2012: Year of the Dragon

I'm currently knee-deep in writing, but tomorrow is the first day of the Chinese New Year and I wanted to celebrate with a quick post!

2012 is the Year of the Dragon, and as I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, I'm working on a new story that features these beautiful, legendary creatures. Like PPP, it will be a fairy tale retelling, only much darker, much longer, and set in a high-fantasy world with Asian influences.

I'm very proud to have such a rich culture and heritage from which to draw inspiration. One of my favorite parts of writing a story is doing the research for it, and so far, I've pulled up some great information about Chinese dragons.

So if you're getting tired of reading epic fantasies about tall, golden-haired, violet-eyed heroes/heroines slashing at European dragons with swords (and while we're on this subject, why are fantasy heroes/heroines always tall? Do you have to be a certain height to wield a sword?), why not learn a little bit more (and maybe try writing!) about Asian dragons?

Image Source: Here

Unlike their European counterparts, Asian dragons symbolize wisdom and good luck. They are honored and worshipped, not feared and hated.

In fact, when I mentioned to my mom that I was thinking of writing about them, she told me that the dragon is the symbol of the emperor. "Only he gets to wear them on his clothes. Make sure you put that in your book," she advised.

Legend has it that the first emperors of China were dragons themselves.

Image Source: Here

Like European dragons, they can fly - but they don't need wings to do it.

Instead of breathing fire, they are guardians of air and water. They have the power to control the rain, rivers, lakes, and seas. When they get angry, they can cause severe droughts or torrential floods ... which is why it's generally a good idea to show them respect.

Image Source: Here

Dragons appear in almost every form of Chinese art. They're carved into instruments, molded into sculptures, drawn on thrones, and painted on scrolls.

The number nine is associated with Chinese dragons. Only the emperor and people of the highest rank were allowed to wear robes with nine dragons.

Image Source: Here

Check the chart below to see if you were born in the Year of the Dragon!

• 16 February 1904 – 3 February 1905: Wood Dragon
• 3 February 1916 – 22 January 1917: Fire Dragon
• 23 January 1928 – 9 February 1929: Earth Dragon
• 8 February 1940 – 26 January 1941: Metal Dragon
• 27 January 1952 – 13 February 1953: Water Dragon
• 13 February 1964 – 1 February 1965: Wood Dragon
• 31 January 1976 – 17 February 1977: Fire Dragon
• 17 February 1988 – 5 February 1989: Earth Dragon
• 5 February 2000 – 23 January 2001: Metal Dragon
• 23 January 2012 – 9 February 2013: Water Dragon
• 10 February 2024 – 28 January 2025: Wood Dragon

Some characteristics that dragon people are said to have include: self-confidence, courage, passion, innovation, and a quick temper.

If you're interested in reading more about these magnificent creatures, check out this site or this site (warning on the second one: great information, cheesy background music).

Happy Chinese New Year! Celebrate with a dumpling or two!