Dragon toy
I recently wrote that I had received newly-published translated editions of “Beyond the Rainbow Bridge” from a publisher in Beijing and in Taiwan. Over the weekend, they both have independently sent me New Year’s greetings. Each wrote that in the Chinese calendar, 2012 is the “Year of the Dragon” and is a most felicitous sign and would bring good omens. What a welcome surprise to receive these greetings.
In Western countries, dragons are portrayed as ferocious and evil. During Michaelmas, which is celebrated September 29th, stories of St. George and the dragon are often told. Before meeting the dragon, George appeals to St. Michael for courage to either slay or perhaps tame the dragon, depending on the storyteller.
In contrast, the dragon in China is considered a benevolent creature—a sign of good luck. One can check many internet sources to learn more about the Chinese New Year and the symbols for the 12-year sequence. Many cities in the U. S. hold a parade as part of the New Year celebration. When we lived near Boston and San Francisco, my husband and I took our children to the city to see the parade. Each event was colorful, usually quite noisy with drums and firecrackers, and great fun. We’d end our journey at a favorite restaurant.
I was married in one “Dragon” year and published “Rainbow Bridge” during another. And now with our celebrating 21 years in publishing this year, then the Year of the Dragon is indeed fortuitous. Here’s the dragon I keep in my office—obviously a tame one.
This year after enjoying a meal at a local Chinese restaurant, I brought home a placemat showing a dragon and all the zodiac symbols. Click on the picture and it will expand so you can read the text.
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Celebrating the Chinese New Year
Dragon toy
I recently wrote that I had received newly-published translated editions of “Beyond the Rainbow Bridge” from a publisher in Beijing and in Taiwan. Over the weekend, they both have independently sent me New Year’s greetings. Each wrote that in the Chinese calendar, 2012 is the “Year of the Dragon” and is a most felicitous sign and would bring good omens. What a welcome surprise to receive these greetings.
In Western countries, dragons are portrayed as ferocious and evil. During Michaelmas, which is celebrated September 29th, stories of St. George and the dragon are often told. Before meeting the dragon, George appeals to St. Michael for courage to either slay or perhaps tame the dragon, depending on the storyteller.
In contrast, the dragon in China is considered a benevolent creature—a sign of good luck. One can check many internet sources to learn more about the Chinese New Year and the symbols for the 12-year sequence. Many cities in the U. S. hold a parade as part of the New Year celebration. When we lived near Boston and San Francisco, my husband and I took our children to the city to see the parade. Each event was colorful, usually quite noisy with drums and firecrackers, and great fun. We’d end our journey at a favorite restaurant.
I was married in one “Dragon” year and published “Rainbow Bridge” during another. And now with our celebrating 21 years in publishing this year, then the Year of the Dragon is indeed fortuitous. Here’s the dragon I keep in my office—obviously a tame one.
This year after enjoying a meal at a local Chinese restaurant, I brought home a placemat showing a dragon and all the zodiac symbols. Click on the picture and it will expand so you can read the text.