The Courageous Koi at Dragon's Gate

The Courageous Koi at Dragon’s Gate


In China they tell the story of the Yellow Emperor, who became so angry at the wickedness of the humans that he decided to end their existence. Summoning the God of Rain, he commanded that the rain should never stop until the entire Earth was covered in water and all but a few of the offensive humans were all drowned. So began a Great Flood and every day the floodwaters rose until only the highest mountains were left. The Yellow Emperor’s grandson, Kun, managed to make a few safe havens with some stolen magic mud, but his supply ran out and the rains kept on falling. The Emperor’s anger had not yet abated and, for his disobedience, Kun was executed by the God of Fire.

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Kun’s son, Yu, was a golden yellow dragon, strong and beautiful, and he took up the task of saving humanity from the Great Flood. Yu spoke respectfully to the Emperor and described the suffering he had seen amongst the humans. His words softened the Yellow Emperor’s heart and he gave the golden dragon, Yu, the position of the new rain god. He also gave Yu enough magic mud to soak up all the water as well as the assistance of a Magic Tortoise to carry it for him.

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Yu’s mighty Dragon Breath easily dispersed the storm clouds and deposed the old Rain God, who had revelled in making ceaseless rain. Once the last drop had fallen, Yu and the Magic Tortoise travelled the Earth dispensing magic mud and creating solid land once more until all the mud on the Tortoise’s back had been used.
Then, so that the rain would have a place to go, Yu created the rivers with swipes from his powerful tail. As Yu was digging the course of what was to become the Yellow River in the north he came across a place where some rocky cliffs blocked the flow of the water. Yu pondered for a moment then, with calculated ferocity, he directed one mighty blow from his tail at the cliffs, cutting a chasm through the hard rock. “I name this place ‘Dragon’s Gate’ and from this day forward it shall be sacred to Dragons.”
This was the origin of the great rivers that flow across China to this day.

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Seeing the new land, ready for planting, the people left their caves in the mountains and ventured down onto the fertile plains. In their gratitude they begged Yu to become their Emperor. Thus Yu, the Golden Dragon, became a Man-God and lived a long lifetime on the Earth, almost as long as he would have lived had he stayed as a Dragon. Under his guidance mankind grew knowledgeable in following the ways of Heaven and gained favour in the eyes of the Yellow Emperor.

Yu the Great Contols the Floods

Dragon Emperor Yu is still honoured and remembered at the rapids of Dragon’s Gate on the Yellow River and the location still retains a touch of the magic it had at the beginning of time.

A certain type of carp, called a koi, gains their strength by swimming against the current. Not for the koi are the soft lives living in still ponds, for they seek out and revel in adversity. Thousands of years ago, before writing was invented in China, a huge school of thousands of koi swam up the Yellow River until they reached Dragon’s Gate. Most of the school grew discouraged seeing the roiling water and feeling the strong current that stood against them, and so they went back downstream to feast in the quiet waters of the lower river, leaving a small group of 360 stalwarts behind.

Hukou Waterfall

Leaping higher and higher, swimming faster and faster, each koi strained to reach the top of the falls, only to be swept back by the power of the water in the chasm. Their splashing drew the attention of sadistic demons that lived nearby who maliciously increased the height of the falls even more. Undeterred, the koi continued their attempts over the next hundred years, growing stronger and stronger with each failure until one single koi made a heroic leap and cleared the chasm.

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As he sailed through the air on his way over the water the Gods looked down with approval and transformed the flying fish into a shining golden dragon in the middle of his leap. The former carp was now a Dragon, the spitting image of Yu, the creator of Dragon’s Gate, himself. Flapping his new wings he continued upwards until he reached the clouds where he chased pearls of wisdom across the skies. Whenever another brave koi finds the strength and courage to leap the falls at Dragon’s Gate they, too, become a Heavenly Dragon.

Koi Dragon by Ben Wootten buy here: http://browse.deviantart.com/art/Goldfish-328055999

Because of their endurance and perseverance, koi have become the symbol of overcoming adversity and fulfilling one’s destiny. The Chinese word “carp” sounds similar to the word “business” and is also a homophone with “profit” or “advantage”. “Fish” sounds similar to “surplus” or “wealth”. Because of this word play, koi have also become associated also with good fortune in mercantile endeavours and paintings of them are a common decoration in shops and restaurants. And in the China of today there is still the possibility that a lowly shopkeeper may, by strength and courage, become a Dragon of Industry.

Koi Dragon Fish by Cortney DeSantis - buy here: http://mysticgaia.deviantart.com/art/Koi-Dragon-Fish-139476400






Posted by Steve Caunce

The Dragon Boat Festival

The History of the Dragon Boat Festival 

In Canada we are a multicultural community and, as a result, we are richer by far in our human experiences. One such experience is the Dragon Boat Festival. I became aware of this some years back and, though I am not of Chinese origin, it has held my interest just the same. The festival may have started in China countless years ago but it is now an annual event celebrated throughout the world with participation from well over 40 countries. 

In Toronto, from the humble beginnings of the first Festival in 1989 with only 27 teams participating until the 24th Annual Dragon Boat Festival, the event has grown tremendously. This year there are teams from all over Canada, from the U.S, the Caribbean Islands, Europe and Asia. It will be held June 23-24, 2012 at Toronto Centre Island. They are anticipating about 180 to 200 teams, including 11 teams of individuals with physical and developmental challenges, to compete with over 5000 athletes. The festival has an added advantage of raising funds for charitable organizations, this year the beneficiary will be the Canadian Diabetes Association.

