January 23, 2012 marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year here in the West – celebrated yesterday in the East. Also known as the Chinese New Year – one of the most important traditional holidays in Asia.
The festivities are marked by the spirits of the ancestors, red envelopes filled with money, gift exchanges, celebration with family and friends, lion dances, Taiko drums and fireworks. Families will clean their homes to sweep away bad fortune and make way for the new, put out fresh flowers, display oranges and dried fruits, and hang celebration wishes on red paper. The celebration will continue for 15 days and end with the Lantern Festival.
This year, 2012, marks the year of The Dragon in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac. Of the 12 it is the only mythical animal. In European cultures the dragon is known as a scary creature that breathes fire and destroys human life. In my household (especially with my daughter) we align with the Eastern philosophy, and see the dragon as a symbol of royalty, good fortune and intense power. It is said that people born in the year of the Dragon are honored and respected.
I invite you to learn more about the year of the dragon, and how this energy and wisdom can guide you to create a year of abundance and good fortune.
In the spirit of the Lunar New Year, I send you “Wishes for a year of health and abundant happiness.” May all your goals be blessed with abundance. May all your dragons be those of good fortune.
Happy New Year! [Xin Nian Kuai Le! Mandarin] May prosperity be with you. [Gung Hay Fat Choy! Cantonese]
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