The New Year is upon us. While you may be having a relaxing, normal Sunday afternoon wherever you are, in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and in Chinese communities all over Asia and around the World, the Year of the Dragon is coming its way.
Dragons are no ordinary creatures in China (are they anywhere?) - and they're auspicious creatures. Unlike evil, treasure-hording winged lizards in European lore, Chinese dragons can be fierce but they also bring good luck. They must be appeased but they are ultimately good. In ancient times, only the emperor of China had the right to wear a dragon symbol on clothing. Today, dragons adorn everything from porcelain to roof decorations.
People born under the dragon sign are thought to be particularly successful so folks in China are expecting a significant spike in the birth rate after January 23.
Tonight in mainland China people will be heading home to be with their families, eat copious amounts of food and stay up late in the night talking, drinking and playing games. At around midnight the firecrackers will start and last for about an hour. The noise will be deafening and I'm trying to figure out how to sound-proof my kids' windows for the night (a little too late for that...)
Wherever you are in the world,
Happy New Year! May the Dragon bring you and your loved ones good fortune! 新年快乐！
Photos: Dragon lanterns ready at Shanghai's Yu Gardens. © 2012 Sara Naumann, licensed to About.com.