For those history buffs, here’s an additional succinct account of the Dragon Boat Festival in Canada:



“As early as 1945, the Vancouver Sun newspaper contains a story and picture of a dragon-adorned silver plaque presented to the Mayor of Vancouver by representatives of the republican government of China immediately following cessation of hostilities of World War II in the Pacific. The news story explains that because Vancouver was the North American gateway to Asia, it could be considered as the ideal city to host the first dragon boat race outside of Asia. The proposed post war dragon boat festival was compared to the Mardi Gras of New Orleans. Since 1946 was to be the Diamond Jubilee (60th Anniversary) of the city, it was suggested that a dragon boat festival be convened to mark this occasion. However, this would have to wait until the city's 100th anniversary in 1986 and the world transportation exposition. 
In 1992, the (final) British Governor of Hong Kong, Christopher Patton, presented a teak dragon boat to the Canadian Prime Minister of the day, Brian Mulroney, to mark the close cultural, social and business ties between Hong Kong and Canada. This craft is now part of the permanent collection of the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, Quebec. Canada reciprocated by presenting a carved cedar totem pole crafted by British Columbia First Nations members. This symbol of friendship is displayed in a park in Hong Kong.” 
Several of the larger dragon boat events outside of Asia include Vancouver’s Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, the Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival in Toronto, Ontario, and the Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival in Ottawa, Ontario. These three Canadian festivals each feature some 200 crew and are all held on a weekend close to the June Summer Solstice, in keeping with traditional Chinese dragon boat traditions.” 

In case you are unfamiliar of the origin of this 2000 year old event, here’s a brief summary: 

The pre-imperial Warring States period (475-221 BC) is considered a classical age in Chinese history, during which Confucius, Lao Tse and Sun Tzu lived and the classic military strategy “The Art of War” was written.  In this period, in the southern state of Chu (present day Hunan and Hubei provinces), there lived a most notable statesman Qu Yuan (Chu Yuan).  

The great poet Ch’u Yuan became a minister for King Huai of Ch’u as a young man. He was saddened by how the people had suffered from ceaseless war

He is still considered a champion of political loyalty and integrity, as he tirelessly tried to maintain the Chu state's autonomy and hegemony.

The alliance posed an effective deterrent to Ch’in’s ambition. It also earned Minister Ch’u more prestige giving him the right to oversee a wide spectrum of domestic and diplomatic affairs.

Because he was a most upstanding individual he became victim to the malicious slanders of other corrupt ministers and jealous bureaucrats’ who had the ear of the Emperor and had him banished.

 A group of Ch’u aristocrats led by Prince Tzu-lan became jealous of Ch’u. They often complained to King Huai of Ch’u's alleged arrogance and waywardness. Hearing more and more complaints,the king became less satisfied with his minister  

 While in exile however, he continued to write some of the greatest literature and poems, expressing his ardent loyalty and love for his state and divulging his deep concern for its precarious future. 

The poem was read by people in the Ch’u court, and was used by Tzu-lan and Chin Shang against Ch’u. They told King Huai that in the poem he was compared with a despotic ruler. The king was enraged and dismissed Ch’u Yuan from his official post

Then one day, in the year 278 B.C. upon learning of the imminent invasion by a neighbouring State (Qin), he did his best to warn his Emperor and countryman.

Chang explained that, among the six states, Ch’i and Ch’u were the strongest. Once discord was sown between these two, the anti-Ch’in alliance would fall apart. He offered to make a trip to see if he could take the advantage of Ch’u's internal confilict to undermine the alliance.

He still believed the king would see the truth, but he was no longer summoned. He was so depressed that he couldn’t sleep at night. 

Ch’u Yuan despaired. He rushed back to Yingtu to help reorganize the resistance against Ch’in.

The alliance with Ch’i failed soon after, and beginning with the 27th year of King Huai’s reign, Ch’u was repeatedly invaded by Ch’in.

Ch’u was upset. 

Having failed in his communication however, as a form of protest against the corruption of the era, he strode into the Miluo River holding a rock, committing a ritual suicide.

He walked along the river, cursing the enemy and the greed of politicians. He was determined to arouse his people’s patriotism and condemn those who had destroyed Ch’u State by taking his own life.

He took off his clothes, tied a rock to his waist, and plunged into the river. That day was the fifth day of the Chinese lunar calendar

This was his last resort to awaken Chu to the impending danger.

The ordinary folks upon learning of Qu’s heroic act, rushed out on the water in their fishing boats to try desperately to find him in time to save him. In desperate attempt, they beat the drums and splashed the water with their paddles to keep the evil spirits and fish away from claiming the poet’s submerged body. They sprinkled rice dumplings in to the river to feed the fish to deter them from gorging on Qu’s flesh. Then late one night the spirit of the poet appeared before his closest friends and told them that the rice offering was being intercepted by an enormous river dragon. He asked that they wrap their rice into three-cornered silk packages to ward off the dragon. These “zongzi” or sticky rice wrapped in leaves (instead of silk) has been the official commemorative food ever since. 

Believing that the patriotic poet would enjoy eternal life, they would row dragon boats out on the river to look for him. Ch’u Yuan became a symbol of patriotism for the Chinese people.

Indeed, from that time on at the anniversary of Qu Yuan’s death, the fifth day of the fifth month in the lunar calendar, the ordinary citizens in commemoration of his memory have enacted this folk ritual, by means of Dragon Boat Races. The modern times this has evolved into an international sport event held in Hong Kong since 1976. The boats used today are traditionally made of teak wood. These very long, narrow, canoe-style vessels are usually adorned with carved ornamental heads and tails of dragons. The decorative regalia is absent during training but the drum is always present. Dragons are represented here because of the belief that they are the rulers of rivers and seas and dominate the clouds and rains of heaven. 

Another interesting Fact about the name: Dragon boat races were traditionally held as part of the annual Duanwu Festival or Duen Ng observance in China. Duen Ng falls on the fifth day of the fifth month, also referred to as “double fifth”. It’s determined to be so because of the combination of solar and lunar cycles which are different from Gregorian calendar, where it is placed during the month of June. During 19th century European observers of the racing ritual, not understanding the significance of Duen Ng, referred to the spectacle as a “dragon boat festival”. This is the term that has become known in the West.

(Note: The Emperor Qin Shi Huang of Qin (or Chin) kingdom did eventually conquer all of the other states including Chu and unified them into the first Chinese empire.)

