There’s a whole lot to know if you’re going to celebrate Chinese New Year properly, and this year I plan on doing everything by the book and sticking as close to tradition as possible, partly to teach my little girl this side of her heritage and partly to finally satisfy the curiosity I’ve had for it all these decades. So, join me as I explain every Chinese New Year tradition that’s about to take over the city.
Search #JingkidsCNY to find more articles on this topic.
It’s almost time to celebrate Chinese New Year, or 过年 (guònián). On Feb 10 it will officially be the Year of the Dragon. Here’s the quick version of what nian is and what the Year of the Dragon is.
What is Nian?
Nian means year in Chinese, but legend has it that it was once a fierce monster that looked like a lion with a sharp horn on its head and the long tail of a dragon. It lived at the bottom of the sea, but once a year on the last day of the lunar calendar it would come on land to hunt.
The nian monster preyed on people and livestock, and villagers would drive away the beast with firecrackers and flares. It’s believed that the first villager who fought off the nian monster was dressed all in red, and since then it has been believed that bright lights, firecrackers, and the color red weaken the beast. So, from then on, each year during the lunar new year, people hang up red couplets and lanterns, wear red articles of clothing, and set off firecrackers.
The 12 Zodiacs and the Year of the Wood Dragon:
Legend has it that the zodiacs were created by the Jade Emperor on his birthday. According to the myth, 12 animals were selected to compete in the race as a measurement of time for people. The animals were to race across a rapid river and cross the finish line on the other side. To race across, the Ox carried the Rat on his back, but, overcome by the excitement, the Rat launched off of the Ox at the finish line and crossed it first. The Ox came in second and the Tiger came in third.
Following the Tiger came the Rabbit, who would have made it sooner had he not fallen into the river. Saved by a floating log, the rabbit came in fourth, followed by the Dragon. After the Dragon came the Horse, followed by a sneaky Snake who scored himself a ride to the finish line on the leg of the Horse.
Soon after came the Monkey, Rooster, and Sheep. Myth has it that, unlike the other competitors, these three helped each other along the way to reach the finish line together. Finally, coming in last are the Dog, who decided to take a bath in the river, and the Pig, who felt hungry during the race and had himself a little snack.
What does it mean to be a Dragon?
Represented only in myth, the Dragon is believed to be the most powerful of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals. Don’t be surprised if you get a ton of birth announcements this year. You’re not imagining it, many parents in China will try to give birth during the Year of the Dragon.
In China, the Dragon is a symbol of authority, honor, and dignity, and it’s believed that those born in the Year of the Dragon will have unprecedented opportunities given to them throughout their life and that these people are able to harness the Dragon’s intelligence, leadership, and ability to pursue their dreams with creativity, passion, courage, and confidence.
This year is the Year of the Wood Dragon. Let me explain.
Following the Chinese calendar, which rotates in 60-year cycles based on the 12 zodiac animals and five heavenly elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water), each Chinese New Year has an animal and an element that’s associated with it. This year, the dragon’s transformative power combines with the nurturing wood element, offering opportunities for evolution, improvement, and abundance.
Images: The Independent, Bing
