Chinese New Year 2024: How it is celebrated - and what the Year of the Dragon signifies
Monday 22 January 2024 15:36, UK
Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, is celebrated over multiple days and marks the beginning of the coming 12 months on the lunisolar calendar.
The occasion is observed by many people of Chinese descent and is also celebrated in other countries across Asia, including South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Singapore.
Here, Sky News looks at how the festival is celebrated and what is significant about the Year of the Dragon.
What is this year's zodiac animal?
The 2024 Lunar New Year is set to welcome the Year of the Dragon, following the Year of the Rabbit.
Being born in the Year of the Dragon is considered auspicious - meaning a baby boom could be coming in some Asian countries.
The number of babies born in China spiked in 2000 and 2012, the two most recent years of the dragon.
The dragon is considered to be a symbol of power and intelligence, with the dragon associated with the emperor in ancient China.
However, experts have warned the zodiac sign may not be enough to reverse China's slumping birthrate given a pessimistic economic outlook and less superstition amonger younger generations.
When is the 2024 Lunar New Year?
The Year of the Rabbit ends on 9 February and the Year of the Dragon begins the following day, on 10 February.
How Chinese New Year celebrated?
One of the most important holidays in the Chinese calendar, the Lunar New Year kicks off a 15-day festival of celebrations in China and among Chinese communities around the world.
Commonly known in China as Spring Festival, people in the country get seven consecutive days off each year to mark the occasion.
During this period, there are a number of traditions.
Festivities get under way with a lion dance, in which performers mimic a lion's movements while in a lion costume - with the animal symbolising power, wisdom, and superiority.
The performers move with the rhythm of the beating of the drum, cymbals and gong. The loud sounds are intended to scare away evil spirits and welcome the lion to bring in good fortune.
A dragon dance is the highlight of the celebration in many areas, as the dragon is a symbol of good fortune.
Other traditions include people cleaning their homes thoroughly to rid the household of bad luck.
Some eat specially prepared foods on certain days during the celebrations, which are also supposed to bring good luck.
They include dumplings, which are often eaten on Chinese New Year's eve and symbolise wealth, and sweet rice balls - a symbol of family togetherness.
The last event of the celebration is called the Lantern Festival, during which people hang glowing lanterns in temples or carry them during parades.
The festival also involves people lighting candles while praying in temples.
Firework displays take place that feature Datiehua folk art - which sees burning hot iron water sprayed to form a display of fireworks. The art originated in the Song Dynasty and is now part of cultural heritage across the country.