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China Elevator Stories
Happy New Year of the Dragon!
Today marks the beginning of the Chinese Year of the Dragon.
10/02/2024
Ruth Silbermayr
Author
In China, the dragon is considered the most auspicious of the 12 zodiac animals. It is regarded as so auspicious that the number of people born in a year of the dragon is usually higher than in other years.
Many Chinese couples who want to have a baby plan for a birth in the year of the dragon, hoping their baby will be blessed with the positive characteristics believed to be associated with those born in this year.
When it comes to what is considered auspicious in a zodiac animal, gender matters. Because the dragon symbolizes power and success, a boy born in the year of the dragon is viewed more favorably than a girl born in the same year.
People born in the year of the dragon are also considered to be the most suitable world leaders.
2024 is the year of the wood dragon (木龙).
Because there are 12 zodiac animals and 5 Chinese elements, we experience a year of the dragon every 12 years, but a year of the wood dragon only comes around every 60 years.
The next year of the dragon will be in 2036, and it will be a year of the fire dragon.
How is the wood dragon said to be different from other dragons?
A wood dragon’s energy is generally mild and carries with it an openness to new ideas and change. Characteristics of creativity and generosity are specific to the wood dragon. Innovative and revolutionary paths are also often taken during wood dragon years.
Happy New Year!