Oriental New Year Dragon And Traditions
Written by Dale J. Jones on December 30, 2009 – 10:44 am -We will hereby see the characteristics of the Chinese symbol that make them honorable and their association with the important event of Chinese New Year.
The images of the Chinese dragon and the occasion of Chinese New Year have been two eventful components of the Chinese Tradition. For thousands of years now they have still captured the same importance for themselves and exclusive presence even till date. Moreover, interestingly they are deeply intertwined with each other.
The image of the dragon is instantly recognized with the Chinese culture. It is from this very culture that the west has found the image of the dragon through martial arts flicks and other Chinese art work. For the Chinese the image of the dragon is a highly revered mythical beast that is admired for its uniqueness, beauty and auspicious powers.
With due respect to the Chinese heritage, firstly we must recognize the fact that the Chinese New Year does not coincide with the Western celebrations of the New Year. The cause behind this is that the western world follows the Gregorian solar calendar and the Chinese have always followed the lunar calendar. Thereby, the cycle of the moon decides the date on which Chinese New Year event is celebrated and this is completely on a different day from the Western New Year.
New Year is a unusual time in China. It is a time when the festive spirit is high and there are all kinds of celebrations going on. As has been the ancient tradition of the country they have animal signs associated with the change of time. There are twelve animals that are repeated after every twelve years. So the year of the dragon returns with all its might and power after every twelve years.
The Chinese New Year of the dragon symbolizes great strength. As it is the image of the dragon is taken as a symbol of auspicious power and anger if you will. The anger of the Chinese dragon is somehow always justified hence it has to do with correcting the erring. In that sense the angry dragon is not exactly evil. Rather the symbol is meant to be inspiring for society.
Chinese people believe that the streets have rights over you. When you are walking on the streets and come across evil the task of blocking it falls on you if you have the strength or with your speech if nothing else. If you are unable to stop it then at least recognize the evil act to be wrong.
The image of the fuming dragon seeks to repress the wrong doers. It does not represent wrong doing. Rather quite the opposite. The best of actions is to avoid evil and discourage it while engaging in good deeds and encouraging them. Hence the Chinese New Year of the Dragon is all about bringing about a revolution through peaceful and festive means.
The Chinese new year dragon is a colorful assault on the senses. If you would like more information on new year animals from China click on the links above.
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