The most improtant festival in China, the Chinease New Year, the Spring Festival is coming. The Chinese New Year in 2024 falls on February 10th. Loong, or as westen world said the “Chinese dragon”, is a special simble in China, which is represent the power and auspicious sign. And 2024 is also a leap year, which is also very important to the Chinese people.
The symbolism of the Dragon Year
The dragon is regarded as a symbol of mystery, majesty, and auspiciousness and often appears in Chinese myths and legends. It is believed that dragons have the power to control the weather, bring rain, and ensure a bountiful harvest. Therefore, the Chinese people hold great respect and longing for dragons, and dragons hold a significant place in China. There is a saying in China that the Chinese people are the descendants of the loong. In ancient times, the Yellow Emperor, one of the ancestors of the Chinese people, conquered other tribes and assimilated their totems into his own tribe's totem, thus creating the dragon. As a result, his descendants, the Chinese, also referred to themselves as the descendants of the loong. The year of the dragon holds significance for the Chinese people. It is widely believed that individuals born in the year of the dragon will experience good fortune and success. Therefore, those born in the year of the dragon are often considered auspicious and creative. The year of the dragon is also seen as a prosperous and hopeful year, and people celebrate this special occasion with various festivities and ceremonies.
Why Dragon Ranked Fifth in the Zodiac
Ranking of the Chinese Zodiac Signs, according to one of the folk story that associates their order with their active periods. The Twelve Chinese Zodiac Signs are a traditional animal-based chronological system in China, where each sign corresponds to a specific Earthly Branch:
Rat: The most active during the period from 11 PM to 1 AM, known as Zi Shi (子时). It is referred to as the Zi Rat(子鼠).
Ox: Active during the period from 1 AM to 3 AM, known as Chou Shi (丑时). It is referred to as the Chou Ox（丑牛）.
Tiger: Roaming and hunting during the period from 3 AM to 5 AM, known as Yin Shi (寅时). It is referred to as the Yin Tiger（寅虎）.
Rabbit: Active from 5 AM to 7 AM, known as Mao Shi (卯时). At this time, the sun has not risen yet, and the moon is still hanging in the sky. Jade Rabbit is busy pounding medicine. Rabbits on earth also come out to search for food. It is referred to as the Mao Rabbit（卯兔）.
Dragon: Good time for the divine dragon to bring rainfall from 7 AM to 9 AM, known as Chen Shi (辰时). It is referred to as the Chen Dragon（辰龙）.
Snake: Becomes active from 9 AM to 11 AM, known as Si Shi (巳时). It is referred to as the Si Snake（巳蛇）.
Horse: Takes flight during the active period from 11 AM to 1 PM when Yang energy is strong, known as Wu Shi (午时). It is referred to as the Wu Horse（午马）.
Goat: Grazes on grass during the period from 1 PM to 3 PM, known as Wei Shi (未时). It grows stronger during this time. It is referred to as the Wei Goat（未羊）.
Monkey: Becomes active from 3 PM to 5 PM, known as Shen Shi (申时). It is referred to as the Shen Monkey（申猴）.
Rooster: As dusk approaches from 5 PM to 7 PM, roosters return to their nests, known as You Shi (酉时). It is referred to as the You Rooster（酉鸡）.
Dog: Keeps guard from 7 PM to 9 PM, known as Xu Shi (戌时). It is referred to as the Xu Dog（戌狗）.
Pig: Falls asleep during the period from 9 PM to 11 PM, known as Hai Shi (亥时). The surroundings become silent, and it is referred to as the Hai Pig（亥猪）.
The Originate Story of Leap Year in China
In China, according to legend, the Yellow Emperor was not only one of the great rulers but also one of the ancestors of the Chinese people. The emperor significantly valued astronomy and the calendar. The ancient Chinese used a summer calendar, but it was not entirely accurate, particularly in terms of crop arrangements. Therefore, the Yellow Emperor sought the opinions of his officials to find a more precise calendar.
