January 23. 2012

White Dog and The White Dog Army wish all of our friends a Happy Year of the Dragon, Gong Xi Fa Cai!  The Chinese Year of the Dragon begins today. The dragon Chinese zodiac year is special. The Year of the Dragon is associated with the earthly branch symbol 辰 and is considered the luckiest year in the Chinese Zodiac. 

The new year, which traditionally lasts for 15 days, is the longest and most important of the Chinese holidays. Much like New Year in Western cultures, the festival begins on the first day of the first month within the Chinese calendar. It ends on the date of the full moon.

In Chinese astrology the dragon is the only animal of the Chinese zodiac that is not real.  The dragon was seen as a powerful almighty king because it was made up of different parts of animals such as a tiger, fish, snake and an eagle.

The  dragon is quite special and very much revered; it was in ancient times a symbol only used to represent the Emperor. The Chinese dragon was not seen as a threatening evil being as we do in the west - rather a symbol of power, superiority and rule.

More than 4,000 years ago, there were two large tribes and many smaller tribes in China. The tribes had animals as emblems. The two large tribes unified and chose the dragon as their symbol. In fact, the Han Chinese still call themselves the descendants of the Dragon.

Still today, the Dragon is a revered symbol. You can see many sculptures and carvings of the dragon. The  Chinese still associate the dragon with power and wisdom.

Beings born in these years: 1904 * 1916 * 1928 * 1940 * 1952 * 1964 * 1976 * 1988 * 2000 are considered to be Dragons. Those born in Dragon years tend to be brave, innovative and highly driven, regularly making it to the top of their professions. Famous people born in Dragon years include former U.S. president Bill Clinton, actress Reese Witherspoon and artist Salvador Dali.

A dragon can breathe out fire so the person born in the Chinese Year of the Dragon can be a hothead. A dragon has a long tongue which is often seen. The dragon person often says things that can be quite sarcastic and biting.

However, the dragon has a soft underbelly and so in Chinese folklore the dragon person has a "soft spot" to them. They may get angry at someone who annoys them but they also show great compassion to people in need.

White Dog and the WDA think this characterization perfectly describes the Honorary White Dog, Dragon, who wasn’t born in a Dragon year but carries the mythical beast’s name.

Welcome Dragon! Your arrival is most anticipated. People and businesses around the world have had difficult times over the last few years, so the good luck you bring is timely and needed.

The Dragon is the major symbol of good fortune in Chinese Astrology. According to tradition the Dragon brings in the Four Blessings of the East: wealth, virtue, harmony and longevity. The Dragon is a reminder everyone has dreams, and that the time to pursue them is now. Now is the time to take a chance, to reach for the proverbial brass ring, to not only dream but act on that impossible dream. The Dragon gives you the best chance to make it come true, especially in the Spring.

The WDA wishes you a year filled with the Four Blessings of the East, the strength and wisdom of the Emperor’s beast, and all of the good fortune the Universe holds.