2012 is the year of the Dragon. It takes place every twelve years in Chinese zodiac. The year of the dragon is said to be a very prosperous year for the people of China. It is said that anyone born in this year will be healthy, wealthy, and wise.
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2012, the year of the Dragon. It is considered particularly auspicious for new businesses, marriage and children. Dragon years also tend to boost individual fortunes and the world economy. Happy New Year ! ( www.i-china.org )
In China, the dragons symbolized goodness, strength, and wisdom. In Oriental countries, they represent celestial and terrestrial power, wisdom, and strength as well as seasonal cycles and supernatural forces.
The dragon has the body of a snake, belly of a frog, scales of a carp, head of a camel, horns of a giant stag, the eyes of a hare, ears like a bull, a neck like an iguana, paws like a tigers, and claws like an eagle. Chinese dragons were often drawn with whiskers and antlers on their heads.
They reside in water and bring wealth and good luck and, rainfall for crops. It is worshipped as the divine ruler of Lakes, Rivers and Seas. It is the powerful yet gentle "Loong" that brings rain to the earth, hastens the crops and cools the toiling framer.
As an important emblem in China, the legend of the Chinese Dragon permeates the ancient Chinese civilization and shapes their culture until today. Its benevolence signifies greatness, goodness and blessings. Almost everything in Chinese culture is associated with this legendary animal.
Being the divine mythical animal, the Dragon can ward off wandering evil spirits, protect the innocent and bestow safety to all that hold his emblem. The Chinese Dragon is looked upon as the ultimate symbol of Good Fortune.
The Chinese dragon, an emblem reserved for Imperial China, was heavily used on Imperial architecture, especially on the Imperial Palaces - on the roofs, on the beams and pillars, and on the doors.
The Emperor of China usually used the dragon as a symbol of his imperial power. Thus the beds they slept on were called the dragon beds, the throne called the dragon seat, and the emperor's ceremonial dresses called the dragon robes.
People in China showed great respect for any dragon depicted in pictures, carvings and writings. Also it is being sculptured on stone pillars of Chinese temples and embroidered on beautiful gold and silk tapestries.
Around the world, the Chinese proudly proclaim themselves as "Descendants of the Dragon "and even name themselves with the word "dragon"(Lung). Bruce Lee, his Chinese name is Li Xiaolong. Jackie Chen, his Chinese name is Cheng Long .
For centuries, the Chinese dragon has been a symbol of power, wealth, and good fortune. It is energetic, decisive, optimistic, intelligent and ambitious. And as a result the dragon became the symbol of Chinese nation.
Eastern dragons are sometimes shown with a pearl, which means many things from wealth to wisdom and good luck & prosperity. Eastern dragons ascending in the sky are symbol of "success in life".
Eastern dragons can be from Korea, Japan, or China. There are slight but subtle differences between them. A Chinese dragon has five claws on each foot. Japanese dragon has three, Korean has four. They do not have wings, but can still fly.
However, the Western dragon is often seen as a creature to be feared. A fire-breathing dragon with bat-like wings, a long spade-tipped tail, massive hind legs and feet, and a monster that devours animals and humans are what easily come to mind.
Many cultures all over the world have tales of Dragons from Scandinavia to China to Egypt, Greece & India. All of these cultures recognize the same thing; that Dragons are powerful elemental beings, the stuff of legend and wisdom.
Unlike Western dragons, China's celestial dragon symbolizes potent and benevolent power. Dragon years are considered particularly auspicious for new businesses, marriage and children. Dragon years also tend to boost individual fortunes and the world economy.
2012!
Happy New Year !