Family reunions. Feasts. Fun. The Lunar New Year is celebrated by billions of people around the world. In many Asian countries and the Asian diaspora across the world, the Lunar New Year is a great way to transition from the cold weather into this season of renewal.
Lunar New Year is deeply rooted in the histories, beliefs, and traditions of various cultures, particularly in East and Southeast Asia. Preserving the cultural significance, rich traditions and rituals of the Lunar New Year helps serve as a connection to one’s identity and heritage, with important values passed down through generations. 2024 is the Year of the Wood Dragon—a good time to build a solid foundation of something new with long-term potential. Here’s what that means and how to celebrate.
When Is Lunar New Year Celebrated?
From February 10, 2024 to January 28, 2025, the Year of the Wood Dragon is believed to foster growth, progress, and abundance. Wood is known to represent vitality and creativity, while the dragon is about success, intelligence, and honor.
“Lunar New Year is an opportunity to honor our cultural heritage and traditions. This celebration is not just about the changing of the calendar; it’s a time to reflect for the year ahead, to strengthen family bonds, and to usher in prosperity and good fortune,” says Reina Guzman, lead of TR API, Taskrabbit’s employee-led Asian Pacific Islanders affinity group.
How to Observe Lunar New Year at Home
Who doesn’t love gathering the family together around hot, steaming plates of food?
“For me, eating manduguk (Korean dumpling soup) is a must for ringing in wealth and prosperity!” says Reina.
There are several popular Lunar New Year recipes that you can try from different Asian regions, from the Korean dish tang-guk (a flavorful soup with beef and radish) to ngo hiang, a dish commonly made in Singapore (pork with five spice, rolled in bean curd sheets and fried).
Historical Happenings in the Year of the Wood Dragon
Did you know that the last Year of the Wood Dragon was in 1964? The Lunar New Year has been celebrated for centuries and so is deeply intertwined with historical events like the following.
In that year:
- The US Civil Rights Act of 1964 was signed into law by President Johnson.
- Yoshinori Sakai opened the Japan Summer Olympic Games symbolizing the rebirth of Japan after the Second World War.
- Kenya became a republic with Jomo Kenyatta as their 1st president.
- The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Oslo, Norway.
A Time of Renewal, Unity, and Prosperity
As we welcome the Year of the Wood Dragon in 2024, this is a great opportunity to reflect on the rich traditions and cultural significance that come with this ancient celebration. Let’s honor the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future with hope, courage, and determination. Wishing you all a joyous Lunar New Year filled with abundance and good fortune!
