Welcoming the Year of the Dragon

Dateline: 01/24/00

So, you've blown your New Year's resolutions? Do you feel like it's too late to pick them up again? Well, it's not, because another chance is coming. Celebrate the Chinese New Year on February 5, and welcome in the good luck and prosperity of the Year of the Dragon.

The Chinese calendar follows a twelve-year lunar cycle, with each year named after an animal. Dragon years are considered to be especially lucky and prosperous years. The Millennial Dragon Year is forecast in Chinese astrology to be particularly lucky, and has been named the year of the Golden Dragon because this is the first dragon of the new Millennium.

There's no rule that says you have to be Chinese to celebrate this holiday. Although the holiday is filled with Chinese traditions designed to bring luck in the coming year, the underlying spirit of the traditions and wishes for the coming year are universal. 

Here are some of the customary ways to prepare for and celebrate this holiday:

• Clean your home as thoroughly as possible during the days preceding the New Year to sweep away the bad luck of the year that's ending.
• DO NOT clean your home during the first few days of the New Year, you do not want to risk sweeping away the good luck of the New Year.
• Try to see as many of your family and friends as possible during the New Year celebration to spread good wishes for the coming year.
• Serve and eat as many lucky foods as possible on the New Year. Some of these foods are a whole fish, noodles and mandarin oranges. If you're not adventurous enough to cook Chinese food, most Chinese restaurants offer special New Year menus.
• Don't cry on that day or raise your voice to your children or you'll be setting a tone of discord for the coming year.

• Decorate your home in red, the Chinese color for good luck.

Next Page>Where to Go for More Information on the Golden Dragon>Page 1,2