One official named Yan Nian proposed a solution to the Yellow Emperor. Yan Nian observed that the seasons of crop growth did not precisely align with the four quarters of the year. To address this issue, he suggested the implementation of a special year, called a leap year, every four years to synchronize the summer calendar with the seasons.
The Yellow Emperor adopted the recommendation of extending the years and incorporated it into the new calendar. This reform immensely assisted farmers in better planning their agricultural activities, leading to agricultural prosperity and abundant harvests in China.
Although this legend represents only one version of the origin of leap years, it highlights the significance attached to agriculture and astronomy in ancient China. The calendar held crucial importance for farmers, and the introduction of leap years reflected the manifestation of ancient Chinese wisdom.
Leap Year Meets Qinglong, Five Must Wear Red Strong
2024 is known in Chinese as the Year of the Dragon, based on the Chinese calendar system. But it is not just a normal dragon but the Azure Dragon (the Qinglong). In traditional Chinese culture, the Azure Dragon is considered one of the four celestial beasts, symbolizing the east, spring, and the start of life. The Year of the Azure Dragon only occurs once every hundred years, and this year, in addition to being a leap year, making 2024 a rare and special year.
The Year of the Azure Dragon is culturally regarded asa symbol of auspiciousness and good fortune . In Chinese culture, the dragon is seen as a mysterious and sacred creature, representing power, nobility, and honor. Therefore, the Year of the Azure Dragon is considered an important and celebratory time.
But there is a saying in folklore: “Leap year Meets Qinglong, Five Must Wear Red Strong.” When the Year of the Azure Dragon comes, there will be 5 people. One of them will have very good luck but also some danger. But other 4 people will have some danger. In Chinese culture it is called “犯太岁( fàn tài suì)”, which mean these 5 people will offend the Tai Sui, the deity who governs the year's fortunes. When the Eight Characters (BaZi) are excessively strong, they can thrive and bring wealth through overcoming conflicts. Conversely, when the Four Pillars of Destiny are excessively weak, they require nurturing and support, and should avoid conflicts. (Four Pillars of Destiny ,also called Ba Zi, means the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches are used to represent the eight characters of a person's birth year, month, day, and hour. Fortune tellers believe that one's destiny can be inferred from these eight characters. In the past, they were also used in matchmaking.)
To avoid the bad and stay the good, these 5 people below should wear something red.
The People Born in the Year of the Dragon
Because 2024 is the Year of the Dragon, so people who are born in the Year of the Dragon have very good luck. This specific year is known as their 'Ben Ming Nian' or 'Year of Birth'. But for some people who born in the Year of the Dragon, but the Four Pillars of Destiny are excessively weak. They might can not afford such a great good luck. So they might will have danger too. In Chinese culture, red is believed to help people ward off danger and bring good luck. People whose zodiac sign is the Dragon can wear red items such as a red scarf, red hat, red socks, and red accessories to ward off negativity and attract more good luck. If your birthday falls on any of the dates and years listed below, then your Chinese zodiac sign is the Dragon.
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2024 | February 10, 2024 – January 28, 2025 |
| 2012 | January 23, 2012 – February 9, 2013 |
| 2000 | February 5, 2000 – January 23, 2001 |
| 1988 | February 17, 1988 – February 5, 1989 |
| 1976 | January 31, 1976 – February 17, 1977 |
| 1964 | February 13, 1964 – February 1, 1965 |
| 1952 | January 27, 1952 – February 13, 1953 |
| 1940 | February 8, 1940 – January 26, 1941 |
The People Born in the Year of the Rabbit
People born in the Year of the Rabbit are said to be at odds with the ruling Tai Sui of this year, in Chinese is “Hai Tai Sui”. They may experience negative influences and disturbances in their fortunes due to the harmful effects of the Tai Sui. The birth years of those born in the Year of the Rabbit include 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, and 2023.
These situations could lead to unexpected accidents, betrayal by others, and disputes. Therefore, to avoid potential troubles, people born in the Year of the Rabbit need to take precautionary measures in advance.