The Nine Dragon Wall

The Nine Dragon Wall

The first Ming Emperor of China declared that the five-taloned Dragon would be the symbol of only the Emperor with the four-clawed Dragon reserved for the Imperial Nobility and certain Officials of high rank, and the three-toed Dragon left for use by the general public and lower Officials. Other nations under Chinese suzerainty were directed to use only the lesser Dragons as well. Misuse of the yellow five-taloned Dragon was treason and resulted in the sure death of the offender and his entire clan.
The number nine is considered auspicious because it is the highest single digit number, and has connotations of extended time. Dragons were also associated with the number nine, as there were nine forms of Dragon and nine offspring of the Dragon King. Therefore it was only natural that nine Dragons became the symbol of the Emperor and his immediate court. The Emperor wore robes with nine Dragons on them (with one Dragon hidden from general view) and his Officials wore nine Dragon robes under a surcoat.

Nine Dragon Wall in the Forbidden City:

The Architectural symbol of the Emperor’s power was the Nine Dragon Wall, and many of these walls were built in Imperial compounds throughout China. The three most famous are the wall in the Forbidden City, constructed in 1772 for the Emperor QuinLong, the wall in Beihai Park, and the Nine Dragon Wall in Datong.
Nine Dragon Wall in Beihai Park, built in 1756:

Luckily, for those of us who do not live in China, there is a Nine Dragon Wall in North America in the City of Mississauga just outside of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

The Nine Dragon Wall in Mississauga, Ontario:

This wall, in many ways similar to the one in Beihai Park, is made of seven-coloured ceramic tile, and depicts nine five-taloned Dragons. It, too, is 27 meters long and 5 meters high, smaller than the Forbidden City wall.  We are very fortunate that this wall has been built so near to us so we can enjoy it in its entirety, even getting up right next to the ceramics.

The Nine Sons of the Dragon King (with no relation to the images on the wall) are:

Chiwen: seen on top of things. If you look at the roof-ridge of a building, his image is often carved there so he can gaze into the distance and provide early warning.

Baxia: found near water. His image will be carved on bridges and arches leading to piers so that he can take a swim when he likes and protect the traveler from the water.

Pulao: fond of his own voice and likes to roar, so his image is carved on bells.

Bixi: actually has a tortoise shape, but is considered to be one of the dragon legends. The Bixi is an excellent pack-animal whose image appears on panniers. Bixi are represented on the sides of grave-monuments and are frequently carved as the base for important memorials.

Qiuniu: loves music and adorns bridge of stringed musical instruments.

Suanni: fond of smoke and fire, so he twines up the legs of incense-burners. Suanni, who like to sit don, are represented upon the bases of Buddhist idols under the Buddha's or Bodhisatvas' feet.

Jiaotu: can keep his mouth shut like a clam. He appears as either a conch spiral shape or a clamshell shape. He is found on door lintels, front doors, and major entryways. He guards your peace and privacy.

Haoxian: a reckless and adventurous dragon whose image can be found decorating the eaves of palaces.

Yazi:  brave and belligerent, he can be found engraved on the handles of knives and the hilts of swords.

Map of the Mississauga Chinese Centre:

View Larger Map
If you can possibly do it, go to the Mississauga Chinese Centre and visit the Nine Dragon Wall. You will find it very enjoyable. Don't forget to take your camera.



Mississauga Dragon Wall Photos by Bo Caunce

The Story of Darkness

The Story of Darkness

Many cultures have a creation myths, it so happens that Chinese culture has incorporated the dragons in their creation myths.

How wonderful is that?

A Brief History:

The Book “Epic of Darkness”, compiled in primeval China, is a collection of folklore and legend relayed in epic poetry. Preserved by the inhabitants of the Shennongjia mountain area in Hubei Province, it includes accounts from the birth of Pangu till the historical era.
On August 1982 an old local farmer submitted a rare songbook to Hu Chongjun. The booklet (leaflet), written in brush and ink with about 3,000 lines of seven Chinese characters each, was split into four sections. These sections were: a) The beginnings of the Universe; b) The Birth of Pangu; c) The Great Flood; d) The birth of mankind up until the beginnings of the Three Sovereigns and The Five Emperors. Believing “The Epic of Darkness” to be finest written representation of the oral Han creation myth, Hu went on to study and compile more manuscripts as well as the oral accounts from the elderly living in Shennongjia. It took him 9 years to eventually finish the documentation. Hu had to sort through more than 30, 000 lines of collected manuscript to compile a 5,500 line summary.

Here’s a brief retelling (with some liberties taken) of the Han Chinese creation myth:

In the beginning of time, all that was manifest was a cloud of gas, chaos and darkness. A Deity called Jiang Ku, after expending vast effort, created the first drop of water. Another God, Lang Da Zi, swallowed that drop of water and expired. Immediately his body was split into the five elements: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth. From these elements Pan Gu came into being.

The Legend of Pan Gu:

In the primeval Universe there was nothing but a vast formless chaos which, after 18,000 years, merged to form a giant cosmic egg. Inside the egg, the perfectly opposed principles of Yin and Yang eventually balanced and Pan Gu formed as a primitive, horned, hairy giant, clad in furs. As soon as he emerged from the egg Pan Gu set about the task of creating the world. With a swing of his giant axe, he separated the Yin from the Yang and created the Earth (murky Yin) and the Sky (clear Yang). In order to maintain this separation, Pan Gu stood between them and pushed up the Sky. This task took another 18,000 years; as each day the sky grew ten feet (three meters) higher, the Earth ten feet wider and Pan Gu ten feet taller. Pan Gu was aided in this task by the four most prominent beasts: the Turtle, the Qilin, the Phoenix, and of course, the Dragon. After the 18,000 years it took to separate earth and sky Pan Gu passed away. His breath then became the wind; his voice became thunder, his left eye transformed into Sun, his right eye transformed into the Moon and his facial hair turned into brilliant stars and the Milky Way.
His body, his four limbs turned into the mountains and other of the extremities that marked the four corners of the world. (This account bears a strange similarity to Norse myth of the Giant Ymir, and also of the Babylonian tale of Tiamat.) His fur turned into bushes and forests; his blood formed the rivers; his muscles turned into fertile lands; his teeth and nails became metals; his bones became rocks and valuable minerals while his bone marrow transformed into sacred diamonds. Mankind was yet to be created at this point. His sweat fell as rain and the fleas on his fur carried by the wind became the fish and animals throughout the land.
From the five elements and animals were born demons and gods who fought each other until a great flood overcame the land.From this great flood, emerged two mighty dragons, one black and one yellow, which fought a mighty battle. A goddess, the Sacred Mother Wu Tien, helped the yellow dragon defeat the black dragon. In gratitude, the yellow dragon laid three eggs which the Sacred Mother swallowed and gave birth to three gods: Heaven, Earth and Hell.

