The Exhibit
The Chinese New Year, widely celebrated as the Spring Festival, marks the beginning of the lunar new year. Each year is associated with one of the twelve Chinese zodiac animals, and 2024 is the Year of the Dragon. The dragon, a symbol of strength, good fortune, and imperial power in Chinese culture, is believed to bring prosperity and blessings in the year ahead. Please enjoy a selection of festive images from the library’s special collections.
Door Gods, also known as Menshen (⾨神) are traditional deities in Chinese folk religion and folklore. Door Gods are prominently featured on household entrances, especially during the Chinese New Year, when it is customary to post their images on doors to ensure a prosperous and safe year. The images on display are part of the library’s Manchukuo collection and are rare survivors from the early 20th century.
We welcome you to enjoy these examples as well as other items on exhibit from Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese traditions. Please help yourself to a postcard featuring a dragon from the collection.
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