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| 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.
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