Celebrating the New Year in Japan means paying special attention to the "first" time something is done in the New Year. Hatsuhinode is the first sunrise of the year. Before sunrise on January 1, people often drive to the coast or climb a mountain so that they can see the first sunrise of the New Year. The real celebration does not begin until sunrise when the traditional meal of vegetables, seafood and dessert is served in one dish - the different types of food symbolizing prosperity.
In Asia, sunrise celebrations and honoring of the ancestors and elders brings luck.
Koreans make wishes for the New Year while watching the sunrise. Some wear traditional clothing. Family members gather early in the morning to remember their ancestors. After the observance, they eat a kind of rice cake soup. Koreans believe that eating this food will add an extra year to their life. After the meal, young people lower their heads to honor their parents and older adults. This means good health and good wishes. Many parents give the children money.
Vietnamese people get up and put on new clothes at sunrise.
Mongolians have a tradition to climb the nearest sacred hill or mountain on the first morning of the New year, offering dishes and burning juniper and incense sticks to welcome the New Year.
2024 is the year of the Wood Dragon. Most people born in the Year of the Dragon are full of fighting spirit and strength. They are charismatic, attracting a lot of followers and their talented leadership skills naturally convince every subordinate. The Dragons may look indifferent, however, they actually are chivalrous and always think of others.
Strengths: Determined, ambitious, independent, energetic, sincere, and enjoy great popularity among friends.
Weaknesses: Easily give up, little willpower, and unwilling to admit mistakes.
Famous Figures Born in the Year of the Dragon
Bruce Lee, Salvador Dali, John Lennon, Florence Nightingal, Al Pacino, Freddie Mercury, Joan of Arc, Martin Luther King Jr., and Matt Damon
Plan on being early enough to witness the sunrise. We'll start to gather around 6:30 a.m. and hang till about 7:30 a.m. Happy New Year Everyone.
