Soar into the Lunar New Year — 2024 is the Year of the Dragon!

As we bid farewell to the Year of the Rabbit in 2023, characterized by its qualities of wit and vigilance, we now welcome the Year of the Dragon in 2024.

As the only mythical creature belonging to the Chinese zodiac, the Year of the Dragon symbolizes strength, vitality, and auspicious beginnings. This shift in zodiac signs anticipates a year marked by bold endeavors and transformative opportunities. For many Asian cultures, the Year of the Dragon holds a special place, weaving together historical significance, artistic inspiration, and cultural vibrancy.

What is Lunar New Year?

Lunar New Year has a storied history dating back over 4,000 years and is one of the most celebrated spring festivals in Asian cultures. It marks the first new moon of the lunar calendar, symbolizing renewal, and typically falls between late January and early February.

Commencing the lunar calendar’s new year, it becomes a cherished period marked by family reunions and lively cultural celebrations, helping individuals enter a fresh year filled with hope and positivity. Typically, the fifteen-day celebration begins with a Lunar New Year’s Eve dinner filled with traditions. Among the many symbolic cultural dishes, dumplings and whole fish continue to be staples at the dinner table.

The international holiday is celebrated across various Asian cultures. In Korea, it is known as Seollal, where families gather for ancestral rites and share traditional dishes like tteokguk. In Vietnam, Tet Nguyen Dan is celebrated with festive parades, traditional foods such as banh chung, and the custom of giving li xi (red envelopes) for good luck. In Japan, the New Year’s celebration, known as Shogatsu, involves temple visits, special meals like osechi-ryori, and the ringing of temple bells. These examples highlight the universal spirit of renewal, gratitude, and hope that unites Asian cultures during Lunar New Year festivities.

What Does the Dragon Symbolize?

Each year, Chinese astrology assigns one of the five elements alongside the new zodiac sign. This year, being the Year of the Wood Dragon, adds an extra layer of meaning and symbolism to the festivities.

The Chinese calendar is based on 12 earthly branches and operates in 60-year cycles. Each of the branches is symbolized by an animal and year, along with one of the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. In 2024, we are met with the element of wood and the Year of the Dragon. We last celebrated the wood dragon 60 years ago in 1964, and as we are reintroduced to this alignment, we can expect a year of powerful growth and creativity.

As we embrace the Year of the Dragon in 2024, we embark on a journey defined by strength, vitality, and transformative opportunities. Specifically, the wood dragon commences a year filled with powerful energy, echoing the celebrations of 1964. Don’t miss out on all the local Lunar New Year celebrations happening this month.

Years of the Dragon: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024

• Most Compatible with Dragoon: Monkey, Rat
• Least compatible with Rabbit: Dog, Ox, Goat
• Lucky Colors: Yellow, Green
• Lucky Numbers: 3, 6, 7
• Lucky Flowers: Hyacinths
• Lucky Directions: East, North, South

Local Lunar New Year Events: