Welcome Year of the Dragon

Tomorrow, in Chinese communities around the world, families will begin celebrating New Year's eve for the Chinese Lunar New Year, A.K.A., the "Spring Festival," as it is known in China. Chinese New Year is celebrated for 15 days and is the longest and most important Chinese Holiday. The year of the Wood Dragon officially starts on February 10th and ends on January 10, 2025.

Review and quick primer of

Chinese New Year’s mythology and traditions

(regular readers can skip this section)

Recommend you see video:

The Myth behind the Chinese Zodiac

The Chinese zodiac is made up of 12 different signs (all animals). In addition to the 12 signs, the calendar also includes 5 elements (earth, metal, water, wood, and fire) which have a strengthening or moderating influence upon the signs. Hence, in total, the Chinese calendar goes in a 60 year cycle (12 signs multiplied by the 5 elements). This is the Wood Dragon year.

There is an interesting legend about the origin of Chinese zodiac. The Jade Emperor wanted to select 12 animals to be his palace guards. He preferred the Ox to be the first for its honesty and diligence, but out of everyone’s expectation, the smart Rat covertly hid on the Ox back and occupied the first place at the essential moment. So, the Ox is the second animal in the Chinese Zodiac.

If you have read my past year Musings, you know an important part of welcoming the New Year is to prepare for good luck and ward off bad luck. Today is the eve of the Chinese New Year....still an opportunity to make your luck!

• Celebrate with RED...wear red clothing, write poems on red paper and give children money in red envelopes. Why red? In China, red symbolizes fire which, according to legend, drives away bad luck. (The Starner Group's conference room is a lovely red with red candies for all who visit).
• Clean your house and yourself today. Do all sweeping/dusting or hair washing before New Year's Day as there is fear of sweeping or washing away your good luck for the New Year.
• Pay off your debts before the New Year!
• Do not lend or cry on the New Year...as it is thought that anyone who lends or cries on the New Year will be lending or crying all year round. (this is how you keep complainers and children quiet)
• Do not cut on New Year Day as you might cut away your good fortune.
• Welcome the DRAGON - the loud cymbals and drumming that comes along with the dragons are thought to chase away evil spirits as well.
• Use fireworks galore - In the old days, bamboo was set on fire, the crackling flames are meant to frighten the evil spirits. Modern day fireworks have taken the place of bamboo but are still thought to do the same thing.

Review Dragon years in the last
60 Year Cycle

Wood Dragon: Feb 13, 1964 - Feb 1, 1965

Inflation Rate USA 1.28%

30 Year Fixed mortgage rate 5.8-5.9%

Dow 12/31/64 874

• Tokyo hosted the 18th Summer Olympics.
• The Beatles took America by storm – top record – “I Want to Hold Your Hand”
• Race Riots gripped big cities -- and Civil Rights Act of 1964 was signed into law.
• Boxer Cassius Clay became Muhammad Ali and the heavyweight champion of the world.
• The US Govt authorizes the Twenty-fourth Amendment, outlawing the poll tax.
• The first Ford Mustang is manufactured, by the Ford Motor Company.
• On October 14th, long-running leader Nikita Khrushchev was brutally deposed by rival Leonid Brezhnev
• Martin Luther King Jr., a leader in the American civil rights movement, becomes the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.
• Incumbent U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson defeats Republican challenger Barry Goldwater with over 60 percent of the popular vote.
• Nelson Mandela and 7 others are sentenced to life imprisonment in South Africa

How Much things cost

Gallon of Gas 30 cents

Loaf of bread 21 cents

US Postage Stamp 5 cents

Fire Dragon: Jan 31, 1976 – Feb 17, 1977

Inflation Rate USA 5.75%

30 Year Fixed mortgage rate 8.87%

Dow 12/31/76 1004

• NASA unveils the first space shuttle, the Enterprise.
• The incorporation of Apple Computer Company and Microsoft
• The Pittsburgh Steelers defeats the Dallas Cowboys 21–17 at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida.
• Price Club, as predecessor of Costco, a worldwide membership-registration-only retailer, is founded in California
• Jimmy Carter defeats incumbent Gerald Ford, becoming the first candidate from the Deep South to win since the Civil War.

How Much things cost

Gallon of Gas 59 cents

Loaf of bread 25 cents

US Postage Stamp 13 cents

Earth Dragon: Feb 17 1988 – Feb 5, 1989

Inflation Rate USA 4.08%

30 Year fixed mortgage rate 10.28%

Dow 12/31/88 2168

• Collapse of the Soviet Union
• Pan Am Flight 103 is blown up over Lockerbie.
• U.S. Supreme Court unanimously upholds a New York City law making it illegal for private clubs to generally exclude women and minorities.
• Donald Trump bills Mike Tyson $2,000,000 for 4 months advisory service.
• The US Senate ratified the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty between the United States and the Soviet Union
• Soviet Red Army withdraws from Afghanistan.
• George H. W. Bush is elected as 41st president of the United States over Democratic opponent, Michael Dukakis.
• BlackRock founded as a global asset management company in New York City by Larry Fink and others; it will become the world's largest
• January 22 – The San Francisco 49ers defeat the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl XXIII.

How Much things cost

Gallon of Gas 90 cents

Loaf of bread 60 cents

US Postage Stamp 25 cents

Metal Dragon: Feb 5, 2000 – Jan 23, 2001

Inflation Rate USA 3.36%

30 Year fixed mortgage rate 8.08%

Dow 12/31/2000 10,788

• Micaela Cacho-Negrete (Bruce’s daughter/Margaret’s granddaughter) born July 4th
• Dylan Weingarden (Scott’s son) born July 15th. (interesting coincidence Scott and Bruce born 11 days apart too).
• In basketball, the Orlando Magic are defeated by the Miami Heat, 111-103. This game is the first NBA game to take place in the Miami Heat’s new American Airlines Arena, Miami.
• Mark Cuban, American businessman and investor, buys a majority stake in the NBA franchise Dallas Mavericks from H. Ross Perot, Jr. for $285m. Cuban recently sold majority of Mavericks for $3.5 billion.
• The Windows 2000 computer software is released.
• At Talladega Superspeedway, Dale Earnhardt Sr wins his 76th and final career NASCAR race. Just four months later, he would be killed in a crash during the last lap of the 2001 Daytona 500.
• The US Supreme Court announces its decision regarding the US presidential election between George W. Bush and Al Gore, settling the recount dispute in Florida. The Supreme Court concludes in Bush’s favor, handing him the presidency.

How Much things cost

Gallon of Gas $1.42

Loaf of bread 93 cents

US Postage Stamp 33 cents

Water Dragon: Jan 23, 2012 – Feb 9, 2013

Inflation Rate USA 2.07%

30 Year fixed mortgage rate 3.88%

Dow 12/31/12 13,104

• Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her "Diamond Jubilee," marking 60 years as Queen of the United Kingdom.
• Vladimir Putin is elected President of Russia.
• Aurora, Colorado shooting: 12 people are killed and 58 are injured in a mass shooting at a movie theater.
• Barack Obama is reelected, defeating his Republican challenger Mitt Romney.
• Hurricane Sandy, the largest Atlantic hurricane on record (as measured by diameter, with tropical-storm-force winds.
• The U.S. state of Washington becomes the first jurisdiction in the modern world to officially legalize the possession of cannabis for personal use.
• Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting: Twenty-eight people, including the gunman, are killed in Sandy Hook.

How Much things cost

Gallon of Gas $3.64

Loaf of bread $1.42

US Postage Stamp 45 cents

Now for 2024

Wood Dragon Year

Dragon is de facto an imaginary animal, also the only fictitious creature in the 12 zodiac animals, which is composed of 9 animals, including the body of a snake, the horns of a deer, the head of an ox, the mouth of a crocodile, the claws of an eagle, and the scales of a fish. The Dragon enjoys a very high reputation in Chinese culture, and it represents auspiciousness and imperial power since ancient times.

The Dragon is the mightiest of all the signs. The only mythical beast in the Chinese calendar, forever associated with royalty and the long line of Chinese Emperors (who were once believed to be descended from dragons, if not actually dragons themselves), the celestial Dragon is a symbol of wealth, good fortune, and ultimate power.

The point is that Dragon thinks big. Dragon has heard of the concept: ‘Small is Beautiful’, plus ‘Good things come in small packages’, but Dragon genuinely doesn’t get it. As far as Dragon is concerned, if small is beautiful, then ‘Big’ must be Fabulous. If good things come in small packages, just think how wonderful the contents of a really HUGE parcel, bedecked with ribbons and balloons, will be.

Dragon energy is all about expansion, adventure, and taking calculated risks–and (of course) when you take a risk, things can just as easily go horribly wrong. Dragon, naturally, is quite relaxed about this and shrugs off the odd disaster as an occupational hazard.

If you have any milestones to celebrate or ambitions to put into practice, 2024 is the year to go for gold.

It’s said that the birth-rate in the Chinese community soars during a Dragon year, and a baby born that year brings good fortune to the entire family. In fact, the Chinese Communist government is hoping for many Dragon babies as their birthrate has been on a steady decline. Incentives by Chinese Government, for having more babies, have not worked. Typically, birthrate tends to rise about 5% in China during a Dragon year. The government is hoping the Dragon will help bring more babies.

In 2024, the emphasis will be on innovation, creative risk-taking, entertainment in all its forms and scientific breakthroughs. A: ‘Just Do it Now!’ attitude will prevail. Be bold, brave and prepared to try, and the Dragon will smile on you. So, no matter what zodiac sign you were born under, the luck of the Dragon will help you… if you help yourself.

Two quotes by famous Dragons:

“Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.” John Lennon, (1940 Metal Dragon)

“Never a failure, always a lesson.” Rihanna, (1988 Earth Dragon)

Your Prognostications for

2024 Wood Dragon Year

For many years, I followed Theodora Lau for the Chinese horoscopes. After her death, I followed her daughter, Laura. Laura Lau no longer writes books on Chinese horoscope; however I found these thoughts from an interview of her in LA Times.

“Each Dragon year also has an element, and this year is the wood dragon. The wood tempers the Dragon and makes it more introspective. Wood also is associated with morality and ethics, and the Dragon is an animal that likes to have a sense of purpose and duty. But they can be individualistic, so sometimes those who are more community-minded will butt heads with the Dragon.

This year, the Goat will have a particularly hard time with the Dragon, compared with the Dragon’s friends, the Monkey and the Rat.

The U.S. — born 1776 — is a Monkey. Her mother would always say that America is like a monkey: We’re very creative, we like to do things our own way and we’re innovative. Lau hopes that because the U.S., as a monkey, is compatible with the Year of the Dragon, the elections will go more smoothly and there will be a clear and decisive result.”

For Rats born in:

(1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020)

Rat horoscope in 2024 is quite good. The cash will come rolling in. The Rat coffers will be growing very fast this year. Rats can find themselves besieged with needy relatives and friends, or argumentative workmates wanting Rat to referee. You’re going to be busy, busy, busy. This is your year for making it big. Slow down and take the time to check all the details before committing any rodent cash. be careful of tricks and frauds when making an investment. Take care to pace yourself, timetable frequent entertaining but relaxing breaks and your prospects for 2024 are phenomenal.

Three Takeaways:

For Oxen born in:

(1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2007, 2021)

Oxen involved in forestry, agriculture, horticulture, festivals or outdoor businesses of any kind will do exceptionally well. If it’s fun in the sun, the Ox will be there.

Ox is valued for phenomenal strength, endurance, patience and for being a work horse. For this reason, though unflashy and quietly spoken, they often end up being extremely successful in whatever they undertake. Flexibility is the key to success in 2024–along with a willingness to try a new approach.

Three Takeaways:

For Tigers born in: (Margaret born Year of the Tiger)

(1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022)

In 2024, people born in the year of the Tiger would both be blessed by good fortune and annoyed by misfortune. At last, a year worthy of the Tiger’s formidable skills. 2024 provides you with a vast stage on which to perform magnificently. If you’re typical of your sign, you can hardly wait. For a start, you and the Dragon ruler of the year are the most impressive, most dominant creatures in the zodiac. You both expect to be the boss. The bright lights and fancy titles don’t interest most Tigers all that much, but accomplishing a worthwhile goal is a different matter. Get ready to give yourself a well-deserved pat! In term of wealth, they live an abundant life generally; just don’t be greedy when making investment.

Three Takeaways:

For Rabbits born in:

(1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987,1999, 2011, 2023)

Many Rabbits will apply for ambitious new roles and get them. Some will bask in surprising recognition at work. A totally different kind of break will come your way in 2024, and chances are you’re going to love it. Rabbits tend to be brilliant strategists. This year, think BIG. Resist the temptation to relax from your efforts with a little light gambling, too. While the Dragon encourages investing in your business, throwing your money away is a big no-no.

Three Takeaways:

For Dragons born in:

(1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024)

2024 is Ben Ming Nian (Zodiac Year of Birth) for those born with Chinese zodiac sign of Dragon. The Dragon is regarded as the most fortunate of signs. Dragon wants: excitement, a mission, and the chance to make things happen. Wealth will follow and–at last–your bank account will reflect your true worth and talents, though if you’re typical of your sign, you’re not really motivated by money.

Dragon people think BIG. They’re visionaries, bubbling with original new ideas, and their enthusiasm is so infectious, their optimism so strong, they easily inspire others. Without even trying, Dragons are born leaders and happily sweep their teams of followers into whatever new venture they’ve just dreamed up. The only downside to this is that Dragons are easily bored. All you must do now, is decide what you’re going to do with all this good luck.

Three Takeaways:

For Snakes born in:

(1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013)

In 2024, the Dragon will be wafting a steady stream of opportunities–some of them quite unusual. This means Snake can relax and pick and choose which offers to take. You won’t need to worry about money either because the Dragon will ensure you always have what you need. Snakes believe in working smart, exerting no more effort than is absolutely necessary.

Do not waste money on unnecessary articles and dream of being rich through investment or other ways; instead, plan to make both ends meet. To maintain health, cultivate healthy living habits.

Three Takeaways:

For Horses born in:

(1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014)

In 2024–you’re going places and it looks as if you’ll be lucky. Your finest prospects will be far from home. Job offers, business plans, creative ventures–all will come your way if you go out and about, to attract their attention. Money follows these new opportunities in a very pleasing way; take care with your spending.

Horse’s fortune in 2024 is quite good in many aspects except in term of health. don’t dream of being rich through investment.

Three Takeaways:

For Sheep (Goat/Ram) born in:

(1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015)

Sheep/ Goats are the silent worriers of the zodiac, inwardly chewing over every tiny problem or unkind word. Upheavals, unpleasantness, or dramas–both good and bad–play havoc with the Sheep’s/Goat’s nerves.

Well, stand by for a whirlwind now, Goat. Dragon doesn’t really ‘get’ leisurely. Your prospects are excellent but not necessarily comfortable. Typical Sheep/Goats will find themselves showered with almost more than they can handle. Cash will be flowing in this year, but it could flow out just as rapidly.

It’s important to develop a healthy living habit, to prevent from digestive sicknesses.

Three Takeaways:

For Monkeys born in:

(1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016)

You, along with your fellow sign the Rat, are joint winners of the most favored creature of 2024 competition. The Dragon adores the Monkey. Everyone born under the sign of the Monkey gets preferential treatment. Try to show a little humility, Monkey. Adopt a grateful attitude, and a brilliant year is assured.

Three Takeaways:

For Roosters born in:

(1933,1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017)

This year, you’re being encouraged to focus on your career, on business opportunities, and on generally enlarging your current circle. You don’t need to worry about your stamina. Cash may not be flowing in and out quite as quickly as it did in the previous Water years. All in all, the typical Rooster will enjoy a very busy year. You seem to be in demand from every side–at work, socially and in the family circle. you’ve got everything going for you this year, Rooster. Your health fortune is just so-so, while daily protection and regular exercise are fundamental especially for the kids and the elders.

Three Takeaways:

For Dogs born in:

(1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018)

You love a challenge. Good news is that 2024 is set to bring you more challenges than the last two years, along with more opportunities to improve your life in a big way.

The Dog is probably the most honest sign of the zodiac. They have such a highly developed sense of right and wrong. This could be one of your most successful years yet. Shake yourself out of any appealing laziness. 2024 is not the year to take risks with your money. Don’t raid your savings unless it’s absolutely essential.

In terms of health, likely to suffer from some slight illnesses sometimes.

Three Takeaways:

For Pigs born in:

(1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019)

Pig’s fortune in 2024 is pretty good overall, especially in terms of their career and wealth. Most Pigs will find they’re especially welcome wherever they go.

Many Pigs could find there’s almost more work and opportunity than they can handle, as well as endless demands for their time and support from family and friends. On top of that, while the Pig bank account will swell nicely thanks to that career and business success, so will unavoidable expenses.

The secret this year, Pig, is to pace yourself, accept any help offered, organize plenty of fun trips, and don’t overdo it with the eating and drinking!

Three Takeaways:

Sources:
2024 Thrive in Year of the Dragon by Linda Dearsley
China travel Guide
South China Morning Post
Wikipedia
thePeoplehistory.com

Wishing you good health (Gong Hay) and Prosperity (fat choy) in the Year of the Dragon!!!

Sincerely,

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