BY LISA E KIRKWOOD
The month of February 2026 is marked by major
celebrations that unite eastern and western cultural
traditions on all populated continents, from Europe
and Asia, to Africa, Australia, and the Americas. These
important events not only carry on historical and
national heritage elements, but they are also social
highlights and community building opportunities
among individuals of various backgrounds,
ethnicities, races, and creeds.
Chinese New Year
Worldwide appreciation for the “Dragon Nation”
A beloved holiday observed in China and way beyond
its borders, Chinese New Year unites Chinese
nationals, Chinese diaspora, and foreigners who
value and embrace the wisdom of this ancient
country with its long history and rich traditions that
have been preserved and honored to this day.
A legendary creature, most commonly depicted as
snake-like with four legs, the dragon is a revered
symbol in Chinese mythology, folklore, and culture,
representing power, good fortune, and emperors,
leading many Chinese people to identify as
"Descendants of the Dragon".
EAST WINDS,
WEST WINDS
Bridging Diverse Cultures Through
Common Observances
showcasing their status and authority.
In the West, the dragon is commonly viewed as a
national emblem of China, with its people and
culture. The Chinese dragon has very different
connotations from the European dragon; in
European cultures, the dragon is a fire-breathing
creature with aggressive connotations, whereas the
Chinese dragon is a spiritual and cultural symbol
that represents prosperity and good luck, as well as
a rain deity that fosters harmony. This is also a sign
of ethnic identity, as part of a trend started in the
1970s when different Asian nationalities were
looking for animal symbols as representations.
Chinese New Year also widely known as Lunar New
Year or Spring Festival has gained enormous
popularity and has been widely included in other
Asian cultures that celebrate similar holidays.
Nowadays, it is observed throughout the world,
representing the end of winter and beginning of
spring.
It is one of the most important holidays in Chinese
and worldwide culture and was placed on the
UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
list in 2024.
The first day of the Chinese New Year falls on the
new moon that appears between 21 January and 20
February. In 2026, this event falls on Tuesday,
February 17, marking, according to the Chinese
Historically, the Chinese dragon
was associated with the ruling
dynasties of China and used as a
symbol to represent imperial
power. Emperors and high officials
wore robes with dragon motifs