Chinese New Year: Year of the Dragon | 2012
This year Chinese New Year began on Monday, January 23, 2012, and ushered in the Year of the Dragon.
Unlike the demon that gets slayed in Western literature, the Dragon in Eastern culture is a symbol of good fortune, power, and intelligence. In Chinese tradition, the Dragon is regarded as a divine beast. It is the only one of the 12 zodiac signs governed by a mythical creature rather than a real animal.
The dragon is the most auspicious and powerful of the 12 signs of the zodiac, one associated with high energy and prosperity.
This year is considered especially auspicious because it is the year of the water dragon, something that happens once every 60 years. As such, optimism and expectation for better times are expected in 2012.
The Chinese has observed the dragon years (which included 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988 and 2000) are followed by economic expansion and prosperity. One type of expansion is certain, Dragon years have generated baby booms. The year of the dragon has long proved to be an impetus for births. For example, China recently reported that the country is anticipating a 5 per cent increase in the number of babies born this year. Officials expect a baby boom not only in China, but in Taiwan and other Asian countries and territories that observe the New Year festival, including Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Macau.
Some prominent dragons include Bill Clinton, Joan of Arc, Al Pacino, and Bruce Lee. These individuals are indeed very fitting to be Dragons.
Personally, I look forward to the economic recovery and prosperity the year of the dragon may bring for all Americans and the world. May the year of the dragon bring us lower unemployment, economic stability, higher income, peace, and good health. I feel these are within our reach this year.
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On a separate note, the year of the dragon this year fell on the same day as National Pie Day. I’m telling you, this year will be a lucky one. 🙂
- 2015, the Year of the Sheep, a harbinger of Luck and Positive Energy - February 20, 2015
- The Year of the Horse - January 30, 2014
- Chinese New Year: Year of the Dragon | 2012 - January 23, 2012
