Chinese lunar New Year 2012 - Year of the Dragon

"January 23 is Chinese New Year, and heralds the Lunar New Year of the Water Dragon, a once in every 60 years occurrence. The dragon is perceived as a mystical and auspicious creature in Chinese cultures and this year is expected to bring prosperity and transformational change." (Click Z Academy).

2012 year of "prosperity and transformational change"

"Gong Xi Fa Ca! That’s the traditional Chinese New Year greeting that means “wishing you prosperity” in Mandarin. The first day of the Chinese New Year – which begins at midnight on January 23, 2012 – is the most important of Chinese holidays, celebrated by billions in China, and by millions of ethnic Chinese around the world. It’s a celebration that lasts for 15 days, culminating with the Lantern Festival. Each year is associated with one of twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac. For 2012, it’s the Year of the Dragon." Read more from Earthsky/Shireen Gonzaga,1/22/12.

In San Francisco a schedule of 2012 New Year's events is provided by San Francisco Chinatown.com. The annual parade occurs Saturday, February 11th, 5:15pm to 8:00pm. Bleacher seats may be purchased along the parade route. Some of us will view the parade on television.  

Posed by Kathy Meeh