The Year of the Dragon, the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese lunar calendar, is a charismatic member of the Chinese zodiac. In traditional Chinese culture, the dragon is revered as a symbol of good fortune, symbolizing authority, wealth, and prosperity. Therefore, on the occasion of the Year of the Dragon, people hold colorful celebrations to wish for good luck and good weather in the new year. Here are some unique customs about the Year of the Dragon:
1.Dragon Lantern: The Dragon Lantern Dance is one of the treasures of traditional Chinese folk art and is usually presented during the joyous occasion of the Spring Festival. The dragon lantern dance procession is composed of dozens of people, who hold the dragon in their hands and dance to the beat of gongs and drums, which means to ward off evil spirits and pray for peace.
2.Paste Spring Festival couplets: Spring Festival couplets are couplets written on red paper, engraved with auspicious sentences, such as "Blessing is like the long flowing water of the East China Sea, and the longevity is better than the old pine of Nanshan". In the Year of the Dragon, people will stick Spring Festival couplets on the door to pray for a happy family and a prosperous career.
3.Firecrackers: Firecrackers are an ancient custom during the Spring Festival, symbolizing the drive away and welcoming the New Year. When the Year of the Dragon arrives, people set off firecrackers in the hope that everything will be good and prosperous in the new year.
4.Reunion dinner: During the Spring Festival, family members gather together to share a reunion dinner, which means family harmony and happiness. In the Year of the Dragon, people prepare sumptuous meals to celebrate the festive season with their families.
5.New Year's greetings: During the Spring Festival, friends and relatives will greet each other and send each other good wishes for health, longevity and success. During the Year of the Dragon, people put on new clothes, visit friends and family, and pass on blessings to each other.
6.New Year's money: During the Spring Festival, the elders will give the younger ones New Year's money, which means wishing them peace and auspiciousness and academic success in the new year. When the Year of the Dragon comes, the children will receive red envelopes and feel the deep love and expectation of their families.
7.Hanging lanterns: During the Spring Festival, every household will hang red lanterns, symbolizing prosperity and joy. On the occasion of the Year of the Dragon, people hang colorful lanterns in front of their doors to add more festive atmosphere to the festival.
8.New Year's Eve: On Chinese New Year's Eve, the whole family gathers together to celebrate the New Year, which means saying goodbye to the old and welcoming the new. When the Year of the Dragon arrives, people will stay up all night waiting for the New Year's bell to ring and welcome the hopeful New Year together.
9.Ancestor worship: During the Spring Festival, people will hold a ceremony to worship their ancestors to express their admiration and longing for their ancestors. On the eve of the Year of the Dragon, people set up altars in their homes and offer offerings such as incense and candles, paper money, etc., praying for the blessing of the good health of their ancestors for future generations.
10.Wear new clothes: During the Spring Festival, people will buy new clothes, symbolizing the new year and the renewal of everything. During the Year of the Dragon, people put on new clothes to show off their style and taste.
All in all, the Year of the Dragon is a festival full of festivity and peace. On this special day, people celebrate the arrival of the New Year through a variety of colorful traditional customs and express their best wishes and expectations for the new year. Let's pray for a prosperous Year of the Dragon!