# New Year-Themed Chat Backgrounds Messenger Releases a Chinese Zodiac-Themed Background By Kalin Ned | Published 2023-01-18 | Special Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chat-background References: [adweek](https://www.adweek.com/media/messenger-how-to-use-the-year-of-the-rabbit-chat-theme/amp/)  From physical products to [virtual activations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lunar-new-year-2025-trends), Meta's Messenger is the latest to mark the coming Lunar New Year with a Chinese zodiac-themed chat background. Since 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit, the aesthetic incorporates a rabbit motif, of course. This year, the date falls on January 22nd. In addition to the chat background, the conversation's emoji in Messenger will also automatically change to a red envelope. This hints at the [Lunar New Year tradition](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-year-scratch-cards) of giving a red envelope to friends and family during the holiday, which symbolizes good wishes and luck for the new year. Messenger also includes "three Lunar New Year word effects." The playful [Chinese zodiac-inspired chat background](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pandoras-lunar-new-year-collection) and its accompanying features can be easily activated in the app through the theme menu option on the Messenger settings menu. Image Credit: Meta ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.9/10 - Popularity: 41% | Activity: 62% | Freshness: 14% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Special](https://www.trendhunter.com/special) > [Holiday](https://www.trendhunter.com/holiday) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Virtual New Year-themed Activations:** Opportunity to create virtual activations and experiences for cultural celebrations and holidays such as Lunar New Year. - **Personalized Messaging Features:** Market for personalized messaging features specifically catering to cultural celebrations and holidays. - **Cultural Inclusivity in Tech:** Importance of including diverse cultural experiences and representation in tech products and services. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Social Media:** Opportunity for social media platforms to incorporate culturally appropriate features for holidays such as Lunar New Year. - **Messaging Apps:** Market for messaging apps to develop personalized culturally appropriate features for celebrations such as Lunar New Year and other holidays. - **Digital Entertainment:** Opportunity to create digital experiences and activations for cultural celebrations that can be accessed by a global audience. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Chinese New Year Metaverses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-hall-of-zodiacs.md) - [Lunar New Year Animations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cjroblue.md) - [Zodiac-Themed Lunar Cans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/carlsberg-1.md) - [Auspicious Lunar Year Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lunar-new-year-set.md) - [Celebratory Wine Gift Boxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wine-gift-box.md) - [Personalized AI Red Envelopes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/personalized-ai-red-envelopes.md) - [New Year Smartphone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/otterbox-lumen-series-case.md) - [Luxury Lunar Year Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/luxury-lunar-year.md) - [Lunar New Year Packs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atmos-x-new-balance.md)