As midnight struck on Feb. 10 over Lake Mendota, cheers and claps filled the air as the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Asian community came together. They were making dumplings and sharing their traditions to celebrate the Lunar New Year and welcome the Year of the Dragon.
For people who celebrate the two-week-long holiday — known by many names across Asian cultures, including Spring Festival or Chūnjié in China, Seollal in Korea and Tết in Vietnam, just to name a few — the dragon year is special for its association with prosperity, success and fulfillment. Culturally, the dragon is known for making rain and ensuring bountiful harvests. Historically, only the most powerful leader, the emperor, could wear clothes with dragons on them. Today, the dragon continues to be cherished, not only as a zodiac sign but as a symbol of cultural pride.