Dragon energy
Image: oriental mandala, original drawing in metallic pencil on paper, RVS.
The Chinese Lunar New Year, aka Spring Festival, is nigh!
The Chinese calendar follows the lunar cycle, hence nature’s planetary rhythms. In 2024, the first day of spring falls on the 4th of February, and Chinese New Year’s day lands approximately a week later on the 10th. Keep an eye out too, for the Lantern Festival on the 24th, which concludes the celebrations. Lunar new year lasts for 16 days in total.
As we move from the unassuming, gentle, yin Year of the Rabbit, to the that of the dynamic, confident and wise, yang Year of the Dragon- dust off winter cobwebs, and step forth into a new year full of action, strength and adventure.
At this time, it is customary to celebrate with a clean slate and open heart.
See our top tips for welcoming in the fresh energy of the year of the wood Dragon:
Spring clean
Spring clean your home leading up to lunar new year. Ideally, clean every nook and cranny, move your furniture around and configure your layout out optimally, according to Feng Shui principles. Clear out clutter and donate or re-cycle unwanted items.
Red packets
Prepare “lai see” (red packets filled with a note or more of money) and distribute them to juniors and single friends.
Food
The way to the heart is through the stomach. Prepare traditional delicacies such as homemade spring rolls or dumplings, and eat lots of them to bring good fortune. Lay out traditional snacks such as baked seeds, crystalised ginger and sesame or peanut brittle for visiting guests. See a quick and easy recipe for sumptuous oven-baked mushroom and cabbage spring rolls by the very talented Kristina Cho, here.
Local festivities
Head into town to find your local parade and dragon dance, traditionally performed to bring luck and prosperity in business during the year ahead.
Relax
New Year’s day is a quiet affair when one stays at home, basking in the peaceful, spring light of your sparkling living space. Make the most of a relaxing pause before friends and family descend the next day. It is traditional to honour your relatives and friends by popping in for a visit during this time.
Adornments
Wear red, and decorate your home with cherry blossom (preferably a small tree) and kumquats, and don’t forget to place a red paper cutting on your front door for luck.
May the Year of The Dragon bring you great health, peace and prosperity -
Xin Nian Kuai le / Gong Xi Fa Cai!
Read more about the 2024 lunar new year here.
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Image credit: RVS, original drawing. Metallic pencil on paper.
© All rights reserved. Lifestyle Copywriters, Ltd. January 28th, 2024.
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