The Year of the Rabbit is history. On February 10th, a new lunar year begins in many Asian countries: the Year of the Dragon.
The Chinese lunar calendar is recorded using zodiac signs, of which there are twelve in total. Depending on the year in which a person was born, they can be assigned to a specific animal. The dragon is the fifth animal in the Chinese zodiac. One of many legends surrounding the Chinese zodiac animals tells of the mythical Jade Emperor who once called various animals to him to celebrate a common festival. The twelve animals of the zodiac signs then arrived one after the other – which is why the order in question came about.
Each of the twelve animals is also assigned its own element: fire, water, metal, earth and wood. They refer to the respective year of birth and change every other year.
This year the dragon is under the auspices of the Wooden Dragon. Dragons are the most revered animals in Chinese culture. According to tradition, the powerful mythical creature embodies imperial power, while the wood represents growth and vitality. His reign promises happiness and prosperity. The last time the combination of dragon and wood was used was in 1964.
The Lunar New Year takes place on a different day every year and is usually celebrated in Asian countries on the day of the new moon, which is between January 21st and February 20th according to the Chinese lunisolar calendar. The celebrations then last several days and, similar to our Christmas, families come together during this time to celebrate, eat and drink together.
Lunar New Year is often also referred to as Chinese New Year. And basically it means the same thing. However, the festival is not only celebrated in China and so people in South Korea and elsewhere call it Lunar New Year.
Google is celebrating this year’s festival with a doodle. By the way, the Year of the Dragon ends on January 28, 2025. Then the Year of the Snake begins.
Sources: China Wiki, gdcf-mainz-wiesbaden.de, astrologyk.com
