Did you feel a sea change in the past few days? It's probably because Monday, January 23rd, we entered the Chinese Year of the Dragon.
The Chinese have certain symbols for their biggest celebration and it is more than coincidental that red is the chosen color. Red represents fire and is considered an auspicious symbol to celebrate good fortune.
Red paper cutouts are placed on the door wishing "happiness," "joy" or "prosperity." Red packets containing money are exchanged and red clothing is worn to ward off evil spirits.
Red door banners with a Chinese character for "blessings" is hung upside down to represent "blessings to come."
This year is represented by the Zodiac symbol of the Dragon. Western cultures consider the Dragon as evil, but in Asia the Dragon is a very good symbol. A Dragon year is considered the luckiest year in the Chinese Zodiac - and we could use it this election year.Since Chinese New Years' celebrations last for 15 days, so we can still enjoy it. Here's wishing you a most auspicious year - Gong Xi Fa Cai!