Later still, five dragons emerged from the flood and they discovered a gourd across the Eastern Sea. Wu Tien opened the Gourd and found two humans within. Fuxi and Nuwa, who were ordered by Wu Tien to copulate and thus the human race came into being after the flood waters receded.

In a different version it states, “A brother and sister became the only survivors of the prehistoric Deluge by crouching in a gourd that floated on water. The two got married afterwards, and a mass of flesh in shape of a whetstone was born. They chopped it and the pieces turned into large crowds of people, who began to reproduce again. The couple were named “Pan” and “Gou” in the Zhuang ethnic language which stands for whetstone and gourd respectively.”In another version Nuwa, the Goddess, supposedly had used the mud of the water bed to form the shape of humans. These humans were very smart since they were individually crafted. Nuwa then became bored of individually making every human so she started putting a rope in the water bed and letting the drops of mud that fell from it become new humans. These small drops became new humans, not as smart at the first.
Another interesting note: When the earth had thus been shaped from the body of Pan Gu, we are told that the three great rivers formed from his blood successively governed the world: as first the celestial, then the terrestrial, and finally the human sovereign. They were followed by Yung-Ch’eng and Sui-Jen (fire-man) who brought the fire down from heaven and taught man its various uses. The Prometheus myth, which by the way is not indigenous to Greece but also known in Mesopotamia and India, is another expression of this theme. There is a slight possibility therefore that the figure Sui-Jen has been derived from the same archetype as the Greek Prometheus.

The Gentle Qilin

The Gentle Qilin

The Qilin is a mystical hoofed chimerical creature, often depicted with what looks like fire all over its body. It has the head of Dragon and the body of horse. It represents protection, prosperity, success, longevity and illustrious offspring. It is a good omen that brings ruì (roughly translated as "serenity" or "prosperity"). The Qilin (sometimes misleadingly called the "Chinese unicorn" due to Western influence) is believed to manifest upon the occasion of an imminent person’s arrival, or when a wise sage or an illustrious ruler has departed.
During the Zhou dynasty the Qilin ranked higher than the Dragon or Phoenix; Qilin first, the Phoenix ranked second and the Dragon third. In the Post-Qin Chinese hierarchy of mythical animals, in fables where the Qilin was depicted as the sacred pet of the deities, the Qilin ranked the third after the Dragon and Phoenix. In Japan (Qilin) Kirin are portrayed as a dragon shaped like a deer with an ox’s tail, and they preserved their primary importance, with the Phoenix placed second and the Dragon third.

The earliest references to the Qilin were in the 5th century BC, in the book of Zuo Zhuan. In its historical account we are told that after Zheng He’s voyage to the East Africa around the area of modern day Kenya he had brought back two giraffes to the Emperor in Nanjing. The giraffes were thereafter referred to as Qilins.
The Qilin and the giraffe were both vegetarian and shared a quiet nature on top of their reputed ability to "walk on grass without disturbing it”. Furthermore, the Qilin were described as having antlers like a deer and scales like a dragon or fish whereas the giraffe had horn-like "ossicones" on its head and a tessellated coat pattern that looked like scales. Even today the giraffe is still called girin by Koreans and kirin by the Japanese.
Back then the Emperor had proclaimed the giraffe as a magical creature, whose capture signified the greatness of his power. By the time of the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) the original Qilins were long gone. In subsequent legends their appearance took on a more stylized representation of the giraffe, becoming mixed with some attributes of the tiger, dragon and other animals. The Ming artisans represented the Qilin as an oxen-hoofed animal with a dragon-like head surmounted by a pair of horns with flame-like head ornaments and a scaled body. Sometimes the creature is depicted with a single horn on its forehead, a multicolored back, and hooves of a horse, body of a deer and the tail of an ox.
During the Manchu Qing dynasty (1644–1911) the Qilin was depicted as having the head of a dragon, the antlers of a deer, the skin and scales of a fish, the hooves of an ox and tail of a lion.

The Qilin’s attributes are:

Though fearsome, the Qilin only punish the wicked. Its manifestation bespeaks of a wise and benevolent leader in a country or even a household. Being such a peaceful creature when it walks on grass or vegetation it takes care not to trample a single blade or step on any living thing. A Qilin is said to also be able to walk on water. If a pure person is threatened by an obvious culprit the Qilin transforms into a fierce creature, spouting flames from its mouth and displays other fearsome aspects.
In legend Qilins are linked to children and childbirth. Couples who desperately want children appeal to the Qilin and the Qilin grants them their wish. The Qilin is said to take special care of those children abandoned on hillsides by their birth parents, such is its compassionate heart.
The birth of the great sage Confucius was also presaged by the appearance of a Qilin who appeared in the courtyard of his parent’s home on the night Confucius was born, bearing a scroll in its mouth. This scroll announced the Will of Heaven: that a baby will be born who will be “a man of extraordinary good moral character and talent, an exemplar of human excellences. Although he is not on the throne, he has the virtue of a king.” When Confucius was 71 years old he was informed that an elk had been wounded and left to die just outside the city. When he went to see the stricken animal he found it was a Qilin and set down his sorrow over the killing of such a magnificent creature in his work “Spring Autumn” and ceased writing. Two years after the Qilin’s death, saddened by the death of his son and the auspicious animal Confucius died in 479 B.C. and since then the Qilin has been closely associated with his teachings.

