Lunar New Year. Chinese New Year. Tet.
All of these describe the Asian New Year that takes place each January or February (depending on the year). In 2024, the Lunar New Year begins on February 10.
The Lunar New Year holiday always begins on the night of the second new moon following the winter solstice. In 2024, it marks the beginning of the Year of the Dragon, the fifth of the 12 animals associated with the Chinese zodiac. The Year of the Dragon ends on January 28, 2025.
Which countries and territories celebrate Lunar New Year?
- China
- Hong Kong
- Macau
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- Vietnam
Parades, parties and other special events mark the Lunar New Year festival for people of Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tibetan and Mongolian heritage in many parts of the world. Celebrants set off firecrackers to ward off evil spirits and clean their houses. All of this signifies a moment of renewal before spring.
Celebrants write couplets and give gifts to celebrate the coming year. Festive lanterns, colored red and gold for luck, are hung as decorations, and celebrants prepare customary foods to honor the traditional planting season.
Considered by many to be the most auspicious sign in the Chinese zodiac, people born in the Year of the Dragon are said to be successful, wise, and powerful. In fact, many consider the dragon to be so favorable, they plan for children to be born under the sign.
Five elements are also associated with each year’s animal sign. They are:
- wood
- fire
- earth
- metal
- water
In 2024, the Lunar New Year will mark the beginning of the Year of the Wood Dragon. Characteristics of the Wood Dragon differ from those of other elemental dragons—they are said to be quieter and more introverted, but also successful, strong leaders who dedicate themselves fully to their work.
Every 12 years, many Asian communities experience a baby boom because of the allure of the dragon, the only mythical creature in the zodiac.
When is Lunar New Year 2024
The Lunar New Year starts on February 10, 2024. In China, it is celebrated for at least one week and is an official legal holiday. This year, the United States Postal Service unveiled the Lunar New Year: Year of the Dragon Forever stamp. Not surprisingly, it features a dragon.
Lunar New Year celebrations in Maine
East Asians make up just bit more than one percent of the Maine population. Therefore, you’re likely to find fewer New Year’s events in Maine as you might in other states with a larger East Asian population.
That being said, the three cities in Southern Maine with the highest concentration of those celebrating Lunar New Year are:
- Biddeford
- Portland
- South Portland
Check back often for updates on Lunar New Year events in Southern Maine. As I discover them, I’ll add them below.
Cape Elizabeth
The Chinese & American Friendship Association of Maine is sponsoring the Lunar New Year celebration on February 24, 2024.
This Cultural Fair explores myriad aspects of Chinese culture, and includes Chinese food for lunch and a performance of traditional Chinese dance, acrobatics and martial arts. It starts at 10:00 a.m. at Cape Elizabeth High School.
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