Meaning and History
Celebrated for thousands of years, the Lunar New Year โ also called the Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival โ continues to be the most solemn festival of the year across China, the Asia-Pacific region, and Chinese communities worldwide. For 15 days beginning with a new moon and ending with a full moon, the religious and cultural celebration is filled with parades, gatherings, feasts, and activities to mark the end of winter and start of a new year. The symbolic darkness of night is banished by the light of fireworks, man-made paper lanterns, and candles. This year, the Lunar New Year is Saturday, February 10.
Also called Spring Festival, the holiday and its festivities can be traced as far back as 1600 โ 1046 BC. While itโs difficult to know exactly how people celebrated at its origin, it is widely accepted that sacrificial gifts to gods and ancestors we involved. According to folklore, a lion-like beast would rise from the sea each year with a hearty appetite. It was later discovered that the beast was terrified of loud sounds and the color red, hence the loud parades, fireworks, and prominent red features throughout communities.
2024: The Year of the Dragon
One of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac are designated each year and follow a 12-year cycle. This year, we ring in the Year of the Dragon. This is similar to zodiac star signs that are used in western culture and are associated with certain personality traits. Those born in the Year of the Dragon are believed to have ambitious, dominant, and charismatic personalities, often inspiring others with their passion and enthusiasm. They are considered to be self-assured leaders, confident and unafraid to take risks, making them natural CEOs, start-up founders, politicians, and military leaders.
Of all the animals present in the Chinese zodiac, dragons are the only mythical or supernatural being. This, along with the desirable qualities associated with those born that year, makes the dragon the most highly revered zodiac animal above all despite their fearsome appearance. According to Chinese mythology, dragons were still present when the Earth was created and lived with humans to protect and guide them. The first Chinese imperial dynasty was said to have originated from dragons, too. Because they are protectors, teachers, and an important part of Chinese heritage, the Year of the Dragon is destined to be a lucky year for those who celebrate!
Happy Chinese New Year! Xฤซnniรกn kuร ilรจ! We wish all who celebrate a year of good health and prosperity.
