The Chinese zodiac assigns each year to one of twelve animals. This tradition originates from an ancient Chinese poem that recounts 12 mythical animals descending from heaven to usher in spring and a new harvest. In 2024, we embrace the Year of the Dragon. Alongside the animal zodiac, the Chinese New Year also associates each year with one of the five elements—earth, wood, fire, metal, and water. In 2024, wood takes the centre stage, making it the Year of the Wood Dragon.
What is the significance of the Year of the Dragon?
To grasp the significance of each Lunar New Year, it’s necessary to recognize the attributes of both the element and the animal. With wood as the element for Chinese New Year 2024, we embrace growth, success, and the initial stage of development. Wood symbolises humanity’s aspiration to achieve, progress, grow, and expand. The Year of the Dragon represents health, strength, and good fortune. Those born in this year are believed to embody qualities associated with dragons—natural leadership, charisma, and boundless enthusiasm. Those born in the Year of the Dragon are thought to possess these qualities as well; these people are usually born leaders who encourage and inspire others. Dragons are also well known for their intelligence, slyness, and loyalty. They are capable of incredible things when they set their minds to something.
What are the time-honoured traditions of the holiday?
Red envelopes
A cherished tradition involves elders gifting red envelopes, or hongbao, to children and grandchildren to bestow good fortune for the year ahead. These envelopes contain money, symbolising a prosperous start to the new year. Beyond elders, colleagues, and friends often exchange hongbao.
Fireworks and lanterns
No Lunar New Year celebration is complete without the dazzling display of fireworks and lanterns. Each year, lanterns are illuminated to signify the banishment of darkness and the illumination of hope for the upcoming year. This age-old tradition dates back over 2,000 years to the Han Dynasty and remains an integral part of the holiday. Lanterns are released into the night sky on the final evening of the fifteen-day festival.
Reunite with families.
Above all, Chinese New Year is about reuniting with family. People travel from near and far to come together with loved ones. The annual family dinner, known as nian ye fan, is a special occasion for bonding and sharing blessings for the year ahead. Families eat together around a large dining table, offer incense to honor ancestors, and exchange hongbao.
笑口常开 (Xiào kǒu cháng kāi):
May your mouth be full of laughter! Wishing for a year filled with joy, happiness, and laughter.
五福临门 (Wǔ fú lín mén):
May the five blessings come to your door. Wishing prosperity, longevity, health, virtue, and a natural death – the five traditional blessings.
Gerard