Ever since the hit series Game of Thrones pillaged across television screens, audiences around the world have found a new perspective on the dragon. In Western mythologies, dragons often guard treasures, fly through the skies, and breathe fire. Generally, they are considered greedy and evil, representing the dark side of humanity.
In the twelve-year cycle of animals that appear in the Chinese zodiac, however, the dragon represents good luck, strength, and health. It is the only mythical creature in the Chinese zodiac, and it also represents imperial power and authority. People born in the year of the dragon are said to be charismatic, intelligent, confident, powerful, and naturally lucky and gifted.
Traditional: River-Crossing Dragon
Dragon Babies
Given such glowing attributes, I would very much like to have been born in the year of the Dragon. And it seems that a substantial number of Chinese parents are thinking that way as well. I read that there is typically a marked spike in birth rates during the year of the Dragon “because such Dragon babies are considered to be lucky and have desirable characteristics that supposedly lead to better life outcomes.”
People born in the year of the dragon are occasionally perceived as aggressive and might not always be open to criticism. They are also said to be scrutinising, tactless, quick-tempered, and over-confident. However, dragons don’t see themselves as either irritating or arrogant but rather as wanting to break away from traditions in order to pave the way for a brighter future.
Ma Sicong: Dragon Lantern Dance (Hsiao-mei Ku, violin; Ning Lu, piano)
Wood Dragon
As you know, each zodiac is associated with one of the five elements, and in 2024 we celebrate the “Wood Dragon.” This particular element is not entirely flattering, as the personality of people born under the wood dragon is said to be less enthusiastic, lacking in good relationships, and have an introverted demeanour.
Because the dragon is a fictitious and deified animal that does not exist in the world, people born in that year are usually dreamers with an active imagination. However, they will also work very hard in the beginning but give up once they encounter difficulties. Perfect jobs might be interior designers, architects, teachers, artists, or promoters. The dragon woman pays much attention to work and frequently neglects marriage. Generally, Dragon people marry late as they tend to concentrate on their careers.
Hsu Chiayu: 12 Signs, “Dragon” (Che-Hung Chen, viola)
Lucky and Unlucky Things
And just in case you playing the lottery, your lucky numbers are 1, 6, and 7, and numbers containing them. And you should pay specific attention to your lucky days, which are the 1st and 16th of any Chinese lunar calendar. Your lucky colours are gold, silver, and greyish white, and your lucky flowers are the bleeding-heart glory bower and the dragon flower. Your lucky directions are east, north, and south, and lucky months are the 3rd, 4th, and 7th months in the Chinese lunar calendar.
It’s not all gold and dragon flowers in 2024, as people born in the year of the dragon should avoid the unlucky colours blue and green, and the unlucky numbers 3 and 8. If you can avoid it, do not travel in a northwest direction, and be particularly careful during the 5th and 6th month in the Chinese lunar calendar.
Chen Yi: Dragon Rhyme (Hartt Wind Ensemble; Glen Adsit, cond.)
Courtship and Romance
During the year of the Wood Dragon, love and happiness will be plentiful for the following five signs. If you are born under the zodiac sign of the pig, you will have a fabulous year in terms of romantic relationships in 2024. There is a good chance that you will pick a suitable partner providing financial security, affection and care. Those born in the Year of the Dog will tie the knot in 2024 and will have a long and happy marriage and a harmonious life.
The same holds true for people born under the sign of the Rat. Shielded by the Dragon, their romantic relationships will blossom, and 2024 is one of the greatest years for them to get married. The Monkey will make big decisions in 2024, and Dragons may experience some short-term relationship setbacks but rapidly recover. According to some predictions, 2024 is the ideal year for the Dragons to get married.
And just in case you are wondering, some famous dragons include Charles Darwin, Bruce Lee, John Lennon, and Vladimir Putin.
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