Qilin Dance; Eye-dotting Ceremony

In this video the Buddhist monk is dotting the eye in a ceremony for the Qilin dance. When a drought ravaged China in times past the Earth Diety and Laughing Face Buddha tried to find a solution to the disaster. Buddha knew that the Qilin had the power to stop disasters and, with the help of the Monkey, they came upon its cave. When the Qilin arrived on Earth it began spitting fire and distributing serenity and prosperity upon the people. The drought ended, people and animals recovered and bountiful harvests resumed once more. The dance created from this story is performed during festivities and celebrations and is called “Tristar meet a friend, qilin leaves his cave.” This dance is said to be particularly hard to perform due to its rapid, jerky movements that are full of energy and tax the dancer’s muscles.

The Year of the Dragon Brings Ups and Downs

What Does the Year of the Yang Dragon, 2012, Have in Store for Your Animal Sign?

There are a number of legendary accounts of the source of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac. One version mentions that the Jade Emperor invited all the animals to come to see him in Heaven. Of all the animals invited, only the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep/Ram, Monkey, Rooster and Dog complied. In honour of their arrival, the Emperor named a year after each of these animals whose characteristics are thought to be shared by anyone born in that year. Another popular version states that it was Buddha who bade the animals to enter his presence. Each of the animals that obeyed were given a year to be named after them. Their characteristics, and the elements they were connected with, would henceforth determine the outcome of events for the people of the corresponding year.

The following predictions for the 2012 Dragon Year (based on your birth year as determined by the Chinese zodiac signs*):

Rat

The fast paced year of the Dragon 2012 will be a very sociable year for the Rat. The Rat will have the ability to easily impress and get along well with new people throughout 2012. Single Rats, particularly those born in 1924 and 1984 (the wood Rat) can expect exciting romances and there may even be a wedding in store for them. If married or in a permanent relationship, these Rats must be careful not to neglect their mate and they should reserve time to spoil their partner.

Overall 2012 will be a superb year for the Rat although they need to be careful with their health. Rats born in 1924 should get plenty of rest whenever possible and those Rats born in 1960 need to be careful with their diets and be sure to get plenty of exercise. If you are a water Rat born in 1972 make sure your diet is particularly good and you drink plenty of water as problems with the stomach may arise. Leave time for yourself and do try to relax more, as stress can be an issue and you may feel depressed at times. Take heart, for whatever is on your mind right now, it will soon pass and you will be on the right path. Even younger Rats, those born in 1996, should be energetic when studying as the effort expended now affects them later in life.

Personal Qualities:

Forthright, tenacious, intense, meticulous, charismatic, sensitive, intellectual, industrious, charming, eloquent, sociable, artistic, and shrewd

Ox

In the Year of the Dragon 2012 events happen quickly, and the luck it brings is mixed. The Ox can advance their career, wealth and general good fortune in this turbulent time if they work hard, be careful and make the right decisions. There will be lots of opportunities for the Ox to prosper and many chances to begin new friendships or reanimate present relationships. It is a good year for a single Ox to find a good partner. This means a flood of social events but you should keep a close eye on expenditures for them. Money news is favourable, though, and a promotion at work may be in store as long as the Ox can demonstrate their value to those in control. The Ox should reserve time for recreational exercise and rest during this busy year in order to avoid a burn out.

If you were born in 1949 be careful with paperwork, especially at work and be ready for some good news in the Dragon year. Health problems may loom for the 1973 Ox and they should look towards improving their diet and general health and pay special attention to their spending, especially on holidays. Drink plenty of water. 1973 Oxen, as well as those born in 1961, may find their busy schedule takes them away from their relationships and should set aside some quality time to spend with those close to them.

Whatever the Ox has left undone in the previous years will resurface in 2012 but the outcome bodes well.

Personal Qualities:

Dependable, ambitious, calm, methodical, born leader, patient, hardworking, conventional, steady, modest, logical, resolute, tenacious

Tiger

The dragon year 2012 can be a very fulfilling year for the Tiger so long as they can curb the impulsive nature that keeps getting them into trouble. For Tigers seeking employment it may appear that it’s hard finding work during this year, but be persevering as there are a lot of good opportunities arising for the Tiger in 2012. Employed Tigers will have a lot more say and opportunities for contribution in their work place this year where their bright and promising ideas gain notice. The ideas and the extra effort will work in their favour and may even lead to a promotion.

Tigers born 1938 must exercise caution when signing contracts; always read the fine print as there is a real possibility of money loss. Tigers born in 1950 should reserve some time for recreation with friends and family to deter these working Metal Tigers from being overtaxed in 2012.

Earth Tigers born in 1962 celebrate their 50th Birthday in the Year of the Dragons and should take the helm in marking the event, perhaps with a trip in the company of your loved ones. In any case this promises to be a memorable event but, a word of caution: spend only the amount you can afford.

Romance features prominently in the Tigers life in 2012 with many unattached and single Tigers discovering new love in the most unexpected of places this year. Just be sure to take things slow and do not rush into any precarious relationships in 2012.

Personal Qualities:

Unpredictable, rebellious, colorful, powerful, passionate, daring, impulsive, vigorous, stimulating, sincere, affectionate, humanitarian, generous

Rabbit/Hare

For the Rabbit the fast paced Dragon year will prove to be a mixed year with quite a few ups and downs. The Rabbit will need to be well prepared otherwise they will face problems in their business, relationships and career. Rabbits should keep a close eye on their finances in 2012 and must be careful of taking risks or gambling especially with stocks. Exercise due caution and make certain that you know exactly what you are doing before committing yourself to contracts or relationships. In business and career the Rabbit should focus on what they have already instead of looking for greener grass elsewhere. It is not the time for the Rabbit to start any new big projects or leave their current job for another seemingly more promising new job or career. That being said; this is also a good year for discovering new hobbies, for studying, taking exams or simply learning new skills as it may pave the way for a promising future job or career path.

Rabbits should try to take better care of their health and diet this year.  Health problems may arise that relate to the heart and joints, so be careful and remember to maintain a good sensible diet, be active, get plenty of exercise, and if you are a smoker try your best to give it up. Work hard without affecting your health and, if you are in a position to do so, try and spend some time travelling for business or pleasure. At the moment you are fatigued but things will get better very soon as ample good times are in store for you in 2012. Last but not least, Rabbits born in 1951 will be in for a good year when it comes to home life. This year can be a great time for renovating or refurbishing your home. If you were born in 1975 a great year is in store for you; just be careful when making any big decisions in 2012.

