The Year of the Dragon

January 24, 2012

Happy New Year! Happy Chinese New Year, that is. January 23, 2012 marked the first day of the celebration known as the Chinese New Year, and the festivities will continue for 15 days, until the first full moon. Many Asian cultures including China, Thailand, and Singapore celebrate the festivities by having parades, ceremonies, and fireworks. It is the most important and celebrated holiday in the Asian culture, and it ushers in the new lunar year of the Chinese calendar. Each Chinese lunar year is associated with an animal of the Chinese zodiac. This year will be known as the Year of the Dragon. Those born in the year of the dragon are said to be self-assured, brave, innovative, and tend to succeed in business.

Should you need more information on the Chinese New Year, the library has a good selection of books including Celebrate Chinese New Year by Carolyn Otto and Chinese New Year by Carrie Gleason.

So, Gung hay fat Choy! That is a traditional Chinese New Year greeting that means "may you prosper." And Happy New Year, too!

Tracy W.
Smithville Branch