Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is celebrated by billions of people around the world.
It typically falls between January 21 and February 20 and marks the lunisolar calendar’s first new moon. This year, the 15-day festival starts on February 10 and culminates on February 24 with the Lantern Festival.
2024 is the Year of the Dragon. >^..^<
(Download your Year of the Dragon Coloring Page)
There are 12 animals in the Chinese Zodiac classification, with one assigned to each year. The animals include the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
In the Chinese zodiac, the Dragon is seen as the most powerful sign, symbolizing strength, luck, and good fortune. People born in the Year of the Dragon are thought to be brave, innovative, and driven.
The festival has a history of over 3,000 years. Celebrations vary by country and culture, but themes of prosperity, happiness, and health are present in all. Connecting with family is a vital part of the celebration.
Key activities include big family dinners with foods like New Year cakes and dumplings, decorations including red Chinese lanterns, fireworks, and firecrackers, and giving red envelopes with money in them. You’ll see red everywhere, representing happiness and good luck.
In public celebrations, you’ll see traditional dragon and lion dances.
Gōng xǐ fā cái! 🧧 May you be happy and prosperous!