Your 2012 Guide to The Year of The Dragon
The Chinese New Year follows the lunar calendar – in 2012, this means it begins on January 23 and it lasts until February 9, 2013. In addition, the Chinese calendar follows a 12-year cycle, with each year associated with one of 12 animal symbols.
We are now in The Year of the Water Dragon, the fifth sign in the Chinese zodiac. This creature is steeped in myth and legend. In ancient China, the celestial dragon represents imperial power and is the most auspicious symbol in Chinese culture, signifying potency, success and happiness.
The following article will describe how the Chinese celebrate the New Year and explain the key significance of what the Year of the Dragon means.
New Year Celebrations in Chinese Culture
Since traditionally no cooking takes place during the first five days of the Chinese New Year, preparations begin about a week in advance. This is also the time when the house is cleaned, presents are bought and decorations such as Chinese lanterns are made.
On New Year’s Eve, Chinese families gather for a large meal. The next day, the first of a 15-day celebration, is generally a quiet day in China where people celebrate at home or visit friends.
On the third day, it’s traditional to visit graves in order to pay respect to relatives who’ve passed away. On the fifth day, the taboos against cleaning and cooking end – people tend to stay at home as this is when prosperity is said to come down from heaven.
The seventh day of New Year is known as the Universal Birthday of humans, so this the time when people add one year to their age. While in modern times Chinese people tend to return to work after this, there is another celebration in store on the 15th day, which is the first full moon of the year. Known as the Lantern Festival, it is celebrated with parades, dances and stunning displays of lanterns.
Your Fortune in The Year of The Dragon
According to Chinese astrology, how you will fare in The Year of The Dragon will depend on which animal year you were born in. For example, you will be in store for some good fortune if you are a tiger, rat or snake, since these signs are highly compatible with the dragon. If you are a rabbit, goat or ox you might have a more difficult time as these signs do not get along well with the dragon. In addition, the compatibility of your nature elements with the Water Dragon year will also impact your good or bad luck.
The Significance of the Dragon
The dragon is the only animal of the Chinese zodiac year that is not real – it is a highly symbolic and legendary creature. More than 4,000 years ago, one of the two main tribes in China, the Han Dynasty, carried the Dragon as their emblem, since it symbolises immense power.
The dragon is highly revered in China, so the Year of the Dragon is seen as having special significance. In Chinese astrology this creature is seen as a powerful almighty king because it is made up of different parts of animals such as a tiger, fish, snake and eagle. It is seen as the ultimate symbol of power and wisdom.
People born under the auspicious dragon sign are considered to have a special aura about them, they command attention and respect.
Since the dragon breathes fire, these types of people can flare up in an intimidating way if crossed. Nevertheless, the dragon has a soft underbelly, so according to Chinese astrology, dragon people have a “soft spot” and show great compassion to people in need.
Conclusion
The above article gives you an overview of what The Year of the Dragon means in Chinese culture. Hopefully you made it along to see the parades during the Lantern Festival, since the beauty of the Chinese lanterns and paper dragon dances and are something not to be missed.
About the Author: Jasmine Chu is a decorator and independent retailer of Chinese lanterns
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