Dragon medallion, China, Ming dynasty (1368–1644), 16th century, silk and metallic thread tapestry (kesi), overall: 15 x 15 in. (38.1 x 38.1 cm); Fletcher Fund, 1936 (36.65.33)
We welcome the New Lunar Year of the Dragon on February 10th and to commemorate this festive occasion, our local AWNY museums and institutions are planning an array of events and programs for all guests of all ages including lion dances, performances, hands-on activities, and more!
Throughout East Asia, this festive occasion is celebrated with a variety of traditions to encourage good health and prosperity in the coming year. While there are regional variations, the primary activities are cleaning one’s home, hanging red decorations for good luck, offering respect to one’s ancestors, visiting family, lighting firecrackers to ward off demons, gifting money in red packets to children and subordinates, and eating lots of food. Edibles that are thought to bring good fortune are fish, which is synonymous in Chinese with “surplus”; dumplings in the shape of silver ingots to ensure prosperity; and niangao, which symbolizes advancement in the New Year. Conversely, anything that might risk losing the holiday’s good luck, such as washing one’s hair or sweeping the floor, is avoided. This two-week celebration ends with the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the New Year.
People born in the year of the dragon are considered charismatic, intelligent, confident and powerful, and they are naturally lucky and gifted. In everything that they do, they tend to do it to the best of their ability with high standards. Dragons also hold a significant place as auspicious and extraordinary creatures symbolizing power, nobility and honor and have, therefore, been widely depicted throughout the long history of Asian art.
Join the following events to celebrate this auspicious new year!
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Celebrating the Year of the Dragon Exhibition
Saturday, February 3 – January 2025
Gallery 207
Free with Museum admission
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National Museum of Asian Art, Lunar New Year Family Festival
Saturday, February 3, 11am-4pm
Free attractions for all ages, including performances, chef talks, tours, hands-on activities, and more
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China Institute, Lunar New Year Family Festival 2024
Sunday, February 4, 2-5pm
Ticketed family festival with lion dancing, puppet performances, tea whisking and art workshops
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Rubin Museum of Art, Losar Family Day 2024
Sunday, February 11, 12-4pm
Hands-on art making and cultural demonstrations
Free
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Philadelphia Museum of Art, Family Festival: Lunar New Year
Sunday, February 11, 11am-3pm
Art and culture demonstrations by special artisans from Zhejiang province
Free with Museum admission
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Charles B. Wang Center, Chinese Paper Cutting Workshop and Fluttering Butterfly Performance
Sunday, February 11, 1-3pm Workshop and 4-5pm Performance
Stony Brook University
Ticketed events
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