‘Gung Hi Fat Choi . . . Happy Dragon Year’

2024 is the Year of the Wood Dragon on the Chinese calendar. The Chinese New Year is being celebrated tomorrow in Gisborne.

Gisborne Chinese Association is welcoming in the New Year.

“Gung Hi Fat Choi, Happy Dragon Year from the Gisborne Chinese Association to our Tairāwhiti whānau,” association president and former Gisborne Mayor Meng Foon said.

“We are ‘Lunar’ people, hence our Chinese New Year falls at different times (according to the lunisolar calendar). This year it is on

February 10.”

The dragon is number five of the 12 animals for each year of the 12-year cycle of the Lunar calendar. Each animal has its attributes and each year also corresponds to one of the five basic  elements — earth, metal, water, wood and fire.

“This year is the Wood Dragon, which comes once every 60 years,” Mr Foon said.

Characteristics of the Wood Dragon are —

Confidence: Wood Dragons are self-assured and have a natural charisma. They can take on challenges with a fearless attitude.

Nurturing: They have a caring and compassionate side. Wood Dragons are often the ones to lend a helping hand to friends and family.

Determination: Once they set their sights on a goal, they won’t give up easily. Wood Dragons have a strong sense of purpose.

Creativity: They’re often quite creative and have a knack for creating unique ideas and solutions.

Social Skills: Wood Dragons are excellent communicators. They can easily connect with people from all walks of life.

Adventurous Spirit: They love a good adventure and are open to trying new things. Routine isn’t their thing.

Leadership: Wood Dragons have a natural leadership quality and can inspire others enthusiastically.

Warmth: Their friendly and approachable nature makes them easy to get along with.

Diplomacy: They’re skilled at handling tricky situations and finding peaceful resolutions.

“Most Chinese families will have a large feast tonight with many specialties,” Mr Foon said. “The different types of food represent different things, like vermicelli, which represents long life. We don’t cut the long strands as it will shorten our lives. No sweeping of the floor, either, as it will sweep away the good luck.

“On the first day of the Chinese New Year, we will eat the leftovers as this connects the past year with the new year. The Gisborne Chinese community will celebrate together with food, song and dance on Sunday.

“From our community, we wish you happiness, prosperity and a long healthy life.”