The year 2024 marks the reign of the Dragon and the fifth animal in the Zodiac series on the Chinese calendar. This confident, brave and active Dragon is depicted on this set of stamps (1st Local and $2.00).

There are a total of 12 animal signs in the Chinese calendar based on five cycles of 12 years each, with each cycle tempered by one of the five Chinese elements of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth. According to Chinese astrology and belief, the traits of these zodiac animals not only shape the personalities of people born under the respective sign but also their lives and the events of the year. Apart from the Dragon, the other Chinese zodiac animals are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.

The confident, brave and active Dragon, fifth in the Zodiac Cycle starts off yet another New Year on the Chinese zodiac calendar in 2024.

The Dragon is the only mythical creature in the Chinese zodiac. It is an auspicious beast, and people born in the years of the Dragon are tied to the creature's multi-faceted nature. These individuals are romantics, dreamers with ambition, and exudes a timeless sophistication.

People born in the years of the Dragon are self-starers who move seamlessly between restful idleness and spirited undertakings. They have great charisma and are often recognised for it. Many go on to shine in their careers. They have big dreams and the fire to pursue them but require freedom and excitement in work and may not do well being constrained to the predictable. They are fearless and knowledgeable in their pursuit of personal goals, surprising others around them with their eventual climb to greatness.

Confident in their own skin, people born in the years of the Dragon do not thirst for power or recognition. They are extremely focused and can achieve much in a day, while others struggle to catch up with their momentum. These individuals can hold court just by appearing and such magnetism also steep into their careers and shall assist their personal journeys.

As 2024 is the Year of Wood Dragon, it may signify a year of creativity for the Wood Dragon, as they would be curious to dive into and try their hand in all subjects of life and will usually come up with very original ideas and will put them to good use when they are focused. They would also have the drive and motivation to put all their ideas into practice and will display these qualities many times.