Celebrations and Good Wishes for the Chinese New Year. The ICTCM is very happy to send good wishes for the Year of the Wood Dragon to all our students, graduates, staff and friends around the world.

Did you know that the Chinese Calendar is based on the Lunar Year and the New Year occurs on a different date each year. This year is the year of the Wood Dragon. Each year is linked to one of twelve animal signs that make up the Chinese zodiac. The dragon represents the 5th of these signs. Each animal represents specific characters and the Dragon represents among other things, strength and luck.

Other animals that make up the 12 signs include the Snake, Horse, Goat,  Rooster, Dog, Tiger,  Rat,  Monkey,  Pig, Ox and  Rabbit.

This Chinese New Year started this year on February 10th, although celebrations can last up to two weeks. The celebration has a history which is over 3000 years old and is said to mark the beginning of Spring. It is celebrated by family get-togethers, decorating with the colour red which is the traditional colour used during Chinese New Year. Activities include savouring traditional foods, sending red envelopes, dragon dances and lantern festivals.

China has a rich culture steeped in ancient wisdom, part of which includes its Medicine. It has been used successfully for thousands of years. Knowledge that pre-dates modern scientific methods are still being used by over 40 % of the global population as their primary form of medicine.

If you would like to learn more about Traditional Chinese Medicine you can find detailed information on the Irish College of TCM’s website. 

Happy New Year of the Wood Dragon from all at the ICTCM in Dublin, Ireland.