2024 Is the Year of the Dragon: Here's What That Means

Chinese New Year is on Saturday, February 10th. Also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, Chinese New Year is celebrated at the second new moon following the Winter Solstice. This festival marks the end of winter and the beginning of a long-awaited spring. According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2024 is the Year of the Dragon. So what does the Year of the Dragon have in store for us? How will it compare to 2023’s Year of the Rabbit? We asked our resident expert, astrologer Jaime Wright, to weigh in.

The Chinese Zodiac dates back to the Qin Dynasty over 2000 years ago, and is rooted in a system of zoolatry (or animal worship). As the legend goes, the Jade Emperor challenged all of the animals in the Kingdom to a “Great Race.” Whoever arrived at his Palace first would win his favor.

Being a sacred animal in Chinese culture and mythology, everyone’s bet was on the Dragon to take home the top prize. But along the way, the Dragon stumbled upon a village suffering from drought. He took pity on them and used his powers to send them rain before finishing the race. He finished in fifth place behind the Rat, Ox, Tiger and Rabbit.

The Chinese Zodiac has a 12-year cycle, and recent Dragon years include 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000 and 2012. Famous people born during Dragon years include John Lennon, Al Pacino, Bruce Lee, Liam Neeson, Kamala Harris, Reese Witherspoon, Cillian Murphy, Rihanna, Hayley Williams and Emma Stone.

Note: Because of the lunar calendar, if you were born between January 1 and February 4 of any of the above years, it was still the Year of the Rabbit. If you’re born between January 1 and February 4 of the following years (1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001 and 2013), you were too born during the Year of the Dragon.

Because of their status as a favorite animal, Dragons are seen as confident, idealistic and ambitious. Known for being goal-oriented and visionary leaders, they also have a softer side. Despite their fire-breathing exterior, Dragons yearn for support, acceptance and love.

Dragon years are considered the most auspicious years of any in the Chinese Zodiac. As the only mythical creature of the zodiac, the Dragon is considered to be both powerful and benevolent. Because the rules of the earthly realm don’t apply to dragons (think about it: dragons can fly), this year has infinite possibilities. It’s a year of increased confidence and security, of making dreams come true and sharing that wealth with others.

In addition to animals, the Chinese Zodiac also cycles through five different elements. So 2024 isn’t only the Year of the Dragon, it’s the Year of the Wood Dragon. Elemental Wood represents creativity and growth. Wood years are flexible: think of how a big oak tree can bend and sway in the wind. Between the fierce independence of the Dragon and the limberness of Wood, 2024 has a fresh, vital energy that’s going to be key in breaking new ground. 2022 and 2023 were both introspective Water years, and this year is definitely a pivot in a bold new direction. Though things are uncertain, they’re certainly looking bright.

Born under this sign, you might think that the Year of the Dragon is your time to shine but it’s actually the opposite. Traditionally, a zodiac sign’s year is the most unlucky for them in Chinese astrology. That being said, with Dragon years being the most auspicious (and thus those born in the Year of the Dragon being thought of as “lucky ones” to begin with), you have more going for you than usual in your own year. You’re in an innovative and transformative period, and your actual peak might be in the years to come.

Though this isn’t the best year for Dragons, this year will be great for industrious Rats, creative Monkeys, and hardworking Pigs.

There are certain symbols, directions and colors that are lucky for each zodiac sign. This can apply to those born as that sign as well as for all of us during that particular zodiac year. During the Year of the Dragon those are:

• Colors: Cyan, Blue, Purple
• Numbers: 6, 8
• Flowers: Bamboo and Cyclamen
• Direction: West, Northeast

Happy Year of the Dragon. TL;DR: this year’s mantra is “The future is now!”