Photo of people holding up a Chinese dragon during a parade

Performers hold a dancing dragon at a Lunar New Year parade in New York City in 2019.

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The Year of the Dragon

Courtesy of Tom family/Chinatown Community Young Lions

Evelyn tries on her lion dance costume.

Around the world, about 2 billion people will soon ring in the new year all over again. February 10 marks the start of Lunar New Year. For the first time, the beginning of Lunar New Year will be an official holiday for public schools throughout New York. It’s the first state to recognize the holiday in this way.

The holiday, also known as Chinese New Year, lasts for 15 days. It’s a time for people in Asian communities to honor their heritage. They eat special meals, exchange gifts, and set off fireworks. 

On the Chinese calendar, each year is represented by one of 12 animals. The coming year will be the Year of the Dragon. Many people consider the dragon to be a symbol of good luck and success. 

Eleven-year-old Evelyn Tom was born during the last Year of the Dragon. She and her brother, Tristan, who’s 12, are preparing to take part in a Lunar New Year parade in their hometown of New York City. 

Courtesy of Tom family/Chinatown Community Young Lions 

Evelyn and Tristan Tom practice for the parade. 

They will participate in an ancient tradition called the lion dance. Evelyn will wear the head of a colorful lion costume, and another person will be the tail. Tristan will play drums, which represent the animal’s heartbeat. 

“The lion is meant to scare away evil spirits,” Tristan says.

The siblings are glad that so many other kids in their state will now get to celebrate Lunar New Year. 

“It’s important for everybody to know about each other’s cultures,” Evelyn says.

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