Happy Lunar New Year 2024!
Ushering in the Year of the Dragon

Now that we’ve rung in 2024, it’s time to celebrate another new beginning – with the Lunar New Year! Unlike the calendar year, which always begins on January 1, the Lunar New Year is tied to the moon’s cycle. It begins with the new moon and is celebrated through the following full moon. In 2024, the Lunar New Year kicks off on February 10.

Celebrations steeped in history

Also known as the Chinese New Year, the Lunar New Year is celebrated as one of the most important holidays across East and Southeast Asian societies. The years of the traditional Chinese calendar are based on a 12-year cycle, with each year linked to a different animal. This year, we’re welcoming in the Year of the Dragon! 

Legend holds that the Lunar New Year began when Buddha invited all animals to meet him for a New Year’s Day celebration. Ultimately, only 12 came: the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep (ram or goat), monkey, rooster, dog and pig (or boar). As a reward, he named a year for each animal!

Out with the old, in with the new

Firecrackers will be set off at midnight to drive out the old year (2023’s Year of the Rabbit), and welcome in the new. In 2024, under the sign of the Dragon, we’ll honor those born in the years 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012 and 2024. Those born under this sign are known for their enthusiasm, intelligence and strong leadership.

To celebrate the New Year, gifts are bought and celebrations begin. One tradition is the “sweeping of the grounds” – a top-to-bottom cleaning of a person’s house, intended to remove any bad luck that could be lingering in the home. In addition, red envelopes (representing the color of luck) that hold money are handed out on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

As we say hello to the Year of the Dragon, I’m sending wishes that your 2024 is filled with happiness, prosperity, good fortune and health!