2021 Year of the Tiger design selling almost 3000 since its release."
Ms Wang said a specialised process of modernising old-style techniques and contemporary storytelling allowed her work to speak to a wider audience.
"This certificate incorporates a blend of modern and traditional colour palettes and techniques through the meticulous Gongbi style of oriental brush painting," Ms Wang said.
"In Chinese culture the rabbit is known to be the luckiest of the 12 zodiac animals and symbolises peace and longevity which is reminiscent of the tranquil environment of the Blue Mountains and the lush Australian golden wattle and native bush ferns featured in this design."
The artwork joins the Registry's growing range of commemorative certificates which seek to acknowledge a broader and more inclusive range of audiences
Commemorative birth certificates can be obtained at any time for people of any age born or adopted in NSW.
