Embracing the Year of the Wooden Dragon: the significance of Chinese New Year traditions

The Chinese New Year tops the list of significant holidays in China. This celebration is also known as the Spring Festival. Celebrations occur not only in China, but also in Taiwan, North Korea, Tibet, and Vietnam. The holiday falls anytime between 21 January and 20 February and typically lasts for around 15 days, culminating in the Lantern Festival.

The current Chinese New Year will be marked as the Year of the Wooden Dragon. It's interesting to note that unlike a regular year which lasts 365 or 366 days, the Chinese New Year follows the lunar calendar, meaning its start date varies. In 2024, it began on 10 February and will come to a close on 28 January, 2025.

The dragon is the fifth sign in the Chinese horoscope. Importantly, in Chinese astrology, specific animals align with specific years. So, people born under the dragon sign are those born in the following years: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024, 2036, 2048 and so on. Every year aligns with a different element. This year's festivities pertain to the Wooden Dragon. In 2023, we celebrated the year of the Water Rabbit, whereas 2022 was the year of the Water Tiger.

The lucky number associated with the period of the Wooden Dragon is number nine. If you are keen to secure good luck, it's advised you surround yourself with things in this number. As per Chinese culture, nine is considered auspicious. Furthermore, it's worth knowing that despite the element of this year's zodiac sign being wood, the element of the year is fire. This predicts a very prosperous year for all.

This tradition holds a special place in Chinese culture. Handing out a red envelope, also known as a hong bao, symbolises happiness, wealth, and business success. According to beliefs, red envelopes also ward off evil spirits. Now, what should they contain and who should receive them?

A hong bao is given as a token of gratitude and affection towards another person. It contains money, the amount of which depends on the financial situation and relationship between the giver and the recipient. However, it's customary that the amount of money is not an odd number. Hong baos are given to family members, friends, and coworkers. Traditionally, they should be handed out during the family dinner on New Year's Eve.