AND almost everything is ready for the celebrations of Chinese New Year. From February 10th to 25th, fireworks, rigorously red lanterns, well-being and prosperity rites will reign supreme in many Asian countries, first of all China but also in South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam and the Japanese prefecture of Okinawa, as well as in the many Chinatowns around the world. Two weeks of celebrations that will mark the beginning ofyear of the wooden green dragon.
Chinese New Year, ancient traditions to celebrate the new year
The Chinese New Yearwhose date changes depends on the lunar phases between January 20th and February 20th of each year, in 2024 it is celebrated from February 10th, more precisely from the evening of the 9th until February 24th. Astrologically the Chinese New Year will begin on February 4th, but the 10th of the month corresponds to the Lunar New Year which inaugurates 16 days of parties, dinners and auspicious ritesuntil the 24th evening.
Celebrated in many Asian countries, from mainland China and Taiwan to South Korea, Vietnam and a Japanese prefecture, Chinese New Year is also called “lunar” because it follows the lunisolar calendar whose months follow one another according to lunar cycles. Tradition introduced by the Shang dynasty, between 1600-1046 BC, during the twentieth century it was supplanted several times, especially by Mao Zedong’s Cultural Revolution, only to be officially reintroduced in 1980. Since then the Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival , it has always been celebrated.
Chinese New Year traditions
Chinese New Year follows very specific rituals. Christmas Eve, this year February 9th, is the time when families gather for the first of many dinners. Then during New Year’s day, therefore the February 10, you visit all your relatives and friends wishing them a prosperous year. Finally, the last day which this year falls on the 24th, is the so-called Lantern Festival: also called Yuanxiaofrom the name of the typical rice dessert eaten, during the evening they are made to fly in the air thousands of red lanterns symbolizing good luck.
Meanwhile, during the two weeks of celebrations, there are propitiatory and auspicious rites to follow: in the countryside there are many folkloristic events which recall the traditions of the past, including temple fairs, shows and dances, and they exchange each other hongbaored envelopes with a lucky card and a tip inside whose value must end in 8, a lucky number in Chinese culture. Usually this custom is maintained especially by grandparents towards their grandchildren.
2024 Year of the Dragon. (Getty Images)
In this time fireworks and firecrackers cannot be missing. A custom of very ancient origins, at the time they were used to keep evil spirits and animals away, and still today it is believed that the louder the bangs, the luckier the year will be. Another ritual is that of do the cleaning: what in the West is called spring cleaning, in the East is done during this period as symbolic gesture to ward off the old year and all its misfortunes. With one precaution: both housekeeping and body cleaning, for example washing your hair, they must not be done on the first three days of the holidayotherwise the good fortune of the new year will disappear.
2024, the year of the green wooden dragon: what does it mean?
Each Chinese New Year corresponds to one of the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac with their meaning. Following the order:
鼠 shǔ – mouse
牛 niú – ox
虎 hǔ – tiger
兔 tù – rabbit
龙 lóng – dragon
shé – snake
马 mǎ – horse
羊 yáng – goat
猴 hóu – monkey
鸡 jī – rooster
狗 gǒu – dog
猪 zhū – pig
The names of the years are created starting from the first celestial name combined with as many “Terrestrial” names that correspond to the 5 elements: metal, water, fire, wood, earth. Every year the elements scale associated with the signs of a position. When you reach the last of one of the two lists (signs and elements) you start again from the first, thus giving life to 60 combinations, i.e. 60 names of years, which make up a complete cycle in Chinese astrology. The first New Year dates back to 2637 BC, when, According to tradition, the Chinese calendar was invented.
If 2022 was the year of the metal rabbit, 2024 will be the year of the wooden green dragon. A powerful and self-confident figure, the green wooden dragon is a symbol of great independence and above all strong balance, given by its being made of wood, strongly linked to the earth. It is no coincidence that, according to forecasts, 2024 will be a year of prosperity but also of rebirth, stability and newfound freedom.
The green wooden dragon, in 2036 will be the year of the fire dragon, is associated with the Yang earth from which it inherits the calm, constancy, reliability, honesty and indulgence. For this reason it is also linked to the image of very tall forests, a symbol of growth and strength. And the green is among the most prosperous shades, a symbol of rebirth and linked to plants. Finally, a tip: although it represents great prosperity and intelligence, the dragon does not indicate success in love but in business.
The Chinese horoscope in the year of the Green Wood Dragon
To the Mouse the Wooden Green Dragon in 2024 should bring opportunities for growth and financial success. The Rat will have to be careful about hasty decisions and focus on stability.
Those born in the years starting on January 25, 2020 are mice; February 7, 2008; February 19, 1996; February 2, 1984; February 15, 1972; January 28, 1960.
To the Ox 2024 will bring positive changes and opportunities for personal growth. Those born under the sign of the Ox should progress in their careers and improve their professional relationships.
Oxs are born in the lunars from February 12, 2021; January 26, 2009; February 7, 1997; February 20, 1985; February 3, 1973; February 15, 1961.
Those born of Tiger they should have a year of reflection and rest. It will be a year recovering, planning and preparing for future opportunities.
Those born after January 31, 2022 are Tigers; February 14, 2010; January 28, 1998; February 9, 1986; January 23, 1974; February 5, 1962.
The Rabbit in 2024 he should feel balance and harmony. It will be a time to cultivate relationships and dedicate yourself to personal growth.
Those born after February 18, 2023 are Rabbits; February 3, 2011; February 16, 1999; January 29, 1987; February 11, 1975; January 25, 1963.
2024 will be a big year for the Dragona year full of opportunities and accomplishments. Only warning the Dragon should maintain a little prudence and caution to get the most out of this period.
Those born after February 5, 2024 are Dragons; January 23, 2012; February 5, 2000; February 17, 1988; January 31, 1976; February 13, 1964.
Snake should have a year of growth and expansion. 2024 will be a good year to explore new ideas and new horizons.
Those born from January 24, 2025 are snakes; February 10, 2013; January 24, 2001; February 6, 1989; February 18, 1977; February 2, 1965.
2024 requires the Horse pay particular attention to your finances. The good news is that opportunities for professional advancement may arise.
Those born after January 31, 2014 are Cavallo; February 12, 2002; January 27, 1990; February 7, 1978; February 18, 1966.
It will be a year of consolidation and stabilization for the Goat. 2024 will require a greater focus on mental and physical health and well-being.
Capra is anyone born after February 19, 2015; February 1, 2003; February 15, 1991; January 28, 1979; February 9, 1967.
For the Monkey the year of the Wooden Green Dragon will bring opportunities for innovation and personal development. A year in which to use creativity in every area of life.
Anyone born after February 8, 2016 is a Monkey; January 22, 2004; February 4, 1992; February 16, 1980; January 30, 1968.
The Rooster in 2024 he will face challenges but also personal growth. It will be a year in which he brings out determination and stubbornness.
Gallo is anyone born after January 28, 2017; February 9, 2005; January 23, 1993; February 5, 1981; February 17, 1969.
The Dog This year you will feel a great sense of balance and stability. And it will be a year in which new and old relationships are born and blossom.
Anyone born after February 16, 2018 is a Dog; January 29, 2006; February 10, 1994; January 25, 1982; February 6, 1970.
The Pigfinally, in 2024 it should go through a period of prosperity and personal fulfillment. It will be the right time to capitalize on important financial opportunities.
Anyone born after February 5, 2019 is a Pig; February 18, 2007; January 31, 1995; February 13, 1983; January 27, 1971.
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