the year of the dragon

On January 23rd, the kids and I celebrated the Chinese New Year. Dusty had to work that day, and I was looking for something creative to do with the kiddos that evening, so I decided why not celebrate. So,we ordered Chinese food, ate on the floor in the family room, listened to Chinese music from Pandora, and talked about the Chinese New Year and about life. It was a fun evening and the kids seemed to get the red sweet and sour sauce everywhere. Cee Cee looks like a vampire in one of the photos.

Don't know about the Chinese New Year & want some information on it...well, read on. If not, just skip to the pictures of the super cute kids below it. :)

More than 4,000 years ago, there were two large tribes and many smaller tribes in China. The tribes had animals as emblems. The two large tribes unified and chose the dragon as their symbol. In fact, the Han Chinese still call themselves the descendants of the Dragon.
In Chinese astrology the dragon was seen as a powerful almighty king because it was made up of different parts of animals such as a tiger, fish, snake and an eagle.
The Chinese dragon was not seen as a threatening evil being as we do in the west - rather a symbol of power, superiority and rule.
Still today, the Dragon is a revered symbol. You can see many sculptures and carvings of the dragon. Even today, the Chinese associate the dragon with power and wisdom. In Chinese astrology a dragon person is special. Born in the Chinese Year of the Dragon they usually stand out as befits a dragon. They are powerful and wise.
In a group of people, "the Chinese Year of the Dragon person" stands out. There is a certain aura about them.
They certainly are not shy – they demand attention and respect.
The dragon is a symbol of power. Therefore in Chinese astrology the dragon person born under this Chinese Zodiac sign tends to be a "doer" – they do things and achieve power by getting things done.
A dragon can breathe out fire so the person born in the Chinese Year of the Dragon can be a hothead. Watch out if you make them angry!
However, the dragon has a soft underbelly and so in Chinese astrology the dragon person born in this Chinese Zodiac year has a "soft spot" to them. They may get angry at someone who annoys them but they also show great compassion to people in need.
A dragon has a long tongue which is often seen.
So in Chinese astrology the dragon person born in this Chinese Zodiac year has a sharp tongue – they will say things that can be quite sarcastic and biting.
The person born in the Chinese Year of the Dragon can be quite a confronting person but if you can reach their "soft heart" they are worthwhile allies.
2012 is the Chinese year of the dragon. So what does 2012 hold for a person born in the Chinese Year of the Dragon?
Such people such double their efforts in whatever they do - work, education and other projects. Their natural talent and abilities should stand out with great results.
However, watch out for that temper! Keep it in check and do not spoil your good work.

Were you lucky enough to be born The Year of the Dragon?
1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012

(article found here & the below picture found somewhere on the net--brain fart and I can't remember!)