As We Say Goodbye to the Rabbit, the Year of the Dragon is Most Welcome
An Ancient Tradition in Modern Times
by Yvonne Phillips FSII
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As the most important and festive of the traditional Chinese holidays, the 2012 Chinese New Year of the Water Dragon starts January 23 and will end on February 9, 2012. The celebrations begin New Years Eve and continue on until the full moon 15 days later.
Every year, the New Moon in Aquarius marks the Chinese New Year. Rather than have a fixed date each year, the Chinese culture tunes into more natural celestial events. Aquarius is the sign that represents humanitarianism so there may be something to this approach that we in the west can learn from this ancient civilization.
The origin of Chinese New Year is itself centuries old. Honored in countries with significant Chinese populations, it is also celebrated in countries that don’t recognize it as their own national holiday, such as Canada, United States and Australia. For many, the spectacular New Year parades throughout China towns are the main attraction, showcasing colorful costumes, elaborate floats and performances, fireworks, lion dances and the hundred foot-long dragon puppet made from silk, bamboo and paper.
The tradition is that every family thoroughly cleans their house to sweep away any ill-fortune with the intention to make way for good incoming luck. Windows and doors are decorated with red color paper cut-outs with positive themes of “happiness”, “wealth”, and “longevity”. Living rooms are adorned with blooming plants to symbolize rebirth and new growth, platters of oranges and tangerines and a candy tray with eight varieties of dried sweet fruit are there for the celebration. Each following day of the 2 week celebration marks customary activities, and the 15th day is the Lantern Festival celebrated at night, with children carrying lanterns in a parade.
The Year of the Water Dragon
According to the Chinese Five Element Astrology Calendar, January 23, 2012 marks the year of the Water Dragon, with the Water Element providing better communication and endurance, and the elemental colour of black or dark blue.
Dragons are known to be one of the most auspicious animals in the Chinese Zodiac and have the intelligence and drive to bring all projects to a great conclusion. Those lucky enough to be born in the year of the Dragon are passionate and magnificent. Their inner energy is bold and strategic and they most always are successful.
The Chinese New Year is a celebration of change; out with the old and in with the new! A Chinese proverb says that all creations are reborn on New Year’s Day. We can all benefit by celebrating this ancient tradition to bring renewal into our own lives.
