Spring Festival 2024 Celebration

新
Xīn
年
nián
快
kuài
乐
lè!

Happy New Year!

On Sunday, February 11th, 2024, at 11 o'clock in the morning, Nei Yuan Tai Ji (our school) celebrated the beginning of the Chinese Year of the Dragon, Wood Quality, or the beginning of the Spring Festival.

When does it start?

In the traditional Chinese lunar calendar, when the Sun enters the 315th degree of the tropical zodiac, Spring and the New Year begin. Chinese New Year is celebrated on the New Moon of the first lunar month.

Spring, the season corresponding to the Wood element, began on February 4th and will end on May 5th. This year, Wood is the dominant element of the year. The Chinese New Year is of the green Yang Wood Dragon and is celebrated on February 10th. This means that all spring qualities of the Wood element will be particularly strong.

In February, according to the Taoist understanding, in nature the extensive change of energies takes place. With the increase of sunlight, the maximum accumulation of Yin made during Winter, gives birth to Yang.

As the Yang begins to increase, each idea that had its seed in the water begins to grow. All the procedures that will take place during the year are being formed. This is especially true for the first month – February. February is the basis of the birth of Yang energy for the whole year.

The celebration:

We gathered a large group of students, both active and older who came to us to remember the old days and with them dear acquaintances and friends. We wish to thank for honoring us with their presence one of the oldest and most respected teachers of Shaolin Temple Culture and Martial Art, Shi Fu Dimitris Katakalaios and the former Champion of Russia, Georgia and Asia in Shotokan Karate, Sensei Irma Bendiuk.

The students of the school made sure that there were rich handmade dishes accompanied with authentic Chinese tea flavors, but of course all this followed after the exercise and demonstration.

We enjoyed a morning practice together with Fan song (relaxation) and Chan Si Jin (Unwinding the Silk) exercises. Then all together, old and new students presented the audience with a small series of movements from our style. More advanced students took over with a demonstration routine based on the primary form of the Chen style and finally we did a short straight sword (Taiji jian) demonstration.

Then followed a mini surprise with gifts for the guests and it was time for the enjoyment of the food and drinks at the buffet.

But the celebration did not end there as we talked about Chinese culture and the role that the Spring Festival plays in Chinese lives; we talked about the stories and beliefs but also about the upcoming year of the Dragon and everything that comes with it.

For example:
The Beast and New Year's Eve

In ancient times, there was a monster named Nián (年). It usually lives at the bottom of the sea and comes up once a year to attack animals and people. On this day, all the villagers out of fear fled to the mountains leaving behind houses and property to save themselves. One year a beggar came to the village to find shelter, but everyone left in a hurry. Only an old woman accepted him and took him into her house. Then he promised the old woman to banish Nian. Later in the day he was busy decorating the houses. At midnight, as always Nian appeared, but stopped short when he saw the red paper on the doors. As he roared with anger in annoyance, suddenly firecrackers rang out and he began to tremble with fear at all the commotion and explosions. When he also saw the beggar, dressed in red, laughing at him and making a fuss, he ran away.

The villagers returned the next day and were pleasantly surprised that the houses were all standing. They realized that loud noises and the color red were Nian's weak point.

This is why following tradition, on New Year's Eve, families eat dinner in their homes where red decorations are placed everywhere. At midnight there are firecrackers and flares. In addition, people celebrating will wear beautiful new and festive red clothes.

About the Dragons

2024 is the year of the Wood Dragon. The Dragon is the 5th animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac. Previous Dragon years include 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, and 1952, with the next Dragon year in 2036 (Year of the Fire Dragon).

The Dragon is strong, inexhaustibly energetic and full of life, goal-oriented yet idealistic and romantic. Dragons are portrayed as wonderful yet benevolent leaders who are confident, generous, idealistic and ambitious.

In Chinese culture, these mythical creatures are in a category of their own, seen as the givers of abundance and longevity.

For all of us what does the Year of the Dragon mean

The Year of the Wood Dragon is a rare and auspicious astrological event that occurs once every 60 years. It is a time of great change, transformation and innovation as the powerful and visionary Wood Dragon brings new possibilities and opportunities to the world.

Personal Development and Transformation

The Wood Dragon is a symbol of creativity, courage and wisdom. It represents the ability to overcome challenges, overcome limitations and create new realities.

It also inspires personal growth and transformation as it encourages you to discover your true potential and express your authentic self. In 2024, you may experience major changes in your identity, values, beliefs, and goals as you embark on a journey of self-discovery and self-realization.

You may also encounter new opportunities for learning, exploration and adventure as you expand your horizons and expand your perspectives. Some potential areas of growth and opportunities for positive change are:

Development of new skills and talents

Pursuing your passions and interests

Exploring your spirituality and intuition

Expressing your creativity and originality

Career and Ambitions

The Wood Dragon is a symbol of ambition, leadership and innovation. It represents the ability to achieve, influence others and make a difference in the world. This season also influences career aspirations as it motivates you to pursue your dreams and goals with confidence and determination.

In 2024, you may experience major developments and opportunities in your career path as you face new challenges, responsibilities and rewards. You may also discover new ways to showcase your talents, skills and expertise as you create value and impact in your field.

Some possible career developments and opportunities are:

Promotion to a higher position or role

Starting or expanding a business or project

Collaborating with influential or inspiring people

Innovation or improvement of a product or service

Health and wellness

The Wood Dragon is a symbol of vitality, strength and resilience. It represents the ability to maintain health, wellness and balance in life.

Dragon influences health and well-being as it encourages you to take care of your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs.

In 2024, adopting healthier habits, lifestyle changes or wellness trends can have a positive impact.

You may also experience more energy, vitality and happiness in your life as you align your well-being with astrological energies.

Some wellness trends and lifestyle changes you can consider are:

Practicing Tai Chi, meditation or mindfulness

Nutrition with organic foods, plant-based or superfoods

Use of natural, holistic or alternative therapies

Participation in physical, mental or creative activities

Opportunity for time in nature, travel or relaxation

Conclusion

The year of the Wood Dragon is a year of great change, transformation and innovation. It is a year of personal growth, career advancement, improved relationships and improved health. It is a year of exciting possibilities, opportunities and experiences.

By understanding the astrological significance of the Year of the Dragon, you can prepare for what lies ahead and make the most of this rare and auspicious year.