Chinese New Year follows the lunar calendar, so each year it falls on different dates. In 2024, on February 10th, the Year of the Dragon begins. The celebration shall end in 15 days with the Lantern Festival. Today we’ll talk about the Year of the Dragon and see some nice and interesting stamps from Asia.
“Western horoscopes include 12 zodiac signs, one for each month. There are 12 Chinese zodiacs as well, but the animal rules the entire year. The signs are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.” 2020 was the Year of the Rat, and 2022 was the Year of the Tiger. You can read fine more interesting general Chinese New Year facts here Holidays and Philately: Chinese New Year.
Year of the Dragon 2024
Philippines – 2024/01/03
"The Year of the Dragon holds immense significance in the Chinese zodiac, repeating every 12 years. And this year’s Chinese Lunar New Year, occurring Feb. 10, follows the Year of the Rabbit, with Dragon. In contrast to the other eleven animal signs (Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig) in the Chinese zodiac, Dragon is the only legendary creature. It symbolizes power, good fortune, and strength and is associated with auspicious traits like intelligence, ambition and charisma.
Historically linked with imperial power, Chinese emperors considered themselves descendants of dragons, emphasizing the dragon’s esteemed position." - thedaily.case.edu
In the West, the Lunar New Year is well-known as the Chinese New Year. The reason for that is that the China is the largest country who celebrates it, and it’s almost the most important holiday in China.
Year of the Dragon 2024
Singapore – 2024/01/05
Still, many other countries also celebrate Lunar New Year. Therefore, it’s the important holiday in Taiwan (Republic of China), Korea, Japan, and also to some in Vietnam, India, Singapore, Malaysia, and some others part of Asian, and people worldwide.
Year of the Dragon 2024
Singapore – 2024/01/05
With that in mind, it’s no wonder we have a lot of new stamps related to the Chinese New Year every year. Most of them originate from Asian, but also a lot of non-Asian countries celebrate Chinese New Years with stamp issues.
"European legends portray dragons as demonic, malevolent beings guarding treasures to be conquered by heroic kings. The persistent malevolent connotations of the dragon in Western cultures can be directly attributed to the influence of early Christianity, where the dragon and its serpentine relations were often regarded as stand-ins for the devil.
In contrast to the Western connotations of the dragon, the dragon in Chinese culture symbolizes good luck, strength, health and the male element Yang. Chinese dragons are heralded as bringers of good fortune, associated with rain and water. This positive connotation in China stems from the dragon’s role as a symbol of imperial power and authority. " - thedaily.case.edu
Year of the Dragon 2024
China, Hong Kong, Macau – 2024/01/05
You can see more info about the Year of the Dragon in this video:
Year of the Dragon 2024
French Polynesia – 2024/02/09
I hope that today we’ve given you enough details regarding the Year of the Dragon, and also that you loved the stamp issues related to it.
