Monday, January 23, 2012

Gong Xi Fa Ca! 2012 - Year of the Dragon

Images credit:   Wikimedia Commons.
Gong Xi Fa Ca!
Happy New Year
2012 Year of the Dragon

At midnight on January 23, 2012, Chinese people around the world will welcome the new year, ushering in the Year of the Dragon.  (Click for Images)




Gong Xi Fa Ca! That’s the traditional Chinese New Year greeting that means “wishing you prosperity” in Mandarin. 

The first day of the Chinese New Year – which begins at midnight on January 23, 2012 – is the most important of Chinese holidays, celebrated by billions in China, and by millions of ethnic Chinese around the world. It’s a celebration that lasts for 15 days, culminating with the Lantern Festival. 

Each year is associated with one of twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac. For 2012, it’s the Year of the Dragon.


Year of the Dragon
The Dragon is a creature of myth and legend. A symbol of good fortune and sign of intense power, the Oriental Dragon is regarded as a divine beast - the reverse of the malicious monster that Westerners felt necessary to find and slay. In Eastern philosophy, the Dragon is said to be a deliverer of good fortune and a master of authority. Therefore, those people born in Dragon years are to be honored and respected. 
Years of the Dragon:   1904 * 1916 * 1928 * 1940 * 1952 * 1964 * 1976 * 1988 * 2000

The Chinese New Year does not fall on a specific date, so it is essential to check the calendar to find the exact date on which each Dragon Year actually begins.

 

Wishing all my Chinese readers a prosperous New Year

No comments: