Published: 2024-02-10 by, News Team in the Global news category

10th February 2024: Year of the Dragon Welcomed Worldwide

With over 1 billion individuals worldwide celebrating the Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, this weekend, the spotlight shifts from the quick-witted rabbit to the auspicious and fiery dragon for 2024.

The festival epitomizes a time of familial bonds, camaraderie, and sumptuous feasts, marking the world's largest annual migration of people. Extend warm wishes for the new year by saying "gong hei fat choy" in Cantonese or "xin nian kuai le" (pronounced "shin nyen kwai le") in Mandarin to friends and colleagues.

Here's an insight into the festival and its zodiac animal:

Lunar New Year, also referred to as the Spring Festival, is celebrated not only in China but across much of Asia, including Korea, Vietnam, and Singapore, as well as within the global Asian diaspora. It has its origins deeply rooted in various legends, with one of the most prevalent tales revolving around the mythical beast "Nian," which terrorized settlements each spring until people discovered its fear of loud noises, fire, and the color red. This led to the use of firecrackers and red decorations to ward off the creature.

This holiday symbolizes a transition from the cold of winter to the rejuvenating season of spring. While primarily secular, it incorporates cultural practices stemming from Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, and ancient folklore. Major celebrations extend beyond Asia and Festivities include lantern displays, red envelope gifts, and lively dragon dances aimed at dispelling malevolent forces.

Lunar New Year festivities align with the lunar calendar, beginning on the second new moon after the winter solstice, leading to variations in its date each year. This year, the New Year commenced today, on February 10, culminating with the Lantern Festival on February 24, marking the end of the celebrations.

In the Chinese zodiac, each year corresponds to one of 12 animals, with 2024 designated as the Year of the Dragon. Individuals born in dragon years, such as 2012, 2000, and others, are believed to embody visionary leadership, energy, determination, and independence, albeit prone to pride and a lack of willpower. The dragon symbolizes power and is considered an auspicious sign, prompting some in Asia to encourage childbirth during this year in hopes of cultivating "dragon babies" destined for success.

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