Chinese New Year: Welcoming the Dragon

Written by Meiqi Tan

February 2024

// Paper art containing a traditional Chinese dragon design (Adobe Stock, AI-generated by ink drop)

Why do the Chinese have their own year and what exactly happens on Chinese New Year!?

Every year, millions around the world crowd and jostle against one another at airports, train stations, and highways for 15 days of festivities with families and friends. While the name isn’t exactly a misnomer, Chinese New Year is celebrated in China, Vietnam, South Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore among many others, where they tend to be commonly referred to as the “Lunar New Year.” Featuring bold red color schemes, ornate clothing, and special foods, Chinese New Year serves beyond being just another date on the Lunar calendar. For many, it represents two weeks of family reunions, the passing of red envelopes (free money), and enough fireworks and firecrackers to fog up entire villages. 

Biotech students, being unable to light fireworks in school, found alternative ways to celebrate. For instance, Summer (sophomore) enjoyed dim sum—a meal consisting of an assortment of Cantonese dishes—with her “extended family …[and] friends”. Similarly, Megan (senior) spent time with her “extended family and baby nieces”, wearing “red clothes to get in the spirit”, and received red envelopes. Several other students performed or assisted in shows pertaining to traditional fables, Chinese mythology, and other arts at their local Chinese schools. 

What are the zodiac animals and where do they come from? 

According to Chinese folktales, the zodiac of each year was determined by a race between all living creatures to categorize and predict the upcoming year. The dragon, this year’s zodiac, is its fifth member and arguably the most popular. Nonetheless, both dragon and lion dances line the streets of Chinatown in New York City every year, regardless of the zodiac, with performances by volunteers ranging from elementary school students to adults. Needless to say, Chinese New Year isn’t solely limited to those with Asian roots; especially in recent decades, more seats at dim sum restaurants, traditional demonstrations, and even Chinese schools have been reserved by people of different nationalities. 

Ultimately, the holiday launches the start of each (lunar) year with an optimistic spirit while teaching centuries of tradition to new generations. Regardless of whether you celebrate Chinese New Year or not, I wish you a happy rest of the year! ❧