DTN News: 2012 Chinese New Year ~ Year Of The Dragon Being Celebrated Around The World
*Be lucky: Millions of Chinese around the world welcome in the traditionally prosperous Year Of The Dragon
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources By Graham Smith ~ Daily Mail UK
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - January 23, 2012: Millions of ethnic Chinese, Koreans and Vietnamese across Asia are ringing in the new year with fireworks, feasting and family reunions.
From Beijing to Bangkok and Seoul to Singapore, people hoping for good luck in the Year Of The Dragon that begins today are visiting temples and lighting incense, setting off firecrackers and watching street performances.
For many, the Lunar New Year is the biggest family reunion of the calendar for which people endure hours of cramped travel on trains and buses to get home.
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Chinese new year: Actors perform the dragon dance on the eve of the Year Of The Dragon at a Beijing park yesterday
Tradition: Actors dressed in Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) costumes take part in the heaven-worshipping ceremony, in which people pray for good harvest and fortune, on the first day of the Chinese Lunar New Year, at the Temple of Heaven in Beijing today
Celebrations: People holding incense pray for good fortune at the Yonghegong Lama Temple in Beijing
In ancient times the dragon was a symbol reserved for the Chinese emperor, and it is considered to be an extremely auspicious sign.
The new year, which traditionally lasts for 15 days, is the longest and most important of the Chinese holidays.
Much like New Year in Western cultures, the festival begins on the first day of the first month within the Chinese calendar. It ends on the date of the full moon.
This year it starts today and runs until February 6.
Despite often being known as 'Chinese' New Year, the annual celebration is recognised by other Asian populations worldwide, within countries such as Thailand and Singapore.
Different years are represented by different zodiac animal signs - today marks the start of the Year Of The Dragon.
Perhaps the most recognised image within Chinese culture, the dragon symbolises power, strength and good luck. In contrast to European beliefs, where dragons are considered evil creatures, they are seen as having auspicious power and it is seen as positive.
Praying for fortune: Worshippers burn incense in prayer at the Lama Temple, one of the most renowned Tibetan monasteries outside Tibet
Lantern ladies: Actresses perform during an underwater theatre show in Ancol park in Jakarta, Indonesia
Dragon dance: An entranced crowd outside a grocery store in the Binondo Chinatown district of Manila, Philippines
Often regarded as one of the most important signs in the zodiac, Chinese tradition dictates that those born in Dragon years tend to be brave, innovative and highly driven, regularly making it to the top of their profession.
Famous people born in Dragon years include former U.S. president Bill Clinton, actress Reese Witherspoon and artist Salvador Dali.
Those celebrating Chinese New Year mark the occasion by buying presents, clothing, food and decorations embracing popular themes such as wealth, happiness and good fortune.
Each of the 15 days has a particular role, and often those taking part in celebrations will abide by the traditional beliefs according to each day.
The first day is often set aside for people to honour the elders within their families, whereas the third day is generally accepted as a bad day to socialise with relatives or friends.
The final day of the Chinese New Year is traditionally marked by a Lantern Festival when people walk through the streets carrying lanterns and light candles outside their homes.
It is tradition to cleanse a house of all ill-fortune and to try to reconcile with others, removing negativity from your life.
Hot stuff: A Filipino fire breather performs in the Binondo Chinatown area of Manila
Long tradition: Performers dressed in Qing Dynasty costumes participate in an ancient ceremony in Ditan Park in Beijing
Colourful: A lion dance dominates the opening of the temple fair at Ditan Park, also known as the Temple of Earth
New York tribute: The Empire State Building is lit up in red and yellow to mark the Chinese Lunar New Year
Ancient march: The new year, which traditionally lasts for 15 days, is the longest and most important of the Chinese holidays
A woman lights up incense sticks at the Tin Hau temple in Lam Tsuen, Hong Kong, today
Natural arch: Worshippers walk towards the main entrance of the Lama Temple in Beijing
Dragon dancers draw attention from onlookers as they parade through Chinatown in Yokohama, Japan
Free as a bird: An Indonesian-Chinese woman releases starlings at a temple in Jakarta
Video: Crowds gather at the White Cloud Temple, Beijing
*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources By Graham Smith ~ Daily Mail UK
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News
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