By Qineng Tan, L.Ac., Ph.D and Xiaomei Cai, L.Ac., Ph.D.
The Lunar New Year will officially begin on Saturday, February 10, 2024, when we will say goodbye to the Year of the Rabbit and welcome in the Year of the Dragon.
In Chinese culture, the dragon is a divine creature who brings good fortune. Chinese dragons are believed to act as conduits between heaven and earth, helping to bring good weather, plentiful harvests, and overall prosperity to people.
In Ancient China, Emperors were believed to have the qualities of dragons. This is why it is common to see statues and carvings of dragons in Chinese cities, standing guard.
In Chinese culture, it is considered very fortunate to be born in the Year of the Dragon, and many people actively aim to have a child in the Dragon year.
Chinese Astrology
Similar in some ways to the Western Zodiac, the Chinese Zodiac comprises twelve signs, each represented by a magical creature or animal. The Chinese Zodiac moves through its cycle in twelve years, rather than twelve months.
Chinese Astrology also incorporates the five elements: water, wood, metal, earth, and fire. This cycle takes 60 years to complete itself, as each sign moves through a new element every twelve years.. This will be the year of the Wood Dragon, which has not happened since 1964.
2024 Year of the Wood Dragon
The fire of the Dragon is the spark of creativity. Dragon personalities are not bound by conformity. Dragons are “larger than life;” they have big ideas and do things on a grand scale. They are fearless and proud, and hold themselves—and everyone else—to a high standard. They would much rather give orders than follow them.
In Chinese astrology, wood represents the season of spring and is associated with growth.
The wood element in the Year of the Dragon brings creativity and the strength and tenacity to put original ideas into action. The wood dragon is an independent thinker who gets right to the point and may be impatient when other people or circumstances try to hold up their plans.
Chinese Zodiac – Year of the Dragon Horoscope
The Dragon year may bring big challenges, but it will also bring luck and wonderful opportunities. The year of the Dragon is a great time for new beginnings and starting big projects.
If you are a Dragon, then 2024 is your “ben ming nian.” Every twelve years, when it is “our year,” we begin a new cycle in our lives. Your ben ming nian is a time to plant seeds for the future. It can be a joyous time, but it is also wise to protect yourself, as there may be conflicts or health issues that crop up.
The Dragon is susceptible to stress and may have health problems such as headaches, exhaustion, emotional upsets, and high blood pressure. Engaging in exercises such as Tai Chi or yoga can help the Dragon keep their cool.
Dragons can help ward off negative energy by wearing red, or keeping an ornament made of jade with them.
What Is My Sign In Chinese Astrology?
Chinese astrology follows the lunar year calendar, and Chinese New Year can take place in various years in either January or February. If your birthday falls in one of those months, you will need to check to see when Chinese New Year occurred in your birth year to determine your sign.
Dragon – 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
Full of vitality, self-assured, a natural leader or performer.
Serpent – 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013
Charming skeptic and deeper thinker who uses their intuition.
Horse – 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
Cheerful, quick-witted and popular.
Ram- 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
Kind and helpful, artistic and a bit passive.
Monkey – 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016
Clever and innovative, a fast learner with good memory.
Rooster – 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017
Dramatic and outspoken, reputable and reliable.
Dog – 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018
Deep sense of justice and responsibility, loyal and generous.
Boar – 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019
Diligent, courageous, and a good friend.
Rat – 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Bright, sociable and highly ambitious, lavish with money.
Ox – 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
Intelligent, confident, traditional, can be stubborn.
Tiger – 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
Rebellious and dynamic, indomitable but considerate.
Rabbit – 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
Peace-loving and well-mannered, intelligent and creative.
Chinese New Year Traditions
In China, the New Year is the biggest holiday of the year, and most people will travel to spend time with their families.
It is traditional to clean your home carefully to bring luck and order into your lives. The ancient art of Feng Shui offers guidelines for how to arrange items around your home in order to allow for the smooth flow of energy through the rooms.
For more detailed information about finding your personal Feng Shui, based on your physical location and your birth chart, read our article here.
Gifts are exchanged at the New Year; usually, adults give children a gift of cash, tucked in a red envelope. In exchange, children wish their elders good health and good luck. According to custom, you must never open the envelope in front of the person who gave it to you.
Traditional New Year food offerings also help usher in good fortune for the new year. Foods that symbolize wealth are often emphasized. For example, displaying mandarin oranges and tangerines is thought to signify abundance. Dumplings and Spring Rolls are often served, reminding the family of silver and gold ingots. Long, uncut noodles represent long life.
For more information about which vegetables are served at Chinese New Year meals to bring good luck and good health, check out our article here.
Happy Chinese New Year 2024 From Art of Wellness Acupuncture Los Angeles
Chinese New Year is about welcoming longevity, wealth and prosperity into our lives and eliminating any negative Qi from the past.
In any culture, holidays are meant to be a happy and fulfilling time in our lives, but they can also bring extra stress. Whatever holiday you are celebrating, be sure to take time to get enough rest, exercise daily, and set aside a few quiet moments to meditate and center yourself.
From everyone at Art of Wellness, we want to wish all of you peace and wellness in the coming year.
