Everything You Need To Know About Lunar New Year 2024 And The Year Of The Wood Dragon

Unlike the Western zodiac, which is split into twelve month-long zodiac signs, the Chinese zodiac covers a broader time range—each sign encapsulates an entire year, bookended by the Lunar New Year.

The Year of the Wood Dragon begins on February 10, 2024. What does that mean for the next year—and for anyone born in that time range? Let’s find out!

When is the Lunar New Year?

The Lunar New Year, sometimes called the Chinese New Year, coincides with the second new moon after the winter solstice. While this means the Lunar New Year can happen anywhere in the last few weeks of January or the first few weeks of February, this year, it lands on Saturday, February 10 and will last until January 28, 2025.

The Lunar New Year is observed in many Asian countries, including China, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia. While each country has their own traditions and names for the Lunar New Year, the Chinese traditions are often the most popular among the Western world. These celebrations last for several weeks and are observed with feasts and other festivities.

What Is The Dragon In The Chinese Zodiac?

The dragon is considered the most powerful creature in Chinese culture, and it has similar implications in the zodiac. It is believed to be the luckiest zodiac sign, which is why some parents plan to have their kids during this time.

The Dragon is an Earth sign, meaning it is known for its strong-willed, thoughtful, patient, and hard-working qualities. Earth signs in Chinese astrology are less rigid than those of the Western zodiac, meaning that while they are marked by determination, they’re more interested in harmony and peacefulness.

At their worst, Dragons can be unforgiving, arrogant, and proud.

The Dragon is a creature of Yang—masculine, active, and positive.

The Dragon corresponds with the years: 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, and 2024.

What Does The Wood Element Mean In The Chinese Zodiac?

Wood in the Chinese zodiac is often related to trees—to growth, springtime, and the beginning of the life cycle. There is a sense of renewal and vitality to these years. It is oftentimes linked with generosity, idealism, courage, patience, and expansiveness. It is also associated with strength and flexibility. It can be seen as a return to a natural state of being.

At its worst, Wood can be related to anger, hopelessness, and bad decision-making.

Wood is an element of Yang—masculine, active, and positive.

What Does It Mean To Be Born In The Year Of The Wood Dragon?

People born in the Year of the Wood Dragon are thought to be creative, open-minded, and inquisitive. They are known for their liveliness and charm, as well as their confidence and focus. Their inherent drive will help them create stable, long-lasting careers, where they’re likely to be successful. They’re able to take their dreams and turn them into realistic plans, making them innovators and natural leaders. However, unlike most Dragons, the Wood Dragon is known for its humility. They are often well-liked and are considered some of the luckiest individuals.

At their worst, Wood Dragons can have a sense of superiority, and their need for independence can hinder their personal relationships, sometimes leading them to push others away. They can have a self-righteousness that makes it difficult for them to compromise, especially if it affects their vision. They can also have a streak of hot-headedness if they aren’t careful.

The last year of the Wood Dragon lasted from February 13, 1964 to February 1, 1965. People born during the Year of the Wood Dragon include: Keanu Reeves, Marisa Tomei, Courteney Cox, Nicolas Cage, and Matt Dillon

What Can We Expect From The Year Of The Wood Dragon?

The Year of the Wood Dragon is believed to be a period of time that marks the return of kindness, empathy, and generosity. It will bring fortune and success to nearly everyone.

This is a particularly aggressive time, rewarding those who can assert themselves and confidently step into the spotlight. While softer, humbler signs may struggle with this overwhelming energy, not all hope is lost—even they’re likely to stumble upon strokes of good luck, though their path might not be as linear as their peers’.

Those born in the Year of the Dragon will be going through their “benmingnian,” or “fate year.” This means they may endure more hardships than others, but it is ultimately with the universal goal to put them on the correct life path, even if it means learning the hard way.

The luckiest signs will be: The Rooster, Monkey, and Pig

The signs who will struggle most will be: Dog, Rabbit, and Ox

How Can We Honor The Year Of The Wood Dragon?

Face the year with a vow of selflessness. Lead with compassion and understanding. Put yourself out there, unafraid of what others think about you. Go forward with your goals courageously. Work hard knowing that at the end of the tunnel, there will be a reward waiting for you.