Lunar New Year Year of the Dragon

Lunar New Year is a holiday that is celebrated in China, North and South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Brunei and East India. Since this holiday follows the lunar calendar, it is celebrated on a different date each year, between Jan. 21 and Feb. 20. For 2024, Lunar New Year’s Eve falls on Feb. 9 and Lunar New Year on Feb. 10.

The lunar calendar is based on the moon’s monthly orbit around the Earth. Whereas the Gregorian calendar, used in most parts of the world, including China, is based on the Earth’s revolution around the sun.

According to the Chinese zodiac, which has 12 animals representing a year and carrying specific attributes, this year is considered the Year of the Wood Dragon. Wood symbolizes humanity’s aspiration to achieve, progress, grow, and expand. The Year of the Dragon represents health, strength, and good fortune. Those born in this year are believed to embody qualities associated with dragons—natural leadership, charisma, and boundless enthusiasm.

Traditions and specific ways to celebrate vary among countries, but you will often see practices such as cleaning, gathering with extended family, honoring ancestors and elders, preparing special foods, giving and receiving red envelopes, and more.

In the spirit of celebrating health, strength, and good fortune, the College of Public Health hopes that you will remember to celebrate safely this year.