wife in light of the Chinese New Year.
Subject: >*Learn how to embrace the Dragon*
*By Eileen Wacker*
SUMMIT COUNTY — While some pessimists are expecting the world to end this
year, nearly half the world's population is looking ahead by celebrating
the Year of the Dragon starting Jan. 23, considered one of the most
fortuitous signs in the 12-year Asian zodiac cycle.
The dragon is the only sign in the Asian zodiac that is mystical; the
others are all real animals — the rat, dog, pig, horse, tiger, snake,
monkey, rabbit, ox, chicken and sheep.
Asian dragons are benevolent, charismatic and powerful. They are known for
their sincerity and trusting natures. They are often free spirits who are
passionate, creative and self-centered. In China, Japan and Korea,
throughout time many believed the emperors descended from dragons.
Based on these beliefs, many predict 2012 will be a dynamic, innovative
year, when individuals are encouraged to make bold moves and leave humble
behind. Across Asia, artificial insemination has been on the rise since
May, as parents seek to give birth to children this year. In Taiwan, a 20
percent increase in births is expected. In Korea and China, people are
planning weddings and having babies.
Supposedly, people born under the sign of the dragon are the luckiest and
wealthiest and everyone wants in on the dragon's legendary rewards.
Many millions of households are busily preparing for the New Year. In
Japan, China, Korea and other Asian countries, houses are being swept
clean. Windows are opened to let in good luck and flush out stuck energy.
Special flowers are placed carefully to invite and impress good luck and
opportunity. This happens every year to get ready for Lunar or Chinese New
Year.
The power of the dragon is undisputed in Asia and its image is pervasive.
Bruce Lee's stage name was Li Xiaolong or little dragon. In Japan, one
often sees the seahorse, which is a baby dragon, as well as dragon emblems
everywhere. And the dragon is the symbol of the emperor in China and Korea.
Dragons are beloved and admired across Asia and this year there will be
massive celebrations.
If nearly half of the globe's population believes in and will celebrate
this phenomenon, should the average person try to win the attention and
empathy of the Black Water Dragon?
Five ways to embrace the energy of the dragon, just in case…
- Seriously de-clutter your home or a part of your home like your
office. You need to make room for good fortune to settle. The extra space
will become filled with new, exciting things. If you can find a sweet pea
plant, put it out prominently or by a door or window. This is the favorite
flower of the dragon.
- No matter how cold, open your windows for a period of time each day
leading up to the New Year and then throughout January 23rd. The stale air
of the past will exit and new opportunities will be swept in. On New Year's
night if you are awake at midnight open every door and window briefly.
- Black is back as "the new black." The Dragon loves Black this year and
feel free to accessorize with bright colors. The dragon loves extravagance.
Take a walk on January 23 in your black outfit, accessorized with bold
colors and breath fresh air.
- On New Year's Day, share a meal with someone and talk only about the
future and its possibilities. This is a year for innovation and big
projects. Do not talk about the past at all. For your meal on the 23rd, eat
at a table adorned with lit candles. The food should be well spiced and if
possible include seafood and pumpkin.
- Give a gift. The Dragon can be self centered and impetuous but it is
also very generous and benevolent. Give small gifts to people (love is a
gift) and it will be returned in some form with greater richness. Since it
is a water dragon, some gift ideas are– a dragon pen, dragon cup, game or
anything to do with water. Little pouches with small money are also lucky
for children. These gifts bring luck to the recipient as well as the giver.
Donate items as you de-clutter; these are gifts to others as well.
Do not confuse the dinosaur with the dragon. Dinosaurs are negative where
dragons are wealthy, lucky and smart. So no dinosaur gifts to little boys
this year.
And remember to wish your Asian friends and neighbors a successful dragon
year. They will appreciate your sentiment and be impressed with your
cultural prowess. When we lived in Korea, we observed and then started to
participate in these wonderful New Year's customs.
If a billion people believe there is something to this, why not join the
festivities and see what luck the water dragon may bring in 2012? The
dragon has survived and evolved as even more powerful today, so many covet
its charm, charisma and prosperity. Embrace your inner dragon and
celebrate a second "Happy New Year" on January 23.
*Eileen Wacker lives in Honolulu, Hawaii, with her husband and four
children. She is the author of the new children's book, Black Tortoise
Samurai and the Dynasty Dragon (Feb. 2012), the fifth installment of the
award winning Fujimini Adventure Series. For additional information on the
series, please visit www.oncekids.com.*
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