Personal Qualities:

Gracious, good friend, kind, sensitive, soft-spoken, amiable, elegant, reserved, cautious, artistic, thorough, tender, self-assured, shy, astute, compassionate, lucky, flexible

Dragon

This is the Yang water Dragon’s year and Dragons will have a good start to 2012 buoyed by their innately positive attitude.

Commence your plans fairly early on in the year so as to get even more accomplished. Events will transpire fast and furious in 2012 and it is best to be at the ready, able to seize those great opportunities when they appear. These may came in the form of learning new skills or expanding your existing ones, even training through a hands-on approach. If you commit to something it may come back to reward you with a monetary gift or bonus at work.  Dragons have a real good chance of accruing abundant wealth this year as long as they do not sit back and let things slide.  There will be many opportunities for serious advancement in the Dragon’s chosen profession this year and a number of doors opening that they had thought closed a long time ago. The most important thing to remember is to spot a good opportunity when it comes and not overlook the small print of any offer. Dragons must be mindful of their finances in 2012, for in this fast paced year the lure of overspending is a real possibility.

Dragons born in 1940 should consider all conceivable outcomes when signing contracts in 2012 and discuss it with professionals and loved ones before signing anything. Those Dragons born in 1952 may feel that their talents are overlooked and not of much use to them but they have serious recognition waiting for them this year. Utilize your skills in 2012 and be prepared to reap the ample rewards. 

Dragons born in 1964 should try to relax during the year and, when possible, take a vacation and unwind from this busy but rewarding year.

You can anticipate a pleasant and gratifying year with many new friends coming into your life in 2012. Loyalty is an innate characteristic of the Dragon and a small effort will go a long way in bolstering those existing friendships that have been neglected and effectively expanding their reach into a wider social circle. For single Dragons, this expanded social life should provide you with many opportunities to attain new love. For Dragons already in a committed relationship 2012 can be a most gratifying year. 

Health-wise; Dragons should be mindful of their diet in 2012 as the fast paced year could lead them into some bad habits. Be sure to eat sensible, healthy foods and exercise as much as possible.

Personal Qualities:

Magnanimous, stately, vigorous, strong, self-assured, proud, noble, direct, dignified, eccentric, intellectual, fiery, passionate, decisive, pioneering, artistic, generous, loyal

Snake

The Snake should slide through this year with only a few bumps. With a little hard work and discipline they should be able to make the most of the many opportunities that will present themselves. The Snake’s natural foresight and intelligence will lead them if they do not let success steer them off the correct path and distractions will force the Snake to focus on the task at hand. The Dragon year will still demand hard work but if the Snake works it will take its toll unless they take some time to relax and exercise (like Tai Chi). Mind and body will need looking after in 2012.

The Snake may even feel like shedding the old skin of their present employment and set off on a new career, they should expect to confront these kinds of feelings this year. Advancement may come to those settled in a career through an opportunity to work closely with mentors or people in higher positions. Take this chance if it will make you happy.

2012 is a good year for finances and investments for the Snake but make sure you read the small print as the annual stars suggest legal issues and back stabbing. Be careful. Take extra care with investments this year and, while money luck is strong, you should be careful with shares or any other form of risky investment. Do not invest more than you can afford to lose and make sure all documents are checked over many times before signing, you have risk of having a fraud attempted on you.

With all this activity in their business and finances, the Year of the Dragon will prove to be a busy year for Snakes, but they must also take some time to spend with those they love. Whether it is your wife, boyfriend, Mother, Sister or BFF, do something to make them feel special. Also, leave time for yourself and try to relax more as stress can be an issue, bringing on the blues at times. Rest assured, whatever it is that troubles your mind right now will pass.

Be sure to keep an eye on your diet in 2012 and get plenty of exercise as Snakes can become lazy this year if they do not pay attention to their personal health.

Personal Qualities:

Deep thinker, wise, mystic, graceful, soft-spoken, sensual, creative, prudent, shrewd, elegant, cautious, responsible, calm, strong, constant, purposeful

Horse

2012 could be a great year for the Horse but this is tempered with less favourable news that requires the Horse to be careful in their endeavours. If the competitive Horse follows his instinct to run ahead of the herd they could lose money in a new business venture. A calm, unrushed approach added to concentration on the task at hand and hard work will reward the Horse with success. Despite the ups and downs the Horse will be just fine.

There is a danger of over-doing it in 2012, whether it is indulgence in unhealthy foods, or overspending. Keep to a healthy diet and a prudent budget and you will receive the best this year has to offer. Be sure to exercise regularly to bolster your health this year. This is a year for the Horse to save the wealth they have rather than going out to seek more.

Both your work life and your home life will experience rough patches this year. Do not make hasty judgements about your coworkers and be patient, especially with those you live with at home. Opportunities for advancement and professional development will present themselves at work but, if you cannot remain calm in the face of deadlines and the stress of producing good work, you may engender arguments with your coworkers and cripple your attempts to gallop on ahead. Approach your work with caution and care and an avoidance of physical and financial risks is definitely called for.

The spring months of April and May could bring some good news and you should make the most of the good opportunities that appear, there will be other times when you will need the strength and resources you have built up. Be mindful of your actions and the results they could have and you will get along fine.

If you were born in the Horse year of 1942 you can expect a windfall in 2012, but risks to your health are higher than normal. The 1990 horse should take extra care of their health as well. Lung problems are a danger to the Horse born in 1954, especially if you smoke, live in a bad environment or follow an unhealthy diet. This year is a good year to give up smoking.

Personal Qualities:

Cheerful, popular, quick-witted, changeable, earthy, perceptive, talkative, agile, magnetic, intelligent, astute, flexible, open-minded

Sheep/Goat

The Sheep will gain both financially and career-wise in 2012 and by working hard and smart you will attract money and, by accumulating as much as you can in your savings, you could build up a respectably large sum. Your work life will be busy and those long hours and hard work you put into a stressful project will pay off by attracting the attention of others to your positive qualities. This may lead to the assumption of greater responsibility for which you will need training. You will have to learn quickly and well, and will benefit greatly by attending a training course. New skills, be it reading a new book or honing a new talent will rebound to your benefit and 2012 is the year to embrace new opportunities.

