Watch my video here: Chinese New Year 2024: The Year of the Dragon in Antwerp.
Happy Chinese New Year! On February 10, 2024, Chinese New Year began, celebrating the Year of the Dragon. A promising year full of luck and success, so it is said. The dragon, a symbol of luck and good fortune, takes center stage. In ancient Chinese culture, the dragon was even the symbol of the emperor, a sign of power, wealth and prosperity.
The Chinese New Year: Determined by the Lunar Calendar
Unlike the Western New Year, which falls on January 1st, Chinese New Year is determined by the lunar calendar (or moon calendar). The lunar calendar is a calendar system that follows the moon phases to determine the date. This means the date of the Chinese New Year varies each year, typically falling between January 21st and February 20th. This year, the Chinese New Year celebration starts on February 10, 2024 and ends on February 24, 2024, a fifteen-day festival full of traditions and ceremonies.
The Chinese Zodiac: An Ancient Legend
The dragon is one of the twelve signs in the Chinese zodiac, with each sign corresponding to a year in a twelve-year cycle. According to legend, the animals were summoned by Buddha before he left the earth, appearing one by one. The yearly cycle begins with the Rat, which was the first to appear before Buddha, followed by the Ox, the Tiger, and so on until the Dragon, with the Pig appearing last. After the Year of the Pig, the cycle starts anew with the Year of the Rat.
People born in the Year of the Dragon are considered particularly fortunate, and many children are often born in such a year. The celebration of Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, takes place not only in China but worldwide, with large festivities in cities all over the world.
Celebration in Antwerp
This year, I decided to celebrate Chinese New Year in Antwerp, where the festivities took place in China Town. The starting point was the ‘De Coninckplein’, within walking distance of Antwerp Central Station. Upon arrival, it quickly became clear that it was a bustling affair, with the square filled with people gathered for the celebration.
Ceremonies and Dances
The ceremony began with painting dots on the lion heads, symbolizing giving life to the lions. Then the dragon dance commenced, a colorful and powerful display that wards off evil spirits and brings luck and prosperity. Accompanied by the rhythm of drums and gongs, the dragon followed the pearl of wisdom.
After the dragon dance came the lion dance, with lions parading through the streets. Above the doors of the shops hung a lettuce, often accompanied by a red envelope. The dance team, portraying the lion, was rewarded with money in the red envelope. The fireworks that went off scared away evil spirits and paved the way for prosperity and happiness.
The lion ate the lettuce. Then the lion spat it out over the crowd to share luck and prosperity with them. It is a ritual performed to bless the new year with wealth and prosperity for the community. The lion then spat out the lettuce again, which was caught by the shopkeeper or the owner of the establishment. This is seen as a blessing and a sign of prosperity for their business in the coming year.
Culinary Delights
During the feast, one could enjoy delicious food in the many restaurants of China Town. From noodle soup to dumplings, there was something for everyone. Some restaurants even had queues filled with locals returning for the flavorful dishes.
Happy Chinese New Year!
All in all, it was a festive and memorable celebration of Chinese New Year, with the energy of the dragon palpable and the promise of a prosperous year ahead. May the Year of the Dragon bring luck and prosperity. Happy Chinese New Year!
