Croatia 2012 Lunar New Year of the Dragon MNH

Croatia 2012 Lunar New Year of the Dragon MNH

The Lunar New Year of the Dragon in 2012 was celebrated across various East Asian cultures, including China, Korea, Vietnam, and others. The Dragon is one of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac and is highly revered in Chinese culture as a symbol of strength, power, and good luck.

During the Year of the Dragon, people traditionally engage in various customs and traditions to usher in prosperity and good fortune for the year ahead. These may include:

1. Family Reunions: Similar to Western celebrations of New Year, the Lunar New Year is a time for families to come together, share meals, exchange gifts, and catch up with loved ones.
2. Lion and Dragon Dances: Colorful lion and dragon dances are performed in streets, temples, and other public places to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck for the new year. These performances are accompanied by the rhythmic beats of drums, cymbals, and gongs.
3. Red Decorations: Red is considered an auspicious color in Chinese culture and is prominently featured in decorations during the Lunar New Year. Red lanterns, couplets with auspicious phrases written in calligraphy, and red envelopes (hongbao) containing money are common sights.
4. Fireworks and Firecrackers: Fireworks and firecrackers are set off to drive away evil spirits and welcome the new year with a bang. The loud noises and bright lights are believed to scare away bad luck and attract good fortune.
5. Traditional Foods: Special dishes with symbolic meanings are prepared for Lunar New Year celebrations. These may include dumplings, fish, spring rolls, longevity noodles, and sticky rice cakes (nian gao), among others.
6. Visiting Temples and Ancestors’ Graves: Many people visit temples to pray for blessings and good fortune in the new year. They may also pay respects to their ancestors by visiting their graves and making offerings.

The Year of the Dragon is considered particularly auspicious, as the dragon is associated with power, strength, and prosperity. As such, people often have high hopes and expectations for success and happiness during this lunar cycle.