Year of the Dragon

FEATURE
Dr. Charles L. Cheng, M.D.

Spring Festival is more popularly known as the Chinese Lunar New Year. It is one of the most important festivals of the year since it is the symbolic rebirth of the New Year and an occasion for all members to get together to renew, rekindle ties. The homecoming is the much awaited event for every household.

The date of the new year is determined by the lunar calendar and this year which is the Year of Dragon falls on Jan. 23. New Year’s day typically occurs on the appearance of the second moon after the winter solstice and vary between January 21 to February 19.

To prepare for the auspicious event, houses and surroundings are thoroughly cleaned, debts repaid, sport a new haircut and new clothes. Streamers of red paper with characters printed in fine calligraphy expressing sentiments like good health, prosperity, luck, happiness, long life, family harmony, peace are placed in front of the house, living room and walls of every room.

Food for the feast are meticulously prepared by members of the family and the special dishes that will convey luck and fortune. Jiaozi or dumplings with meat, shrimp, egg and vegetable fillings to encourage a year of peace. Others wrap coins in the dumplings and it is believed that anyone who will partake of its will have a happy and prosperous new year.

It symbolizes the new, replacing the old. Niangao, a sweet streamed glutinous rice for family and harmony and tranquility and a symbol of reunion of the family. A tray of 12 types of fruit representing the colors of the Five Elements of Wood, Fire, Earth, Water and Metal as symbol of bountiful and fruitful year. Trays of candies are also displayed to sweeten one’s life and harmony in the family.

On New Year’s day, children receive their Lai See, red envelope with coins or bill for good fortune. The elders talk of good virtues to be followed by the children. Visitation to relatives and temples follow with offerings to be given to ones ancestors. The festivities are followed with great fun, setting of firecrackers and with a grand parade to conclude the festivities.

Those born in the Year of Dragon are the following years 1928, 1940, 1952, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024. The Dragon is the only mythical animal in the Asian animal zodiac sign. It represents authority, fire, power and the Yang or male element in nature. So, the dragon year is wonderful year to be born into, especially for a boy. Dragon year people are healthy, energetic, brave, honest, sensitive and they inspire confidence.

They are usually taken advantage by people because they are soft hearted but once they feel they are being abused, they become bitter and it takes a long time to forgive and forget. They can be blunt, tactless or forthright in their views. They are ambitious, highly intelligent and very quick to take advantage of any opportunities that will enable them to attain their goals in life. Being perfectionists, they will set their goals and try to maintain the high standards he has set to reach the top of his chosen profession.

Their leadership qualities enable them to communicate their ideas enthusiastically, hence a persuasive speaker, a gifted orator, writer, have acumen for business and even have a successful career in politics. His interests are diverse and enjoys sport and other outdoor activities. His adventurous streak will enable him to travel considerably to distant place during his lifetime.

Dragon people can mingle well with those whose zodiac signs are that of the Snake, Rat, Monkey, Rooster. He can also be an ideal companion to that of the Rabbit, Pig, Horse, and Goat. He can get along well with a Dragon for they can understand each other, however, they find it hard to mingle with the Dog and Ox because both are critical of his impulsive and extrovert manner. Moreover, he is in conflict with the Tiger because the tiger speaks his mind, strong willed and wants to take the lead like the dragon.