Unlike western New Year, Lunar New Year lasts longer than one day. The amount of celebration days depends on the culture. Some observances are longer than others. The Lunar New Year is based on a different calendar than the Gregorian calendar, which many western countries, including the U.S., use. The calendar is based on the moon's 12 phases, based on the lunar calendar or lunisolar calendar. Each phase lasts about 29 days, and the full calendar is around 354 days long. 

In China, Lunar New Year lasts from the new moon to the next full moon. This is a fifteen day span until the fifth day of the lunar month.

In 2024, Lunar New Year begins on Saturday, February 10 and ends Saturday, February 24

The upcoming Lunar New Year dates corresponding to the Gregorian calendar are:

• Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024
• Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025
• Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026
• Saturday, Feb. 6, 2027  

In the Chinese Zodiac, there are 12 animals; each with its own attributes and characteristics. These 12 animals coincide with the lunar calendar and fall in a 12-year cycle. 

The order of the Chinese Zodiac is Rat, Ox (in China) or Buffalo (in Vietnam), Tiger, Rabbit (in China) or Cat (in Vietnam), Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.

2024 is the Year of the Dragon. 

Dragon Strengths

Dragons are upright characters themselves and scorn any hypocritical or dishonorable behavior, and have a self-respecting pride that’s matched by Dragons’ wisdom, generosity, vigor, and talent. They’re full of energy and can attract followers with their charisma.

Dragon people are usually courageous and fearless leaders who’ll never back down from any challenge. This enterprising spirit, coupled with their innate talent, will, without a doubt, make Dragons the movers and shakers of this world.

Dragon Weaknesses

On the flip side of Dragons’ confidence and courage, they can also become domineering, temperamental, self-centered, and gullible. This last possibility seems difficult to understand until you realize Dragons believe themselves to always know best.

On the social side, Dragons can be prone to desperation in their younger years because they hate being alone, especially in love. They can come off as overbearing when they’re only showing that they care.

Men born in the Dragon year may appear domineering, but in fact, they’re capable of great depth of feelings. They can also be empathetic, although this seems unlikely at first, and will never neglect those they truly care about.

Dragons are very likely to be overly focused on their careers, and their success is assured, although they may well find themselves feeling lonely and wish they’d taken the time to learn how to love.

Women born in the Dragon year are formidable and passionate creatures who’ll be admired for their professional vision. However, they can also be impatient, especially when anxious, which may lead them to give up too easily on their goals.

Dragon women exude confidence, which is magnetic for many signs. Despite their popularity and commanding exterior, Dragon ladies have loyalty toward their romantic partner that may, if they’re not careful, turn into possessiveness and overdominance.

Lunar New Year is not a federal public holiday. However, a new bill signed by Governor Gavin Newsom is honoring an important cultural holiday in a new way. AB 2596 recognizes Lunar New Year as an official state holiday. The bill would authorize state employees, with specified exceptions, to elect to receive 8 hours of holiday credit for the “Lunar New Year” in lieu of receiving 8 hours of personal holiday credit, and to elect to use 8 hours of vacation, annual leave, or compensating time off, consistent with departmental operational needs and collective bargaining agreements, for “Lunar New Year,” as specified.

• Office of Governor Press Release - September 29, 2022

“The Lunar New Year celebrates a chance to leave behind the troubles of the past year and invite prosperity and good luck moving forward. Recognizing this day as a state holiday acknowledges the diversity and cultural significance Asian Americans bring to California and provides an opportunity for all Californians to participate in the significance of the Lunar Year.” – Governor Gavin Newsom

Legislation introduced to create Lunar New Year as a federal holiday

U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens), First Vice Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, announced in Jaunary 31, 2022, introducing new legislation to create a federal holiday for Lunar New Year. Meng’s measure would make Lunar New Year a federally recognized holiday in the United States, adding it to the list of eleven federal holidays that are currently recognized. The bill was introduced with 44 cosponsors.

A copy of Meng’s holiday bill, titled the “Lunar New Year Day Act,” can be viewed here. A copy of her resolution, called “Recognizing the cultural and historical significance of Lunar New Year in 2022,” which has 71 cosponsors, is available here. 

Press release