The perfect excuse to re-make those New Year's resolutions that have fallen by the wayside in the past 22 days, eat dumplings and have a party - Happy Chinese New Year everyone!
Celebrations have been ongoing for the past two weeks leading up to today as revelers around the world prepared themselves for the most important holiday in the Chinese cultural tradition.
But what does the Year of the Dragon mean in Chinese tradition? Is the dragon (as in Western culture) a fire-breathing symbol of terror?
Not at all. In Eastern culture the Dragon is a symbol of good fortune and intense power and is regarded as a divine beast.
'According to Sung dynasty manuscripts, the Dragon is described as having the "head of an ox or donkey, eyes of a shrimp, horns of a deer, body of a serpent covered with fish scales, and a feet of a phoenix," and it usually clutches a pearl, meant to symbolize its supernatural powers.
The Year of the Dragon is one of the most revered years of the Chinese New Year calendar, and those born under the sign are regarded as innovative, passionate people who are colorful, confident and fearless.
The Dragon is larger than life and its appearance means that big things are to come. The Year of the Dragon is a flowing river, not a stagnant lake, so things happen quickly earlier in the year. The Dragon marks progression, perseverance and auspiciousness. It may also bring about unpredictable events.'
(information source: ibtimes.org)
Read more on the New Year celebrations in China on the Chinese Embassy in South Africa site.
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