The Year of the Dragon

January 19, 2012

This year, Chinese New Year is on Jan. 23, 2012. Chinese New Year is one of the most important Chinese holidays. In China, it is called the Spring Festival. It begins on the first day of the first month of the traditional Chinese calendar and ends on the 15th day. 

Each day is celebrated in a different, significant way: including dinners, gifts, worship, and dancing. The celebration ends on the 15th day with the Lantern Festival. Rice dumplings and soup are eaten this day, and lanterns are lit outside the homes to guide spirits home.

This year is called the year of the dragon. Every year has an animal to represent it. The cycle starts with the rat and ends with the pig (boar or elephant depending on the region).

I was born in the year of the monkey. The different animals are supposed to represent your personality. While I would not call myself sneaky, manipulative, or vain, I would call myself competitive, inquisitive, and intelligent—all the best parts of the monkey!

The dragon is the mightiest of all the animal symbols! Someone born in the year of the dragon might be passionate, hardworking, colorful, and enthusiastic. They can also be easily frustrated and feel unfulfilled. Super high standards will do that to a person.

You can celebrate this year by going to the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art on Friday Jan. 27, 2012 from 5-9 p.m. There will be speakers, dancers, yo-yo instruction, food and games. For more information, visit their website.

There will also be a celebration from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. on Jan. 22 at Carlsen Center, Johnson County Community College. It will include a speech competition, dancing, kid’s activities, a reception, and a gala. For more information, visit the website.

Shameless plug alert! My friend’s adorable daughters will also be performing Chinese dance on the following dates.

January 21st - KCCA celebration at Mid-America Nazarene in Olathe.

January 22nd - KU Confusicious Institute at the Lied Center in Lawrence.

January 28th at the Nelson-Atkins Chinese New year Children’s dance performances.

To learn more about the Chinese Zodiac visit us at your local library.

Lisa C.
Blue Springs South Branch