To protect themselves from these potential troubles, individuals born in the Year of the Rabbit can wear something with red elements. They can also take preventive measures, such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, enhancing safety awareness, and avoiding conflicts with others. Seeking support and guidance from professionals or seeking advice from loved ones can also be beneficial. These preventive measures focus on ensuring personal safety and health, as well as protecting one's financial well-being.
The People Born in the Year of the Dog
In 2024, people born in the Year of the Dog will experience the impact of the " Chong Tai Sui," refers to the clash between the year of birth's Earthly Branch and the current year's Earthly Branch, which is considered a turbulent situation in Chinese astrology. The birth years of people born in the Year of the Dog are as follows: 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, and 2018.
Chong Tai Sui refers to the clash between the Chinese zodiac sign Dog and the ruling Chinese zodiac sign of the year. In Chinese astrology, this clash signifies that one's fortune may fluctuate due to external forces, leading to potential problems such as severed relationships with friends and family, health issues, career setbacks, and enmity with others. Therefore, people born in the Year of the Dog need to be proactive and prepared.
Although Chinese astrology interprets the impact of Chong Tai Sui as unfavorable, the actual situation may vary due to individual circumstances. It is important to maintain a positive attitude, adapt to various situations, and take preventive and precautionary measures based on personal circumstances.
The People Born in the Year of the Ox
People born in the year of the Ox will encounter their "Po Tai Sui" (breaking the age of the Tai Sui) in 2024. The birth years of the Ox include 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, and 2021. According to Chinese tradition, the earthly branch associated with the Ox is Chou (丑). When it coincides with the year of Chen (辰), which is the Dragon sign, it is known as "Po Tai Sui". This signifies that during this year, individuals may face disruptions and disorder in their career and encounter obstacles. Consequently, people born in the Year of the Ox are advised to remain calm and avoid impulsive actions, instead focusing on stable and steady strategies for development.
People born in the Year of the Ox can wear red clothes or accessories to help mitigate the negative effects and avoid disasters and misfortune, bringing good luck.
The People Born in the Year of the Sheep
2024 is a challenging year for people born in the Year of the Sheep. According to traditional Chinese astrology, Xing Tai Sui, also known as "Pian Chong," represents calamities and conflicts. The word "Xing(刑)" implies killing, causing obstacles in various aspects such as physical health and financial luck. If a person's birth year is three years apart from the Chinese zodiac sign of the current year, it is considered a Xing Ke, which means a clash with the current year's Tai Sui. This means they may face disasters of disputes and conflicts, experiencing a challenging year.
The birth years for people of the zodiac sign Sheep are: 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003 and 2015. In terms of career, people born in the Year of the Sheep may encounter entanglements, interference from small-minded person, and negative impacts on their luck. Their work may slump, and problems may occur frequently.
The love fortune is also not ideal, as the unfavorable influence of the year may lead to conflicts and arguments between those born in the Year of the Sheep and their partners. More restraint and tolerance are needed to maintain stable relationships.
Regarding health, influenced by the "Tai Sui," those born in the Year of the Sheep are prone to accidents. These accidents could be caused by natural disasters, unfortunate events, or other mishaps. Especially for those who frequently go out, paying attention to travel safety is crucial. The influence of the "Tai Sui" may weaken their aura, making them susceptible to negative energy. Therefore, when going outside in 2024, it is important to be cautious and avoid unfavorable situations.
In summary, 2024 may be a challenging year for people born in the Year of the Sheep, requiring extra care and caution. They can choose to wear clothing and accessories with red elements as a defense against bad luck.
Whether it's the Year of the Dragon or a leap year, they are both indispensable parts of Chinese traditional culture. They represent hope, creativity, and precious time. As we welcome the arrival of the Year of the Dragon or a leap year, let us celebrate this special year with joyful hearts. May you experience the Year of the Dragon, and may you be blessed with boundless good luck and success throughout the year!
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