The Year of the Dragon!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
2012 marks the arrival of perhaps the most auspicious symbol in the Chinese Zodiac, the revered Dragon. A symbol of good fortune and sign of intense power across much of China, the Dragon is regarded as the mightiest of the beasts. So what does this mean if you are born in the Year of the Dragon?
- The Dragon is a symbol of power and strength, and those born under this sign are often predicted to have lucky and abundant lives
- Dragons are said to be strong, intelligent and self-assured
- Indeed, people born in the Year of the Dragon are very creative and good problem solvers, always able to see new ways where others can't
- However be careful, people born in the Chinese Year of the Dragon are easily annoyed! Don't forget dragons can breathe fire so watch out if you make them angry!
- Similarly, when it comes to love, it takes someone who is very patient and has thick skin to be a Dragon's partner as they can sometimes be moody
Famous figures born in the Year of the Dragon include Al Pacino, John Lennon, Martin Luther King and Bruce Lee.
As well as the Chinese Zodiac, there are countless traditions that are associated with Chinese New Year. Some others include:
- Giving a red package containing money known as Lai See (lucky money) as a gift
- Cleaning your house to sweep away any ill-fortune in the hope of making way for good luck
- Serving a chicken whole symbolises togetherness and reunion
- Noodles represent long life - Chinese superstition dictates that it is very bad luck to cut them!
- The word for tangerine sounds like luck, and orange like wealth, so serve up these citrusy treats for some good tidings this year
