The American Museum of Natural History tells of the Four Dragons of Ancient China: Long, Yellow, Black, and Pearl. Legend dictates that the dragons spend winter on the floor of a lake or ocean only to rise to the heavens each spring with a clap of thunder. They form clouds and water the land. Chinese scholar Sima Qian, recounting in Shiji (historical records) dating back to 109-91 B.C., traces the roots of Emperor Gauzo, the first ruler of the Han Dynasty, said to be the product of a scaly dragon and a poor farmer’s wife. Henceforth Emperors were known as Dragons, their hands the Dragon’s claws and their seats the Dragon’s throne. Dragon’s represented the union of Heaven and Earth and the promise of true harmony.
What is it about the nature of a Dragon that separates it from the other Lunar New Year animals? It’s the only one that’s mythical, the only one that’s a mythical creature that can blow fire one moment and provide protection the next. Chinese Scholar Li Shizen (1518-1593) reflected that “The Dragon’s nature is rough and fierce, and yet he likes beautiful gems and the Stone of Darkness…” Notable Year of the Dragon babies include Abraham Lincoln, Bruce Lee, Martin Luther King, Michelle Obama, Kamala Harris, John Lennon, Melinda Gatesand, Shakira, G-dragon…
2024 will surely be a momentous year for politics (the November Presidential election), migration housing issues (at a crisis level and not getting better any time soon), and dangerous weather patterns coast to coast that have more to do with climate change than many people might want to accept. The Super New Snow Moon of February 9, that ushered in the Lunar New Year, will be followed by a Super New Worm Moon (March 10) and a Super New Pink Moon Total Solar Eclipse (April 8.) That’s three major moon cycles in a little over eight weeks.
SAMPAN asked our friends, new and old, for their hopes, dreams, and wishes for the Lunar Year ahead. Their responses are edited for clarity.
“Dragon Baby”, College Student in Boston
“I’m a Dragon Baby! I am from China. First time away from home. I’ll be twenty-four this year and am going to Graduate School here in Boston. I’m learning to adapt. Maybe that’s what this year will bring. The ability to adapt. New Year is a time to be with family and friends so I miss my family very much. But I have made great new friends here and am enjoying the New Year with all of them.
Peter Ng, BrushMagic founder, Chinese Culture scholar, and born in the Year of the Dragon
“What do I wish for in the Year of the Dragon? Here are my responses: (listed by priority): World peace, saving our planet earth, a disease free world, cancer free, ending poverty, elimination of people suffering due to illegal drugs, alcohol, smoking, gun violence, neglected mental illness, and a well-educated society.”
Clare Sheridan, Retired librarian and archivist
“I wish for the safety and well-being of the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank. They have been terrorized for 75 years while the world stood by and continues, ineffectively, to stop the carnage in Gaza. Palestinians are killed every day by Israeli soldiers and settlers, their land is confiscated, and their homes bulldozed. Their olive trees are uprooted and their water restricted. All because Israel thinks it has a “right” to the land that their “God”; gave them. And your tax money continues to support this genocide. I have visited Israel/Palestine twice and watched armed Israeli soldiers terrorize little Palestinian children leaving school. When I was leaving from the Israeli airport, I was pulled aside and interrogated for having an old Bosnian stamp on my passport. Why? Because Bosnia is a Muslim country! It certainly felt like a police state to me. When I contacted our State Dept. about this, they said they often get similar complaints about Israeli officials.”
Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn (Chinatown, South End and South Boston)
“My goal for Lunar New Year and through The Dragon, is to work for peace, and social, economic and racial justice for all. As we celebrate Lunar New Year, we need to also recognize the challenges that our residents face in Chinatown, and recommit ourselves to advocating for the preservation of Chinatown as an immigrant community. We also need to acknowledge the dramatic rise in anti-Asian racism in Great Boston and beyond since the pandemic, and do all we can to support our AAPI community and immigrant neighbors.”
Danny, 27 yr old Chinatown Resident
“I don’t really know what I want in the Year of The Dragon, maybe a new life but still here in Chinatown. I hope the Lunar New Year will help me keep my busboy job and maybe get another one. There are places here that can help me learn English and find a good job. Guess that’s what I want. I can get a lot of jobs over the rest of my life, but I really want a good one now. That’s what I want from the Year of The Dragon.”
Ben Hires, Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center (BCNC) CEO
“I wish the Year of the Dragon brings all Asian and new immigrant families a sense of purpose, strength, and belonging here in Greater Boston. Immigrants today bring the same values that have inspired the many others who have come to this country – the courage and desire to take care of their families and community, do well, and live in a better world. I hope this special year inspires all to be successful and to have a brighter future.”
George Huynh- Executive Director Vietnamese American Initiative for Development (VietAID)
“Dear Dragon, this year I’m wishing for further peace, prosperity, health, and resilience within our communities. We hope that you will bless VietAID, from our staff to our participants, with great fortune and strength to overcome any challenges that may arise. Thank you for being with us in spirit as we continue to grow!”
Philip Chong, President & CEO, QARI/Wutabon
“May the Year of the Dragon bring forth abundant opportunities for immigrant personal and professional growth. As we embark on this journey in MA, RI and NYC, may our workforce programs at Amazon, Boston College, Beth Israel Hospital, Hilton, and Kam Man serve as beacons of empowerment, guiding immigrants towards realizing their fullest potential. Let us harness the fiery energy of the dragon to ignite passion, perseverance, and progress in every individual we support. Together, let us foster a community where diversity is celebrated, dreams are nurtured, and success knows no bounds. Here’s to a year filled with transformative growth and boundless possibilities!”
Afro-Asian Homeless Woman in Boston
“I don’t dare ask the dragon for anything honestly. I don’t know what I would have wished for, maybe happiness for everyone and peace in their lives.”
Eric Tiberi, CEO, South Cove Community Health Center
“May we unleash dragon-sized fun that embraces joy, positivity, community spirit, good health, and unforgettable moments! Let’s continue our strong sense of community that makes our Chinatowns truly special. Cheers to the Year of the Dragon – where the magic never stops!”
