A summary and key points can be found at the bottom of the newspost.

Roar into the New Year with us as we reveal all the fiery details of the Year of the Dragon! 

 

The Chinese Zodiacs

The Chinese Zodiac is represented by 12 animals and are used in Chinese astrology and traditional culture. They go in the following order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. Just like Western zodiac signs, in Chinese culture it's believed that someone's horoscope, personality and love compatibility are associated with their Chinese zodiac sign, which is determined by someone’s birth year.

 

History

The zodiac is based on Chinese astrology and was used as a way to count years, months, days and hours in the calendar, formed from the Celestial Stem (Chinese system of ordinals that first appear during the Shang dynasty as the names of the ten days of the week) and the Terrestrial Branch (a Chinese ordering system). Each animal stands for a year in a 12-year cycle. It's not known when the exact date of the zodiac was created, but it goes back as far as 2000 years ago during the Han Dynasty. It became a popular way to determine someone's birth year during the North Zhou Dynasty period, today the Chinese zodiac remains an important feature of Chinese culture, celebrated during the Lunar New Year.

 

Some legends say that the Jade Emperor had a race on his birthday to create the Chinese zodiac, while others say it was the Buddha who did. However, both stories are somewhat the same. The story goes as the twelve animals of the zodiac are selected for a race. As a measurement for the people, the years on Earth would be named after the animals in order of who wins. With the Rat coming in first after being carried on the back of the Ox and jumping towards the finish, with the Ox coming in second and Tiger finishing third.

 

Another story tells that the 12 animals were chosen based on their importance in ancient Chinese culture and astrology as each animal is associated with specific characteristics, reflecting on the values and beliefs of the time.

 

About the Dragon

Emperors used the Dragon as a symbol of their imperial power and authority, emblems could be found in carvings on the stairs, walkways, furniture and robes of the palace. Common people back then were not allowed to use anything related to the dragons.

 

The Chinese Dragon (in Chinese: lóng) is a symbol of power, strength, good fortune and is also linked to natural elements in Chinese cosmology: water, rain and clouds, it is believed the dragons have the power to control the weather. They are also seen as guardians and protectors, often built on temples, palaces and other sacred places as a means to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune.

 

The Year of the Wood Dragon

Today, February 10th, marks the start of the new Year, 2024 is the Year of the Wood Dragon. The order of the animal signs is fixed, with the Dragon being the fifth in the cycle. Apart from each year having an animal, it also corresponds to one of the five elements in Chinese cosmology: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire or Earth. The lunisolar calendar determines which animal and the element associated with the year. That's why 2024 is called the Year of the Wood Dragon, as 2024 is associated with the element of Wood.

 

According to the Chinese zodiac, people born in the year of the Dragon are believed to have certain characteristics and traits associated with the dragon. For example, they tend to be confident and charismatic, are full of energy and enthusiasm while also intelligent. It's said that they are naturally lucky and gifted! But sometimes the arrogant personality of the dragon keeps people away from them, due to their nature's luck they may be less hard-working which can result in failures. Nevertheless they are people with very good leadership, are very charming and easily win another's heart but they also yearn for support and love.

In Chinese culture there are various traditions related to the zodiac years, one common example is wearing the red bracelet. It’s said that when it’s the year of a certain zodiac animal, for example the year of Dragon, people who have those zodiac signs should wear a red bracelet around their wrist for a year, this is to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. It’s not always tied to the zodiac, as it can also be worn for the other signs should it be their lucky year. The bracelet is given by someone, such as a family member or a close friend. Once the year is over, it can be hung on a tree to let the wind blow it away.

 

Dragon Dance

Dragon dances have been at Chinese festivals since ancient times, it's one of the many symbols of Chinese culture. As the Chinese dragon is a symbol of China, it’s very important to the culture. Back in the ancient times, when it hasn't rained for a long time, people would pray for the rain with a dragon dance, performing dragon dances after planting was also a way to pray to protect the soil. In today's age dragon dances are performed during festivals and celebrations, this is to chase away evil spirits and welcome the prosperous times ahead. 

 

Dragon dances can be performed in different ways, such as different dragon costumes that come in many different colours, which make the performance cofourful and bright! Some examples of meaning of different colors of dragon dances:

• Green: When green is the main colour of the dragon, the dance symbolizes a great harvest.
• Yellow: When yellow is the main colour of the dragon, the dance symbolizes respect for the empire.
• Gold or silver: When gold or silver are the main colours of the dragon, the dance symbolizes prosperity.
• Red: When red is the main colour of the dragon, the dance symbolizes good fortune and usher in excitement.

 

Summary

• The Chinese zodiac is represented by 12 animals in the following order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.

• The zodiac is based on Chinese astrology and was used as a way to count years, months, days and hours in the calendar.

• Some legends say that the Jade Emperor had a race on his birthday to create the Chinese zodiac.

• The Chinese Dragon (in Chinese: lóng) is a symbol of power, strength and good fortune.

• Today marks the start of the new Year, 2024 is the Year of the Wood Dragon.

• In Chinese culture there are various traditions related to the zodiac years, one common example is wearing the red bracelet.

• Dragon dances have been at Chinese festivals since ancient times, it's one of the many symbols of Chinese culture.

 

祝大家新年快乐!（Happy New Year to all of you!)

 

Love,

The Inclusivity Group