2012 - the Year of the Dragon

2012 Chinese Lunar Year is going to be the Year of the Dragon.It begins on January 23 this year and ends on February 9, 2013 (if your new baby were born during this Lunar year, we call him/her a dragon baby). The Dragon is the fifth sign, which consists of 12 Animal signs. The characteristics of the Dragon Sign are tempered by one of the five Chinese elements of Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth (like other 11 Animal signs). Every 60 years goes through a full cycle. For example, 1952 is the Year of Water Dragon, 2012 is the Year of Water Dragon again.

The Dragon is a creature of myth and legend. In ancient China, the Dragon is the imperial symbol, the sign of the emperor, or the male element Yang. The Dragon is the symbol of power and wealth. Today, it is the ultimate auspicious symbol signifying success and happiness. May the celestial Dragon bring great luck to everyone.

You can see there are a lot of dragon signs and symbols in China if you have visited the country. Especially, many beautiful stone carvings showing in the Forbidden City in downtown of Bejing.

If you would like to know about Chinese Lantern Festival 中国元宵节, please visit the story behind it at: http://originalartstories.blogspot.com/2012/01/chinese-lantern-festival.html. More photos at: my Photography - China Gallery http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/xueling-zou.html?tab=artworkgalleries&artworkgalleryid=47756. Thank you!!