Year of the dragon
The Lunar New Year begins Saturday, Feb. 10, ushering within the Year of the Dragon. The lunar calendar, utilized in each Chinese and Vietnamese cultures, is split into 12 segments, with every assigned an animal signal. The Chinese New Year celebration begins with the brand new moon on the primary day of the brand new yr and ends on the total moon 15 days later.
According to myths, the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac have been chosen by a race. This race is supposed to create a time measurement for the individuals. There may solely be 12 winners, and with a view to win, the animals needed to cross a fast present river and attain the end line on the shore.
There are many variations of this story. Some say that the Jade Emperor referred to as a race of animals on his birthday to create the Chinese zodiac. Others say that it was the Buddha who did. The tales are basically the identical, excluding some minor particulars.
In Chinese astrology, every zodiac signal is related to a hard and fast, or perpetual, component. Every yr is related to a component as effectively. Depending on what yr you have been born, you’ll get a novel mixture of an indication and a component.
Traditional practices
First day
Visit household: The oldest and most senior relations can be visited with a view to strengthen household kinship. Also, visitors are welcomed with sweets.
Second day
Birthday of canine: After being supplied sacrifices, the god of wealth leaves for heaven. People will see the deity off, wishing for a affluent yr and consuming wonton resembling the form of an ingot.
Third day
Birthday of pig: People pay respects to the lifeless. Some imagine evil spirits roam the Earth on at the present time.
Fourth day
Birthday of sheep: The fourth day is a continuation of the third day.
Fifth day
Birthday of the god of wealth: Respect is paid to the god of wealth. All companies reopen.
Sixth day
Birthday of horse: Marks a time to go to temples, relations and mates.
Seventh day
Birthday of males: Is the birthday of odd or widespread males and celebrated with sure meals.
Eighth day
Completion day: People have one other household reunion dinner and a midnight prayer to the Jade Emperor.
Ninth day
Birthday of Jade Emperor: Celebrate the birthday of emperor, believed to be ruler of all heavens and Earth.
tenth to twelfth days
Feasting: More feasting with family and friends.
thirteenth day
Slow down: Vegetarian meals are eaten to cleanse the digestive methods of all of the wealthy meals.
14th day
Lantern ornament day: Preparations are made for the Lantern Festival.
fifteenth day
Lantern Festival Day: This marks the total moon after the spring pageant and the brand new yr. Another reunion dinner is held with lanterns and oranges being a big a part of the celebrations.
Sources: nationsonline, webexhibits, astrohoroscopes, travelchinaguide, VietHoroscope.com, creativeartsguild.org, chinahighlights.com
Let’s discuss dragons
The flag of Wales, above incorporates a dragon. It is one in all three nations to have a dragon on its flag. The different two are Bhutan and Malta.
A dragon is a legendary creature that’s believed to spit fireplace and have the flexibility to fly. Dragons are additionally storied to be highly effective and to represent energy. In battle shields and flags, they’ve traditionally been used to intimidate opponents. Chinese dragons are sometimes depicted amongst clouds or water, and symbolize knowledge and prosperity greater than a battle risk.
Reality verify
There aren’t any creatures on Earth that may breathe fireplace however there are big lizards often known as dragons. The most fierce is the Komodo dragon that may weigh 300 kilos and be 10 toes lengthy. If that’s not scary sufficient they’re one of many few lizards to have a venomous chew, eat meat, have massive claws and may attain speeds over 13 mph. Its massive curved and serrated enamel are its deadliest weapon, and if it bites an animal its venom will possible kill it in just a few days and it’ll observe it down with its nice sense of scent.
They are discovered within the wild on just a few Indonesian islands and have a susceptible conservation standing.
There are a number of different creatures with dragon of their identify reminiscent of bearded dragons, dragonfish and dragonflies. Flying dragons, or Draco lizards, don’t really fly with wings; they’re lizards that leap and glide as much as 160 toes from a tree. There are 40 species and they’re about 3 inches lengthy.
In fiction
Dragons are fashionable in books, motion pictures and up to date TV reveals reminiscent of “Game of Thrones.” Lithub.com, an internet supply of all issues about literature, held a contest in 2022 to rank the 50 finest fictional dragons. Here’s the highest 10:
10. The Jabberwock, “Through the Looking Glass”
10. Tiamat, Dungeons & Dragons
9. Toothless, “How to Train your Dragon”
8. Mushu, “Mulan”
7. Yinglong, Chu C, “The Songs of Chu”
6. Zhulong, “The Classic of Mountains and Seas”
5. The Dragon, “Beowulf”
4. Vrtra, “Rig Veda”
3. Falkor, “The Never-Ending Story”
2. Haku, “Spirited Away”
1. Smaug, “The Hobbit”
1. Kalessin, “The Farthest Shore”
Dancing dragons
Dancing dragons can range in dimension and size, ranging from just a few yards as much as round 100 yards in size. Dragons carry luck to individuals. The longer the creature is, the extra luck it would carry. Especially if one is touched by a dragon, and even higher if touched by a Golden Dragon, luck and prosperity can be arising within the yr to return.
Chinese dragons are a luck bringer; they’re commemorated within the dragon dance – additionally referred to as “Dragon Lantern Dance” – as is a conventional efficiency of the Han individuals. Dragon Dances are carried out in virtually all particular festivals.
The Chinese dragons are related to clouds and life giving rain; the unique rain divinity supplies for heavenly beneficence and fertility.
Types of dragons
Celestial dragon guarding the heavenly dwellings of the gods
Dragon of Hidden Treasure, guarding buried treasures, each pure and man-made
Earth dragon, controlling the waterways
Spirit dragon, controlling rain and winds
Source: www.bostonherald.com”