Chinese New Year begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and ends on the first full moon, about 15 days later. Chinese New Year 2024 runs Feb. 10 to Feb. 24. And it’s the year of the Dragon.
Twelve animal symbols comprise the Chinese zodiac. They include Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep/goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Boar/pig.
The dragon has a high reputation in Chinese culture and represents auspiciousness and imperial power. The dragon is a symbol of dignity, health, honor, success, luck and strength.
And how did the Chinese New Year begin? One legend dates back thousands of years to Nian, a beast who ate people and livestock on New Year’s Day. Yet, Nian feared the color red, loud noises and fire, so red paper decorations were put on doors, lanterns were lighted, firecrackers were shot and folks stayed up late to keep the beast away.
Based on moon cycles, the dates of the Chinese New Year celebration vary slightly each year. The 2025 Chinese New Year begins Jan. 29.
For 2024, several other February well-known dates fall during the Chinese New Year. Mardi Gras is Feb. 13, Ash Wednesday is Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day is Feb. 14 and President’s Day is Feb. 19.
FYI: To recognize different dates on the February calendar for dining, consider Dine Naperville for Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day. Also note that from 4:30PM to 7:30PM, Feb. 16 through March 29, Friday night fish fries are back at the Judd Kendall VFW.
