Image of Chinese dragon used in a parade next to illustrations of dragons

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The Year of the Dragon

Courtesy of Tom Family/Chinatown Community Young Lions

Evelyn Tom tries on her lion dance costume.

About 2 billion people are getting ready to ring in the new year again! February 10 marks the start of Lunar New Year. Beginning this year, the start of Lunar New Year will be an official holiday for public schools throughout New York. It’s the first state to recognize the holiday in this way.

The holiday, also known as Chinese New Year, lasts 15 days. It’s a time for people in Asian communities to honor their heritage. Many people eat special meals, set off fireworks, and exchange gifts.

The coming year will be the Year of the Dragon. On the Chinese calendar, each year is represented by one of 12 animals. The dragon is the only mythical creature on the calendar. Many people consider the dragon to be an important symbol of good luck. Those born in the Year of the Dragon are said to be wise, successful, and powerful.  

Courtesy of Tom Family/Chinatown Community Young Lions

Evelyn and Tristan Tom practice for the parade. 

Eleven-year-old Evelyn Tom is one of them. She and her brother Tristan, 12, are preparing to take part in a Lunar New Year parade in their hometown of New York City. 

Evelyn will be a lion dancer. She’ll wear the head of a lion costume and another person will be the tail. Tristan will lead the parade. He’ll play drums, which are supposed to be the lion’s heartbeat.  

“The lion is meant to scare away evil spirits,” Tristan says.

The siblings are glad that so many other kids in their state will now get to celebrate Lunar New Year.  

“It shows what our culture is all about,” Evelyn says. 

Wheel of Fortune

This chart shows the animals on the Chinese calendar and the years they represent from 2008 to 2031. 

Wheel illustrations by Amy Vangsgard
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