Chinese New Year 2012: The Year of the Water Dragon

A lot of us wonder why the Chinese New Year has no exact date. It usually takes place between January 21 and February 20 of every year. The moving dates have an explanation. Since the lunar and solar cycles should be in alignment with each other in the Chinese calendar, there would be an additional month after every few years.

There are 12 important animals for the Chinese people. These animals symbolize the 12 Zodiac signs and they also correspond to each coming year.

• Rat
• Ox
• Tiger
• Rabbit
• Dragon
• Snake
• Horse
• Goat
• Monkey
• Rooster
• Dog
• Pig

There are 5 kinds of Dragons according to the Chinese. The list below is in sequence.

• Wood Dragon
• Fire Dragon
• Earth Dragon
• Metal Dragon
• Water Dragon

This year is the Water Dragon’s turn. Therefore Chinese astrologers call 2012 “The Year of the Water Dragon”. The New Year will start this coming January 23, 2012 and will finish on February 9, 2013.

The Dragon is a powerful being. All of those persons under this sign can make it fast to the top. They are instinctively leaders and risk takers. But the downside about them is they could be moody, conceited, and self-centered.

This year brings a lot of energy and positive vibes to us. But we should not rely on that. The Dragon is not the most tamed creature; it is unpredictable. By that said, we must be still careful and vigilant for unpredicted catastrophes that may happen this year.

Wei Lu

Wei Lu is a Chinese celebration during the Chinese New Year wherein existing family members unite in dinner to make a tribute for their forebears. Different rituals are also performed to show respect to their gods.

Decorations

Decorations make an event extra festive. Chinese adorn their houses with lanterns, various fruits, and things that represent the animal sign for the New Year. These decors not only beautify the house but also attract good luck.

Good Luck Chinese New Year Wishes

During the Chinese New Year, people greet and wish one another good luck, good health, more wealth, tranquility, and inner joy for the rest of the year. They also exchange colorful Chinese new year cards and greetings as part of the celebration.

Way back years and years ago, the Chinese New Year used to be a 15-day festivity and was only commemorated inChina. Now, it only lasts for less than 7 days due to the hectic lifestyle most people are living. And because of the many Chinese people that are distributed around the globe, the Chinese New Year celebration has been already observed in many countries.