It’s the year of the Dragon – and also the year of Water, according to the Chinese calendar. These two elements together only happens every 60 years! A quick Google search will provide information about celebrations around the world for the Dragon’s big year and who knows, your local town might have an event on its calendar.
The Chinese new year actually begins January 23. A major symbol of good fortune in Chinese Astrology, the Dragon brings four blessings to those born under it: wealth, virtue, harmony and longevity. It is considered a great honor to be born in the Year of the Dragon. Of the 12 signs of the Chinese Zodiac, the dragon is the only one seen as a mystical being versus an earthly animal…making it very special.
2012dragon.com gives some examples from the last time the water dragon made its appearance in 1952 that represent each of the blessings:
• Elizabeth II became Queen of the United Kingdom, beginning a reign that still continues today.
• The UK was responsible for another amazing feat of longevity. In November Agatha Christie’s Mousetrap opened in London, eventually setting the record for the longest, continuously running
production of a play in history.
• The field of medicine saw the first successful separation of Siamese twins at Mt Sinai hospital in Cleveland, Ohio.
• Dragons dominate the world of business: CEOs born in 1952 run Coca Cola, Exxon-Mobil, Alberto-Culver, Time Warner, Colgate- Palmolive, Viacom, UPS, Radio Shack, Clorox, Tiffany & Company,
Hershey, ITT, Macy’s, Xerox and Walgreens to name a few.
The Water Dragon is also associated with Spring, so you’ll want to get an early start on the year for what blessings the Dragon might bring to you.
Under the influence of the Dragon it is a yang year. Yang Water is like a flowing river rather than a stagnant lake. Things will move, ideas flow, creativity abound, economies boom, and love blossom in this environment. It is likely to be an exciting year indeed!
Are you a Dragon?
1904 * 1916 * 1928 * 1940 * 1952 * 1964 * 1976 * 1988 * 2000 * 2012
Download “Year of the Dragon” Wallpaper for Your Computer
Get More Fun Facts on the Dragon
Year of the Dragon Notebook and Planner
In the Year of the Dragon Board Game
Learn about the Popular Chinese New Year Symbols
Test Your Knowledge of the Holiday with this Quiz
Watch for the Year of the Dragon Postage Stamp – Very Collectible!
The artist for the series, Kam Mak, was born in Hong Kong and grew up in New York City’s Chinatown after his family moved to the United States in 1971.
