Another year of spring breeze is blowing, and we have ushered in a special 2024. Did you know that the Year of the Dragon in 2024 is not the same as usual? In this special Jiachen Year of the Dragon, there is a traditional custom - "When there is no spring and a green dragon, the three people must wear red", which three reds, how much do you know?
Red, in traditional Chinese culture, is a special color, which is not only visually bright, but also a profound embodiment of emotion and culture. From ancient times to the present, red has always been a symbol of festivity, peace, happiness, prosperity and good luck.
Imagine that every Spring Festival, the streets and alleys and every household will be immersed in the sea of red. The bright red paper on the Spring Festival couplets is written with auspicious words, which not only decorates the lintel, but also conveys people's good wishes for the new year. The big red lantern hanging in front of the door, swaying with light and shadow, seems to tell the wisdom of the ancestors and the joy of every family. Not to mention the red envelopes for children, each red envelope is not only the care and blessing of the elders to the younger generations, but also a kind of inheritance and connection.
In Chinese folk traditions, red also has a special significance. You may have heard that in the past, there was always a big red dress in the bride's dowry, which was not only a celebration of the newlyweds, but also a wish for a better future. In many places, the newborn's first outfit is often red, symbolizing that the child is surrounded by happiness and good fortune from the first moment of life.
So why the Year of the Dragon in 2024 is so emphasized? What you may not know is that the Year of the Dragon has a special place in Chinese culture, where the dragon is seen as a symbol of good fortune, representing power, dignity, and wealth. 2024 is the Year of the Dragon, a special time that occurs once in 60 years, and its five elements belong to the wood, symbolizing growth and prosperity. In such years, the custom of wearing red is particularly important.
Next, let's take a look at which groups of people need to pay special attention to wearing red this Year of the Dragon. According to tradition, people with the signs of Dragon, Dog, Ox, and Rabbit need to pay special attention during this year, as they may be more susceptible to the influence of the New Year's Stars. In addition, there are two special groups: people who are "Ming Jiu" (such as 19 years old, 29 years old, 39 years old, etc.), and people who are multiples of 9 years old (such as 27 years old, 36 years old, etc.), who also need to wear more red during the year to increase good luck and resist possible negative effects.
You may wonder how it is practiced to wear red, which is traditionally worn on the beginning of spring or the beginning of the Chinese New Year. Wearing red doesn't mean you need to be red from head to toe, though, and traditional options include red socks, red underwear, or a red belt (sometimes red string). Of course, in modern times, we have more choices, such as red clothes, red accessories, etc., which are good choices.
In fact, this is not just a superstition or formality, it is an important part of our traditional Chinese culture and the crystallization of the wisdom of our ancestors. Through such customs, we not only express our yearning for auspiciousness, happiness and prosperity, but also invisibly inherit and promote our national culture.
Overall, the Year of the Dragon in 2024 is not just an ordinary year. It contains rich cultural connotations and profound traditional significance. As each of us, especially the middle-aged and elderly friends, it is our responsibility to understand and inherit such cultural customs. Let's put on red clothes to welcome this special Year of the Dragon, and pray for the health of our family and country, and happiness for everyone!