Chinese New Year: why is this the year of the dragon and what does it mean?
Lunar New Year 2024 celebrations see the Chinese zodiac symbol of the mighty dragon take center stage. So what does it mean, and how does it fit?
On Saturday, February 10, we welcome the Chinese year of the dragon, the only mythical creature on the list of Chinese zodiac animals. As well as symbolizing power, strength and good fortune, it’s also the coolest of all the mythical creatures, so we’re delighted that the fire-breathing creature is back in our lives once again.
Let’s have a look at what else is behind the tradition...
What is the meaning to the Chinese Year of the Dragon?
The dragon has long been associated with all the ideas that stereotypically come to mind when thinking about such a fantastic mythical breast: leadership, confidence, adventure, honor and intelligence... Chinese mythology also says dragons are wise, fearless and talented people.
Why is 2024 the Chinese Year of the Dragon?
OK, so the first thing to note is that there are 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac meaning that the dragon, which comes fifth on the list, takes its place every dozen years.
Making things even cooler if you’re a fan of dragons, in Chinese astrology, all 12 zodiac animals are linked with a specific element (metal, wood, water, fire, earth) as they move around the zodiac cycle. When an animal reappears after 12 years, its elemental affiliation shifts. For example, 2012 was the Year of the Water Dragon and 2036 will be the Year of the Fire Dragon. This year, it’s the Year of the Wood Dragon.
Wood is said to represent both vitality and creativity; linked with the dragon’s qualities of intelligence and honor, and you’ve got quite the mix for an energetic, driven human being.
The years of the dragon:
- 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024, 2036
The actual date of Chinese New Year does actually vary from year to year at the turn of the lunar calendar, but it will always fall between 21 January and 20 February. This year, it falls on February 10.
The Chinese zodiac’s 12-year cycle sees the following animals get their time in the spotlight:
- Rat
- Ox
- Tiger
- Rabbit (also known as hare or cat)
- Dragon
- Snake
- Horse
- Goat (also known as sheep or ram)
- Monkey
- Rooster (also known as chicken or cockerel)
- Dog
- Pig (also known as boar or hog)
As per the story of the dragon, each animal has its own unique characteristics and traits, and people born in a certain year are believed to have linked personalities. The Chinese zodiac is also used to predict people’s fate and how compatible they are with others. For example, dragons are said to go best with rats.
Beware, however, as you may have imagined looking at the list that care must be taken when trying to celebrate the changing from one animal to another. Tiger to rabbit, as you can see below, was not the smoothest of transitions. Let’s see how dragon to snake works out, but we’ve got time for that just yet. I also like the idea of monkey to rooster, but I’m getting ahead of myself.
How do the Chinese celebrate New Year?
The Chinese New Year is celebrated for 15 days and they’re known for their vibrant colors, loud fireworks, and delicious food. People will often clean their houses and decorate them with red lanterns and couplets (red paper cuttings with auspicious sayings) in order to welcome good luck into their homes. Families will also gather together for a big feast on New Year’s Eve, and people will exchange gifts and red envelopes filled with money, particularly for children and unmarried adults.
The Chinese New Year is a time for people to reconnect with their families and friends, to reflect on the past year, and to look forward to the new one. It’s a time to forget old grudges and forgive mistakes, and to start the new year with a clean slate.