Chinese New Year 2024 - Year of the Dragon Party Ideas
Chinese New Year is a fun and festive holiday celebration. Whether you want to celebrate it traditionally or host a Lunar New Year party with a new twist, this party with pops of gold and lots of red is a fun mid-winter celebration. 2024 is the year of the Wood Dragon.
When is Chinese New Year 2024?
Starting from February 5, 2024 (Chinese Lunar New Year Day) and lasting until February 24, 2024. With it coinciding with Valentine's Day in 2024, you can use LOTS of red in your decor and carry on the theme.
How long is the Chinese New Year?
16 Days
Celebrations last up to 16 days, but only the first 7 days are considered a public holiday (Feb 5 - Feb 12, 2024)
Lucky Things For Chinese New Year
The Year of the Dragon in Chinese astrology is associated with various lucky symbols and customs. Here are some of the lucky things and traditions associated with the Year of the Dragon:
- Dragon-Themed Decorations: Dragons are considered a symbol of power, strength, and good luck in Chinese culture. Decorating your home or surroundings with dragon-themed items, such as dragon figurines or paintings, can bring good fortune in the Year of the Dragon.
- Wearing Red: Red is a lucky color in Chinese culture and is associated with prosperity and happiness. Wearing red clothing, especially during important celebrations and events, is believed to bring good luck.
- Dragon Dances: Dragon dances are a popular tradition during Chinese New Year celebrations. These elaborate dances involve performers dressed as dragons, and they are believed to chase away evil spirits and bring good luck to the community.
- Gifting Red Envelopes (Hongbao): Giving and receiving red envelopes filled with money (hongbao) is a common practice during Chinese New Year. It is believed to pass on good fortune and blessings from older generations to younger ones.
- Displaying Oranges and Tangerines: Oranges and tangerines are associated with wealth and good luck. Displaying these fruits in your home during the Year of the Dragon is believed to bring prosperity.
- Eating Lucky Foods: Certain foods are considered lucky during Chinese New Year. For example, dumplings are shaped like ancient Chinese gold ingots and symbolize wealth, while fish symbolizes surplus and abundance.
- Clearing Debts: It is considered auspicious to settle debts and start the year with a clean slate. This practice is believed to prevent financial problems and bring financial stability in the coming year.
- Firecrackers and Fireworks: The loud sounds of firecrackers and fireworks are believed to scare away evil spirits and negative energy, making way for good luck and positive energy.
- Visiting Temples: Many people visit temples and pray for blessings and good fortune during the Year of the Dragon. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and seeking spiritual guidance.
- Practicing Good Deeds: Engaging in acts of kindness and charity is believed to accumulate positive karma and bring good luck in the Year of the Dragon.
Remember that these traditions and symbols can vary by region and personal beliefs, but they all share the common goal of welcoming good fortune and prosperity in the Year of the Dragon for Chinese New Year 2024.
Why red for Chinese New Year?
It is considered a lucky color, the color of prosperity and happiness. Don't use white or black in your decor - as those are considered bad luck colors.
Why dragon decor?
The dragon is a symbol of China, and is an important part of Chinese culture. Chinese dragons symbolize wisdom, power and wealth, and they are believed to bring good luck to people. We feature plates and napkins in the shop with the beautiful gold dragon on red. As 2024 is the Year of the Dragon it's the perfect way to decorate!
What do you serve for Chinese New Year 2024?
According to Samantha Vincenty of the Oprah Winfrey Magazine blog, "There's actually several layers of symbolism at play when it comes to "lucky" Lunar New Year dishes: what the food's name sounds like when said aloud, how it's prepared, and the way it's served can imbue a meal with extra meaning, making it all the more special." Check out her blog post with lots of ideas about foods to serve in the Year of the Ox.
Here is a brief list of the foods she suggests to serve at your Lunar New Year celebrations for the Year of the Dragon:
- Sweet Glutinous Rice Cake
- Whole Fish
- Whole Chicken
- Dumplings (Jiaozi)
- Sweet Rice Balls (Tangyuan)
- Braised Shiitake Mushrooms
- Tangerines and Oranges
- Longevity Noodles
- Candy & Other Sweets
- Jujube
- Spring Rolls
Check out the shop for our full range of fun Chinese New Year party supplies to set the table and decorate in red and gold style. Find everything you need for your Lunar New Year celebration here at EnFete.
SHOP THE CHINESE NEW YEAR PARTY SUPPLIES COLLECTION IN THE SHOP!
Save this pin for later when you plan your Chinese New Year celebration!
