The Year of the Dragon is Here

For many communities in Asia, it’s New Year’s Eve and the celebrations are just about to officially start.

On Saturday, 10 February, the first new moon of the lunar calendar will take place, kicking off the 15-day Spring Festival of the Lunar New Year.

As part of the observations of time, the Chinese people have created a complex zodiac calendar that is divided into twelve cycles, each represented by a different animal: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.

This year, people will be welcoming in the year of the Dragon. According to local belief, one’s fortunes may rise or fall, based on the year they were born and the current year they are in.

The occasion will be honoured with a selection of tasty food, elaborate and colourful decorations, and dazzling fireworks.

Red pockets – also known as red packets or red envelopes – are handed out to children during this time, as a gesture of passing on good fortune and blessings for the younger generations.

The final day of the New Year celebrations will be on 24 February, as part of the breathtaking Lantern Festival. For many, the sight of the lanterns gently floating up to the sky is an unforgettable moment.

Image Credit: Source