Chinese New Year: Year of the Dragon | 2012

by Sim Taing
Co-Founder
Office Divvy ™


This year Chinese New Year began on Monday, January 23, 2012, and ushered in the Year of the Dragon.

Unlike the demon that gets slayed in Western literature, the Dragon in Eastern culture is a symbol of good fortune, power, and intelligence. In Chinese tradition, the Dragon is regarded as a divine beast.  It is the only one of the 12 zodiac signs governed by a mythical creature rather than a real animal.

The dragon is the most auspicious and powerful of the 12 signs of the zodiac, one associated with high energy and prosperity.

This year is considered especially auspicious because it is the year of the water dragon, something that happens once every 60 years.  As such, optimism and expectation for better times are expected in 2012.

The Chinese has observed the dragon years (which included 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988 and 2000) are followed by economic expansion and prosperity.  One type of expansion is certain, Dragon years have generated baby booms.  The year of the dragon has long proved to be an impetus for births.  For example, China recently reported that the country is anticipating a 5 per cent increase in the number of babies born this year.  Officials expect a baby boom not only in China, but in Taiwan and other Asian countries and territories that observe the New Year festival, including Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Macau.

Some prominent dragons include Bill Clinton, Joan of Arc, Al Pacino, and Bruce Lee.  These individuals are indeed very fitting to be Dragons.

Personally, I look forward to the economic recovery and prosperity the year of the dragon may bring for all Americans and the world.  May the year of the dragon bring us lower unemployment, economic stability, higher income, peace, and good health.  I feel these are within our reach this year.

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On a separate note, the year of the dragon this year fell on the same day as National Pie Day.  I'm telling you, this year will be a lucky one. :)

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Related Blog Posts:

• Year of the Rabbit: A positive and inspiring outlook for 2011?
• Year of the Tiger: What does it mean for Business?

Year of the Rabbit: A positive and inspiring outlook for 2011?

by Sim Taing
Co-Founder
Office Divvy

The Year of The Rabbit begins on February 3rd, 2011.   The Chinese zodiac characterizes the Rabbit with cuddly, warm and affectionate attributes.  The Rabbit is also one of the luckiest signs in the Chinese Astrology chart.  As such, the year 2011 holds positive promises for both personal and business prosperity and fulfillment. 

2011 will be a refreshing change after the fast-moving and quite dramatic Year of the Tiger.

For most of all us, 2010 was indeed a year of unprecedented changes.  For example, over 20% of my LinkedIn connections started something new in 2010 including myself.   Personally for me, I began 2010 by taking a new career to re-invent myself after 10 years of being with my previous employer. 

As I look back, I realized the momentum during 2010 was quite unsettling. It was a year of constantly being on and on the go.  However, I also realized that my accomplishments during the year has set me up beautifully for 2011. This will be a stunning and most favorable year for me, especially in regard to work and career.  I have  connected and interacted with important and influential people during 2010 that will put me in the position to reap the benefits in 2011 and beyond. The change has energized and inspired me than I have ever been in quite some time.

With such great promises to come and luck running high during the Year of the Rabbit, we must start the year with positive thinking and with a can do attitude.  We must truly believe spiritually and mentally that we can achieve great things in 2011.  We must envision that our entrepreneurial ideas will bear fruit and our personal relationships will move to the next level.  We must be also cautious to not allow our worries over decisions to drain the Rabbit’s vitality.  It’s very important to get enough rest, pleasure, and relaxation. We must also remember to call on friends and loved ones for support and advice during any challenging times. 

The following are some famous people born in The Year of the Rabbit:  Johnny Depp, Francis Ford Coppola, Michael Jordan, Ingrid Bergman, Cary Grant, and Bob Hope.

Let us realize all our dreams in 2011!

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