Year of The Dragon 2024

2024 is kicking off with the second round of Chinese New Year issues. It all started in 2012 with the first Year of The Dragon, with this being the second round of the Year of The Dragon Starbucks Card. Various countries have their own version that are very interesting but this is our favorite. This North American version was released shortly before Christmas 2023.

The Chinese New Year for 2024 is labeled the "Year of the Dragon" and is officially celebrated in 2024 on February 10th, 2024, based on the new moon.

The design is a long bodied dragon with a fierce head and very sharp teeth. It's only missing a breathing flame of fire.

NOTE: Like past years, a red sleeve is offered (when you can find them). This 2024 sleeve is very generic and doesn't reflect the year (as did the past years).

More About the Year of the Dragon

Luck. Money. Ambition. Initiative. Success.Who wouldn't want all that? Well, if Chinese astrology is right, they're coming your way as we enter the lunar — or Chinese — New Year.

Even if you're not a believer in astrology, why not have some fun with this tradition that more than a billion people around the globe share?

Chinese astrology is based on a 12-year cycle, each year named for one of the animals that supposedly responded when the Buddha called. Each animal is associated with certain traits, generally ones you can figure out: the ox for hard work, the tiger for aggressiveness. In a large part of the world, personal and business decisions are influenced by which year it is in the Chinese zodiac.

The Year of the Dragon is an incredibly auspicious year, the most fortunate of all, according to tradition. Dragon years are associated with good luck, money, accomplishment, celebrations, longevity, success.

If that's what this year brings, it should be a terrific time for business owners or to start a new business. People born in the year of the dragon are likely to be leaders, who are active and powerful, take initiative and are creative — good traits for entrepreneurs.

The dragon is considered the most powerful symbol. It's the only symbol that is not a real animal and has mystical qualities. In China, many people want children who embody Dragon traits, and births in China rise by about 5% in Dragon years.

So what is the astrological forecast for 2012, and what does that mean for you and your business?

• Wealth. It should be a good year for making money, and with luck this means an increasingly strong overall economy. So don't be afraid to aggressively pursue financial goals this year. You're more likely to succeed. But as the cash rolls in, be sure to put some aside for a rainy day.

• Ambition. Have you been afraid to live your dreams, follow your passion? Now's the time to go for it.

• Innovation. A good year for trying new approaches, introducing new products or services, and reinvigorating your company with creative ideas.

• Virtue. As you grow your business this year, remember your social responsibility to others: your employees, society, environment.

• Harmony. Find ways to communicate better with your employees and customers and create an amiable workplace.

• Big changes. Dragon years can be tumultuous, so be prepared for the unexpected.

But this year can be a time to shake yourself up, too, so it can be a terrific year to try new things, take big chances, make significant change. Be bold, be brave. Make your mark. After all, a fire-breathing, tail-wagging dragon would likely carve quite a path wherever it goes