Welcoming the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese Lunar New Year

By Mahnoor Khan, CEAS Newsletter Manager

The Chinese Lunar New Year marks the end of winter and the arrival of a bountiful spring. Here’s all you need to know to prepare for the Lunar New Year in 2024.

While many around the world marked the beginning of the new year at the stroke of midnight on 31st December, an estimated 2 billion people in East and Southeast Asia will usher in the Lunar New Year on February 10th, 2024. The Lunar New Year marks the end of winter and heralds the arrival of spring, which is why it is also called the Spring Festival. This is a celebration that goes back some 3,500 years and is deeply rooted in Chinese tradition and mythology.

Each Lunar New Year falls on the day of the second new moon after the winter solstice, marking the start of a new annual cycle based on the lunisolar calendar. Celebrations typically last for 15 days. If you’re in China, you get a week off work to take part in the festivities with friends and family.

 Although China and other East Asian countries, like most of the world, use the Gregorian calendar in day-to-day life, the lunisolar calendar is used to mark traditional festivals and holidays like the Lunar New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival. The lunar calendar is also used in Chinese astrology to determine auspicious dates for important events like weddings.

2024 will be the Year of the Wood Dragon. For those unfamiliar with the Chinese zodiac: The dragon is one of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac and one of the Four Benevolent Animals in Chinese mythology. The Chinese zodiac assigns each animal to a year, forming a 12-year cycle. This is in contrast with the 12-month cycle of the western zodiac. Additionally, one of the five following elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water, is associated with each year’s zodiac animal. The elemental affiliation changes each time an animal reappears after the 12-year cycle. So, following the chronology of the elements, the next Year of the Dragon, which will be in 2036, will be the Year of the Fire Dragon. The completion of the entire cycle, encompassing each of the twelve animals associated with the five elements, requires 60 years. This 60-year cycle is called “Jia-Zi” in Mandarin.

The dragon is a revered figure in Chinese culture; one that represents majesty, wisdom, authority, honour, and strength. The zodiac animal assigned to your birth year is said to influence your personality, career path, romantic prospects, and destiny throughout life. People born in dragon years are characterized as possessing confidence, charisma, and strong leadership qualities. The elemental pairing associated with your zodiac animal is supposed to further influence your personality traits, leading to distinctive traits between people born in years associated with the same animal. So the characteristics of someone born in the year of the Water Dragon will vary from those of an individual born in the year of the Fire Dragon.

On New Year’s Day itself, there is a tradition of gifting family members red envelopes decorated with gold calligraphy which are stuffed with cash. These red packets are called Hong Bao (in Mandarin) or Lai See (in Cantonese). Red is an auspicious colour in Chinese culture, which is why it is also frequently used in Lunar New Year celebrations. The envelopes are typically given to children, grandchildren, and younger relatives. Since they are a way of showing appreciation and gratitude, Lai See can also be given to house help, servicepeople, and employees. You can read more about the etiquette of giving and receiving Lai See here.

Preparing for the New Year

So you want to get into the spirit of the Chinese New Year and perhaps even celebrate with your friends from East and Southeast Asia who are a long way from home in Geneva. Here are a few things you can do to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere and make the most of this special occasion:

1. Explore Traditional Chinese Cuisine

Use the New Year celebrations to expand your horizons by sampling delicious and authentic Chinese cuisine! Dumplings are a popular Chinese food all year round but are specially prepared in Asian households for New Year celebrations. The shape of the dumpling resembles a money pouch, and so the number of dumplings you eat on New Year’s is said to predict the amount of money you will make in the coming year. The most popular filling is pork, but you can also try dumplings with shrimp, vegetable, or chicken fillings.

2. Decorate Your Home

Before inviting your friends, spruce up your home with traditional decorations in the vibrant colors and symbols of the Lunar New Year. Red lanterns, paper cuttings, and other traditional decorations can add a festive touch to your space. You can look at Pinterest boards for inspiration or ask a friend who is celebrating the Lunar New Year for help!

3. Learn About Chinese Traditions

Take this opportunity to learn about the customs and traditions associated with the Chinese New Year. From the significance of red envelopes to the dragon and lion dances, learning about these practices can deepen your appreciation for the richness and diversity of East Asian cultures.

4. Participate in Local Celebrations

See if there are any local Chinese New Year celebrations taking place in Geneva. Joining community events like parades or cultural performances can provide an unforgettable immersive experience and a chance to connect with the broader community.

5. Exchange Wishes with Friends

Extend your warm wishes for the New Year. Familiarize yourself with common greetings, such as “Xin Nian Kuai Le” (Happy New Year) or “Gong Xi Fa Cai” (Wishing you prosperity), to share with your friends and colleagues.

Remember, the essence of the Chinese New Year lies in joy, goodwill, and the promise of a fresh start. By embracing these elements, you can create a meaningful and inclusive celebration in Geneva, even if you’re far from Asia where the traditional festivities take place!