Pianodao’s weekly series of reflective blog posts
Written by ANDREW EALES
Since ancient times, the Chinese have followed the lunar calendar, New Year coinciding with the first hint of Spring in the northern hemisphere, and this year falling on Saturday 10th February 2024. This date marks the beginning of the celebration of the Spring Festival, which culminates in the Festival of Lanterns on February 24th.
As ever, the year is named after one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. These are multiplied by the Wuxing ‘Five Element’ concept of traditional Daoist culture to create a 60 year cycle, and within this we are about to enter the Year of the Wood Dragon.
“Oh great!” you may be thinking, “just what we all need: another year of drama, turbulence, disruption, and fire-breathing egos.” But happily, the Year of the Dragon is traditionally an auspicious one in Chinese lore, heralding a time of positive transformation and renewal.
In their book Taoist Astrology (1997), Susan Levitt and Jean Tang tell us,
“In Asian cultures, the qualities of Dragon are the opposite of European interpretations. Dragon is not an evil, malefic enemy. Instead, Dragon symbolises royalty, prosperity, wisdom, and benevolence. Dragon has magnanimous and spiritual qualities…”
Daoist Master Zhongxian Wu agrees, and in his beautifully presented book The 12 Chinese Animals (2010) he explains,
“The physical image and symbolic meaning of the Chinese Dragon is different from the understanding of the dragon in the West. In Chinese shamanism, Dragon is an auspicious animal. It stands for transformation, communication, connection, freedom, and the universal way.”
Wu goes on to explain that the dragon is equally associated with the daily hours of 07:00-08:59, breakfast time, and with the month which runs from approximately April 5 to May 6, “…the third spring month, when nature is in its most magical transformative season.”
Good Omens?
Here are some general characteristics and predictions that are typically associated with the Year of the Dragon in Chinese culture:
- Strength and Good Fortune
Dragon is a symbol of good fortune and physical health. Those born in the Dragon Year are traditionally believed to inherit these traits; they often make charismatic, ambitious, and natural leaders. - Adventure and Risk-Taking
Dragons are known for their audacious spirit and willingness to take risks. The Dragon Year is seen as one of opportunity, in which bold ventures can prosper. - Creativity and Innovation
Dragons are often associated with creativity and innovation. Those born in the Dragon Year are said to be emotional, imaginative and artistic. The Year itself is regarded as auspicious for fresh ideas, artistic, and creative endeavours.
Regardless of how we view ancient beliefs, customs, practices and superstitions, and whether or not we were born in the Year of the Dragon, it surely does us no harm to reflect on our own personal qualities using the cycle of the seasons and calendar of old traditions as a tool for doing so.
Consider this: if the Dragon Year proves indeed to be one of rebirth, renewal, creativity and social transformation, how can each of us personally and helpfully contribute to a vibrantly better future?
Change is the constant from one year to the next, a certainty for us all.
And to clearly dispel any impression of fatalism, the truth is that we all create and contribute to our change, individual and collective. So let’s use our own best qualities and creative energy to make the world a better place in the coming months.
Happy Chinese New Year!
