Year of the Dragon: 2024 Japanese New Year Greeting Card

Greetings to all. I hope this year brings you all the best!

2024 is the year of the 辰 (Dragon) in the Chinese zodiac. The dragon is a powerful and majestic creature that has been revered in Japan for centuries. It is a symbol of good luck, strength, and wisdom.

In Japan, it is customary to send New Year’s greeting card called “年賀状(nengajo)”, to family, friends, and business associates. Nengajo typically feature images of the year’s zodiac animal, as well as traditional Japanese greetings and well-wishes.

What is the Chinese zodiac?

The Chinese zodiac is a 60-year cycle that uses 12 animals and 10 celestial stems to represent each year. The 12 animals are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. The Chinese zodiac is believed to have originated in China over 2,000 years ago. It was introduced to Japan in the 6th century and has been used there ever since. The zodiac is not only used to mark the years, but it is also used to determine a person’s fortune and personality.

The Dragon in Japanese Culture

The dragon is a prominent figure in Japanese mythology and folklore. It is often depicted as a powerful and benevolent creature that brings good luck and prosperity. The dragon is also a symbol of the emperor and imperial power. Dragons can be found in many different forms in Japanese art and architecture. They are often depicted in paintings, sculptures, and woodblock prints. They can also be found on temples, shrines, and other buildings.

The year of the Dragon is a time for celebration and new beginnings. It is a time to reflect on the past year and look forward to the future. I hope this year brings you all the happiness and success you deserve.