The Year of the Dragon will bring you in contact with a lot of new people and give you a chance to impress them with you ability to relate to others. Strong friendships will develop and possibly a romantic relationship that could lead to a serious commitment.

Impulsive purchases should be avoided but, if you spend your money wisely and don’t rush in to a deal, your acquisitions will be a point of pride for you. Do your research before you buy otherwise you may go overboard in your expenditures. Seek the financial advice of others if you have any doubts about your finances in 2012, it could end up saving you a lot of money and effort.

Your home life will progress rapidly in the Dragon year with a lot of last-minute changes to your plans. Remain flexible and escape your hectic home on holidays with a loved one. The change of scenery, even if it is in the same country, will do you a lot of good and may even lead to stronger romance. The Sheep will do well in their romances in 2012, love is strong. An unmarried Sheep has a good chance of finding that special someone and even the married Sheep might find a whirlwind romance this year.

The Sheep born in 1991 will be plunged into a social melee later in the year and should take time in the winter and spring to prepare. The 1943 Sheep will benefit from sharing their wisdom and advice with friends and loved ones and those born in 1979 should also spend more time with those closest to them and grab the opportunities that appear. There will be a wealth of opportunities for those born in 1955 and they should be alert for them. The Sheep born in the Love Summer of 1967 may want to hold on to the past but they should not linger as moving on to greener pastures will bode well for them.

Sheep should keep an eye out for good news coming from a lost friend or neglected family member; it is a good year for reconciliation and mending those burnt bridges.

Personal Qualities:

Righteous, sincere, sympathetic, mild-mannered, shy, artistic, mothering, peaceful, generous, seeks security

Monkey

The success the Monkey will achieve in the Year of the Dragon all depends on how hard they will work for it. The opportunities are there for the taking in the realms of romance, career, wealth and other opportunities.

Keep up with the recent developments in your profession and apply them with the skills you have learned in the ups and downs of the past few years as there will be many rewards available to you at work this year. Unemployed Monkeys, or those looking for promotion, stand a very good chance of winning a good position in a new workplace if they maintain a positive attitude in the interviews and proceed with determination.

Monkey romance promises good things for this year and this should carry over into your work and business.

There will be a few drawbacks that you need to be aware of; there is a risk of monetary loss for the Monkey in 2012. You should take extra care with your finances this year and save your money instead of making unnecessary purchases. Your health may decline as well as you rush through all the opportunities the Dragon Year has to offer you. Exercise regularly and pay close attention to what you eat.

Personal Qualities:

Inventor, motivator, improviser, quick-witted, inquisitive, flexible, innovative, problem solver, self-assured, sociable, artistic, polite, dignified, competitive, objective, factual, intellectual

Rooster

The Rooster has an affinity for the Dragon and in this year this will turn out to their advantage. Those plans you set in motion during your year in 2011 bear fruit and opportunities and success will lay themselves out in front of you this year. Your natural passion and drive will take you to great heights because luck is with you. Make a sincere effort in what you do and keep your positive outlook. You will meet difficult times and face obstacles; but if you face each one head-on you will be surprised at how easily they fall before your confidence. As you reap the rewards of your endeavours, do not forget to be charitable to those less fortunate.

Promotions and achievements will come to the Rooster this year and you may find it a bit overwhelming and confusing. Consider your moves carefully and include your partner or friend in your decisions, they will give you good advice.

There may be a temptation to overwork in order to grab more of the rewards that are coming in, but this should be tempered with common sense. Get plenty of rest and exercise and maintain a healthy, nutritious diet. This is a good year to learn to meditate, do yoga or just relax and take a bit of time to pamper your-self and recover from those occasional blahs that will come between the recurring successes.

Roosters born in 1945 should be more risk-averse than normal this year. It is time to make some changes and watch out for your health. A big part of a happy and successful life is a mind that can deal with stress and worry. Walk more, exercise more often, do something different and get out of those old, unhealthy, habits.

Personal Qualities:

Acute, neat, meticulous, organized, self-assured, decisive, conservative, critical, perfectionist, alert, zealous, practical, scientific, responsible

Dog

Maintaining the same lifestyle year after year, persisting in bad habits and not paying attention to the warning signs will eventually catch up to you. The Year of the Dragon is nothing if it is not a rapid succession of ups and downs, but being aware of the pitfalls and doing something about them will lead to success.

Risky investments are to be avoided this year as well as loans to others. Charity, on the other hand, will rebound to your favour and reward you for your goodwill.

Dogs may find themselves beset by worries this year, but sharing their concerns with a friend or loved one will reveal that the trouble is not as severe as it seems and problems will be easier to solve. Communicating with others will work to your advantage.

The stress of work and career may just be one of those things that worry you but healthy eating and good exercise will take the edge off. When you burn the midnight oil wrapping up a work assignment don’t go for the processed food or TV dinners, have some vegetables and fruit for snacks to keep you energized. Be careful of what you eat this year, and watch for food that has been spoiled by being left out for too long. This is especially important if you find yourself in a hot country where refrigeration is not always used as much as it should be.

When arguments spring up stay calm and collected, rash responses will bring regret. Look before you leap.

Dogs stand a good chance of finding a new love in the Dragon year so you should keep your eyes open.

The measures you took in your business, career and finances over the last few years will mature this year. Make the most of the wind at your back as it pushes your ship ahead of it. Don’t just sit back for the ride, though, get your hand on the rudder, trim the sails and steer your own way to success.

Personal Qualities:

Honest, intelligent, straightforward, loyal, sense of justice and fair play, attractive, amicable, unpretentious, sociable, open-minded, idealistic, moralistic, practical, affectionate, sensitive, easy going

Pig

For those in the sign of the Pig the Year of the Dragon will require more attention from you than other years. Those seeds that you sowed in the past years are now sprouting, so get ready to gather up your rewards. Business and career show promise as long as you remain positive and willing to put in the extra work needed to get things done. The money will come in to you but you have to be sure to tuck it away safely in the piggy bank. A positive note will be struck when you may be offered a partnership or managerial role. The contracts involved may prove tricky and you would be well advised to have them double checked by a trusted professional or a loved one before signing them.

