It's the Year of the Dragon!

Welcome to the year of the Dragon. Dragons are a symbol of good fortune and sign of intense power. In Chinese astrology 2012 is the Year of the Water Dragon.

It’s an excellent opportunity to dedicate yourself to making the most out of the worst as it is a time of hope and optimism.

Now is the time to stir up momentum and keep it going. It’s easier to fix up any mistakes or situations that have been problematic. Water Dragons are able to see things from other points of view.

In Chinese Taoist thought, water is representative of intelligence and wisdom, flexibility, softness and pliancy. Water type people appear a bit reserved, yet are often very creative, sometimes even eccentric. They can appear cool and stoic, yet have the capacities to be still and deeply reflect.

People born in the year of the Dragon are self determined, intellectually clever, sharp and multi-talented. They are kind and generous as long as they are allowed to take the lead.

Dragons do things on a grand scale - big ideas, ornate gestures, extreme ambitions. Confident, fearless in the face of challenge, they are almost inevitably successful. Generous personalities give them the ability to attract friends, but they can be rather solitary people at heart.

Known to take thrilling risks and burn the candle at both ends they are fortunate to be blessed with good health. Usually they’re content out and about rather than staying at home. Popular people, they seem to gather as much criticism as they do esteem. Due to their tumultuous temperaments, Dragons are not the most sensitive friends to those in need of a shoulder.

According to legend, the Buddha invited all the animals of the kingdom to come before him. Only 12 showed up: the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. In gratitude, the Buddha decided to name a year after each of these animals and these 12 animals make up the traditional Chinese zodiac. Those born during that year would inherit some of the personality of that animal and each year would have its own peculiar and unique beliefs, such as it being an auspicious time to give birth or open a new business.

Previous Years include:
1904 * 1916 * 1928 * 1940 * 1952 * 1964 * 1976 * 1988 * 2000

You can celebrate Chinese New Year by:

Adding a lucky red door. Red is a traditional color of luck. It is important to focus on doing what one can to bring about good luck for the New Year. If you don't want to paint the door red, how about wrapping it up like a present with red wrapping paper.

Eat. Food is a large part of the Chinese culture. Prepare a plate or bowl of longevity noodles as part of the festivities to bring about long life.

Create a lantern.

Give lucky money: a popular tradition a gift of red envelopes with money in them. These gifts are given to children and usually follow a bit of superstition in that the money needs to be given in even amounts and never contain unlucky numbers, such as four. Therefore, four dollars is not a good gift. The envelopes are also decorated with lucky symbols and New Year wishes.

Give a small gift. The giving of simple gifts is also an appropriate way to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

Sing Happy Birthday to your dog. The second day of the Chinese New Year is considered the birthday of all dogs.

Discover your sign under Chinese astrology.
Learn about the depths of your character.
See what this year holds in store for you.