Across the globe many Asian families are preparing for Lunar new year 2024, year of the wood dragon. The wood dragon is said to bring a year of creativity, success, challenges and also new opportunities. This ancient and legendary creature holds high importance in Asian culture, a symbol of nobility, power, luck and success.

During these festive times one can notice the bright colors of red and gold, symbolizing good fortune, prosperity, abundance and hard work. It’s a common practice to adorn ones home with fresh fruit such as oranges, symbolizing wealth, and apples which are symbolic for safety and peace. Families typically get together to prepare large meals which are then blessed and offered to one’s ancestors. Some families will spend new years at their local Buddhist temple to receive blessings, pray, meditate, and give offerings of incense, food, and good wishes.

Some of the most common activities during the new year include putting up new year decor, giving offerings to ancestors, eating family reunion dinner, giving hong bao or red envelopes to youth and relatives, and enjoying the dragon or lion dance! Artists will sometimes come together sharing their arts, these are usually traditional Asian arts such as calligraphy, paper cutting or folding, cooking worships and demonstrations, and knot tying. If you’ve never experienced Lunar new year before take this upcoming opportunity to visit your local Asian community to experience a festive cultural time! Xin Nian Kuai Le, Happy New Year!

Reference:https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/special-report/chinese-new-year/