Chinese Lunar Year 2024: 'The Year Of The Dragon'

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Chinese communities across the world welcomed the Lunar New Year on Saturday, February 10

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It is being celebrated as the 'Year of the Wood Dragon' and marks the end of winter and welcomes the spring season

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Each year is named after one of the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac, this year being the 'Year of the Dragon'

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In the Chinese zodiac, the Dragon holds a special place and represents power, strength, and good fortune

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The Dragon sign is associated with the following years — 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024

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Those born in Dragon years are often considered intelligent ambitious and charismatic and exude a lot of energy and passion

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Celebrations last for 16 days, concluding with the Lantern Festival on February 24 this year

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During this time, families and friends gather to eat traditional foods and pay tribute to their ancestors

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Many families and locations also celebrate with fireworks or vibrant parades featuring colorful dragons or lions

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Gifts are exchanged, including traditional money-filled hong bao, or 'red envelopes'

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