Year of the Dragon
Gung Hay Fat Choy! Happy Lunar New Year!
2012 finds us once again in the year of the Dragon, which is fun for our family because our very own Pumpkin Girl is a Dragon (as is her uncle and her grandmother). Which also means that she will turn 12 this year and I’m not too sure how I feel about that. The most recent Years of the Dragon are:1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988 and 2000. Are you a dragon? If so, how well does this description fit you…
Those who are born in the dragon year are innovative, self-assured, brave, enterprising, conceited, passionate, and quick-tempered. The Dragons are often referred to as the free spirits of Chinese Zodiac. Their creative sparks get destroyed when they are restricted. Hence dragon people always look to be free and uninhibited.
A beautiful creature, Dragon happens to be flamboyant and colorful. Dragon personality traits range from being energetic, irrepressible and gifted. They are fearless and confident and ready to take up any challenge. In most cases they happen to be successful.Helping others is something that they find pleasure in. One can always count on the dragons for help. They make friends very easily because of their generous personalities. Yet they can be solitary reapers at heart. Those who are born in the Year of the Dragon have a love for outdoor activities and nature. They are extroverts who have a deep love for nature.
Having an explorative spirit, the dragon people are very imaginative. They are suitable for any occupation owing to their adaptable nature. They like spending money for charity. When it comes to finances, they are ready to take up risks and big chances. They are very straightforward in their approach when it comes to matters related to financial dealings and can therefore be trusted.
In a fun little twist, if you were born early in the Western calendar year, in January or sometimes February, before the Lunar New Year occurred, then you go with the sign of the previous year. Take me, for example. I was born in January 1970, so I am a Rooster (17 February 1969 – 5 February 1970) rather than a Dog. I am eternally grateful for that.
I’ve got Chinese chicken wings (my MIL’s recipe) in the crockpot, with bok choy, rice and pot stickers for dinner tonight, plus almond cookies for dessert. Not really traditional Chinese New Year fare, but it is authentic and homemade, so it’ll suffice. I might even make the kids eat with chopsticks!
Gung Hay Fat Choy to all of you!
I am year of the dragon. I won’t say which, but it definitely isn’t 2000! I think that description fits me pretty well, too.
So when is the cut off? Why does the year change after the celebration? Can you tell I’m confused, but very interested in learning? What fun family traditions you have.