CHINESE ZODIAC 2024
By Published February 6, 2024
In Chinese culture, the dragon has significant symbolism and is revered. It represents positive qualities such as power, strength, good luck, and wisdom. The Chinese dragon is considered a celestial and divine creature, with the ability to control natural elements such as wind and water.
The Year of the Dragon is anticipated to bring auspicious opportunities and exciting advancements for all. Those born under the dragon sign are reputed for their innovative thinking and inquisitive nature, and often flourish in their professional pursuits.
Are you a dragon?
Click on your birth date for your Chinese zodiac animal
What kind of Dragon are you?
Chinese element theory assigns one of five elements – Gold (Metal), Wood, Water, Fire, or Earth – to each sign of the zodiac. This means that, for example, a Wood Dragon appears once every 60 years.
Significant events in the Years of the Dragon
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Lunar New Year calendar 2024
Lunar New Year celebrations traditionally last for 16 days, from Lunar New Year’s Eve to the Lantern Festival. In mainland China, the first eight days - from February 10 to 17 in 2024 – are public holidays.
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
February
Sun
February 4
Mon
5
Tue
6
Wed
7
Thu
8
The most important celebration, includes the family reunion dinner, and staying up until midnight
A day for visiting or greeting family and relatives, and giving presents
New Year’s Day
Sat
10
An ominous day, so it’s common to stay at home, rest with family and play games
Day of the Rat
Mon
12
An auspicious day, for prayer and giving offerings, or going to temples or fortune-tellers
Day of the Sheep
Tue
13
Commonly accepted as the day when taboos (from previous days) can be broken
God of Wealth’s Birthday
Wed
14
Believed to be the best day to get rid of old, unwanted things. Also an acceptable day to resume wor
Day of the Horse
Thu
15
Believed to be the day people were created. It is good to spend it outdoors in nature
Day of Mankind
Fri
16
Good weather on this day will herald good crops for the year. Many families will have a second “mini” reunion dinner
Day of the Grain
Sat
17
A day on which people give offerings, light incense and set off firecrackers
Jade Emperor’s birthday
Sun
18
Rituals similar to the previous day are performed
God of Stone’s birthday
Mon
19
Fathers are expected to “entertain” or treat their sons-in-law on this day
Son-in-Law Day
Tue
20
Preparations for the Lantern Festival: cooking and making lanterns
Lantern Day Preparations (3 days)
Wed
21
Thu
22
Fri
23
21 ~
23
Marks the end of Lunar New Year festivities. Lanterns are lit and hung or flown, dragon dances take place in the streets and children answer lantern riddles
Lantern Festival
Sat
24
Dragon children
The dragon is considered the most auspicious zodiac sign by many Chinese people. According to popular belief, babies born in dragon years possess remarkable qualities throughout their lives, including cleverness, charm, eloquence, and even wealth.
The Year of the Dragon consistently sees the highest number of births in the 12-year Chinese calendrical cycle. In 2000 and 2012, birth rates in Hong Kong and mainland China both saw significant increases.
Many famous people from various fields were born in dragon years, further enhancing the belief in its auspicious nature.
Celebrities born in the Year of the Dragon
Best wishes for Dragon Year
Chinese New Year traditions
Wear red, not white
White symbolises death in Asian culture, so avoid giving white flowers; try to wear a new outfit on Chinese New Year’s Day.
Red envelopes
Older people offer single children and young people red envelopes known as hong bao (in Cantonese, lai see) on Chinese New Year's Day. It is usual not to give quantities that end in four because the Chinese word for "four" sounds a lot like the term for "death”.
Avoid cutting or washing hair
Cut and wash your hair in the week or so before Chinese New Year's Day, but avoid doing so on the actual day to avoid ruining or sabotaging your luck. The same applies to scissors and knives; never use them.
Avoid using a broom
In order to avoid sweeping out any good luck, you should clean your house in advance rather than on Chinese New Year’s Day.
Open windows
In the days preceding Chinese New Year's Day, let the bad luck out and the good luck in.
Eat traditional food
During Chinese New Year, auspicious foods are consumed, including dumplings (symbolising wealth), noodles (symbolising longevity), fish (symbolising abundance), and fruit like oranges, tangelos, and pomelos.
Associate Creative Director Marcelo Duhalde
Edited by Kevin Kwong
Additional web development by Dennis Wong
Illustrations by Victor Sanjinez and Brian Wang
Sources: SCMP, On this day, Data.gov.hk
