Articles and Stories

January 14, 2012

新年快乐！

According to the Chinese calendar, which consists of both Gregorian and lunar-solar calendar systems, the Year of the Dragon will start on January 23rd, 2012 and will end on February 9th, 2013.

Under Chinese tradition, each year is dedicated to a specific animal. The twelve animals are: Dragon, Horse, Monkey, Rat, Boar, Rabbit, Dog, Rooster, Ox, Tiger, Snake, and Ram. In 2012, the Dragon is welcomed back after the 2011 year of the Rabbit. Each of these animals are believed to influence the children born in that year and it is believed that they take on the character and qualities of the animal.

The Dragon is the fifth sign in the Chinese Horoscope and signifies luck.

People born in the year of the Dragon are said to be healthy, energetic, persistent, easily excitable, impatient and stubborn. On the other hand, they are reliable, honest, brave and exude confidence. Dragons are blessed with good fortune; they are smart, daring in business and have a great sense of humor.

They strive for harmony and righteousness, are perfectionists and expect the same of others. They are always trying to show off their positive qualities and, by doing so, often exaggerate.

Dragons are said to be very flamboyant, passionate and they fall in love quickly – but also out of love quickly. With their charisma and charm they draw people of the opposite sex.

Dragons are the most eccentric characters in the Chinese zodiac sign. They have a firm will and are successful, no matter what they tackle. Their most suitable match is people born in the year of the rat, rooster, snake or monkey.

The Dragon Sign is further divided into the five Chinese elements: Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth. They overlay a 5-year cycle of characteristics on the original 12-year cycle. This Chinese New Year 2012 ushers in the Water Dragon.

Water has a calming effect on the Dragon’s fearless temperament. Water allows the Dragon to re-direct its enthusiasm, and makes him more perceptive to others. These Dragons are better equipped to take a step back to re-evaluate a situation because they understand the art of patience and do not desire the spotlight like other Dragons. Therefore, they make smarter decisions and are able to see eye-to-eye with other people. However, their actions can go wrong if they do not research or if they do not finish one project before starting another.