Relationships with your loved ones will be enhanced by the Dragon year, especially if you take time out from your busy schedule to spend time alone with them. A vacation away from home is just the thing to rekindle a romance but be careful of your expenditures. Single Pigs have a good chance of finding a new relationship this year as well.

The challenges the Year of the Dragon brings you will be overcome. The problems of 2011 will be resolved and be replaced by less worrisome concerns. If you were born in 1971 you should be especially wary of big equipment, whether using it or driving beside it on the highway. Try to avoid it as much as you can.

Make a resolution this year to be more thankful for what you have and for the things other people do for you. Don’t be afraid to tell people how much you appreciate them and say “Thank you” to someone at least every day.

Personal Qualities:

Honest, gallant, sturdy, sociable, peace-loving, patient, loyal, hard-working, trusting, sincere, calm, understanding, thoughtful, scrupulous, passionate, intelligent

*If you are not sure what animal sign you are, please consult the list below:

Between This Date  and   This Date

February 05 1924  and  January 23 1925          Rat

January 24 1925  and  February 12 1926           Ox

February 13 1926  and  February 01 1927           Tiger

February 02 1927  and  January 22 1928           Rabbit

January 23 1928  and  February 09 1929           Dragon

February 10 1929  and  January 29 1930           Snake

January 30 1930  and  February 16 1931           Horse

February 17 1931  and  February 05 1932           Ram

February 06 1932  and  January 25 1933           Monkey

January 26 1933  and  February 13 1934           Rooster

February 14 1934  and  February 03 1935           Dog

February 04 1935  and  January 23 1936           Boar

January 24 1936  and  February 10 1937           Rat

February 11 1937  and  January 30 1938           Ox

January 31 1938  and  February 18 1939           Tiger

February 19 1939  and  February 07 1940           Rabbit

February 08 1940  and  January 26 1941           Dragon

January 27 1941  and  February 14 1942           Snake

February 15 1942  and  February 04 1943           Horse

February 05 1943  and  January 24 1944           Ram

January 25 1944  and  February 12 1945           Monkey

February 13 1945  and  February 01 1946           Rooster

February 02 1946  and  January 21 1947           Dog

January 22 1947  and  February 09 1948           Boar

February 10 1948  and  January 28 1949           Rat

January 29 1949  and  February 16 1950           Ox

February 17 1950  and  February 05 1951           Tiger

February 06 1951  and  January 26 1952           Rabbit

January 27 1952  and  February 13 1953           Dragon

February 14 1953  and  February 02 1954           Snake

February 03 1954  and  January 23 1955           Horse

January 24 1955  and  February 11 1956           Ram

February 12 1956  and  January 30 1957           Monkey

January 31 1957  and  February 17 1958           Rooster

February 18 1958  and  February 07 1959           Dog

February 08 1959  and  January 27 1960           Boar

January 28 1960  and  February 14 1961           Rat

February 15 1961  and  February 04 1962           Ox

February 05 1962  and  January 24 1963           Tiger

January 25 1963  and  February 12 1964           Rabbit

February 13 1964  and  February 01 1965           Dragon

February 02 1965  and  January 20 1966           Snake

January 21 1966  and  February 08 1967           Horse

February 09 1967  and  January 29 1968           Ram

January 30 1968  and  February 16 1969           Monkey

February 17 1969  and  February 05 1970           Rooster

February 15 1972  and  February 02 1973           Rat

February 03 1973  and  January 22 1974           Ox

January 23 1974  and  February 10 1975           Tiger

February 11 1975  and  January 30 1976           Rabbit

January 31 1976  and  February 17 1977           Dragon

February 18 1977  and  February 06 1978           Snake

February 07 1978  and  January 27 1979           Horse

January 28 1979  and  February 15 1980           Ram

February 16 1980  and  February 04 1981           Monkey

February 05 1981  and  January 24 1982           Rooster

January 25 1982  and  February 12 1983           Dog

February 13 1983  and  February 01 1984           Boar 

February 02 1984  and  February 19 1985           Rat

February 20 1985  and  February 08 1986           Ox

February 09 1986  and  January 28 1987           Tiger

January 29 1987  and  February 16 1988           Rabbit

February 17 1988  and  February 05 1989           Dragon

February 06 1989  and  January 26 1990           Snake

January 27 1990  and  February 14 1991           Horse

February 15 1991  and  February 03 1992           Ram

February 04 1992  and  January 22 1993           Monkey

January 23 1993  and  February 09 1994           Rooster

February 10 1994  and  January 30 1995           Dog

January 31 1995  and  February 18 1996           Boar 

February 19 1996  and  February 06 1997           Rat

February 07 1997  and  January 27 1998           Ox

January 28 1998  and  February 15 1999           Tiger

February 16 1999  and  February 04 2000           Rabbit

February 05 2000  and  January 23 2001           Dragon

January 24 2001  and  February 11 2002           Snake

February 12 2002  and  January 31 2003           Horse

February 01 2003  and  January 21 2004           Ram

January 22 2004  and  February 08 2005           Monkey

February 09 2005  and  January 28 2006           Rooster

January 29 2006  and  February 17 2007           Dog

February 18 2007  and  February 06 2008           Boar 

February 07 2008  and  January 25 2009           Rat

January 26 2009  and  February 13 2010           Ox

February 14 2010  and  February 02 2011           Tiger

February 03 2011  and  January 22 2012           Rabbit

January 23 2012  and  February 09 2013           Dragon

February 10 2013  and  January 30 2014           Snake

January 31 2014  and  February 18 2015           Horse

February 19 2015  and  February 07 2016           Ram

February 08 2016  and  January 27 2017           Monkey

January 28 2017  and  February 18 2018           Rooster

February 19 2018  and  February 04 2019           Dog

February 05 2019  and  January 24 2020           Boar