Roar into the year of the Dragon!
Saturday, February 10, 2024, marks the start of the Lunar New Year! This special day signals the first day of the new moon and the start of a new year according to the lunisolar calendar.
Lunar New Year started over 3,800 years ago during the Chinese Han Dynasty (202 BC – 220 AD) when Emperor Wudi approved a calendar reform that set the beginning of the year on the day of the first new moon. It is also known as “Beginning of Spring” because this time was historically meant for farmers to have a break from their year-long hard labor to rest and spend time with their families, and then be ready to resume work refreshed for the new agricultural season.
Over 1.5 billion people celebrate Lunar New Year worldwide. It is the largest annual holiday for many Asian cultures and every year is linked to an animal sign. This year is the Year of the Dragon, with the dragon representing bravery, strength, and luck.
Interested in finding out your zodiac sign and what is in store for you in 2023? CLICK HERE
Many countries see Lunar New Year as the most important day on the calendar, making home and family the principal focus of the day. Generations of families travel to celebrate with one another, and homes are thoroughly cleaned the day before to sweep away ill fortune and to welcome good luck. Common traditions during Lunar New Year include honoring heavenly deities and ancestors to pray for good health, wealth, and prosperity, watching lion and dragon dances to chase away evil spirits and negative energy, and handing out red envelopes with small amounts of money to friends and family members to pass on good luck and share blessings.
More Information
CLICK HERE to check out recipes to try for Lunar New Year and understand the symbolic meaning behind each dish.
Check out Huffington Post’s video on Celebrating Lunar New Year’s Worldwide HERE
For Lunar New Year celebrations around Los Angeles, CLICK HERE
Whether you’re celebrating a long-running family tradition or experiencing the holiday for the first time, join the New Year festivities for a year of good luck and fortune.
