Celebrate the Year of the Dragon in Budapest
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In the previous entry we already mentioned a few colourful programmes revolving around the Chinese New Year, now in this article we would like to provide you some information on the myth and legend of the Dragon of the Chinese Zodiac. After some introductions we would like to give you a guide in the oriental Astrology. Here are some fun facts, predictions, and fortune tips for 2024, in the year of the Dragon.
Different from in Western culture, a Dragon (Lóng) in Chinese culture is a mythical, auspicious, and supreme being/creature. In Chinese mythology, Dragons have great power to control wind and rain, soar through the skies, and turn over rivers and seas, as well as bringing prosperity to the world.
Being a believed benefit to farming in an agricultural society, dragons are considered mighty mascots, communicating between heaven, earth, and humans to bring good weather and hence plentiful harvests and/or a boom in wealth.
Therefore, in ancient times, emperors were regarded as real dragons and the sons of Heaven, and Chinese people were assumed to the descendants of dragons. To worship dragons’ dignity and divinity, China’s ancients put the Dragon in the Chinese zodiac, and it has long been the most popular zodiac animal in China. Many Chinese couples choose to have a baby in a year of the Dragon.
Why the Dragon is only the 5th in rank according to the Chinese Zodiac?
Picture: GettyImages
It was said that Jade Emperor was originally the crown prince of the kingdom of Pure Felicity and Majestic Heavenly Lights and Ornaments. At birth, he emitted a wondrous light that filled the entire kingdom. When he was young, he was kind, intelligent and wise. He devoted his entire childhood to helping the needy (the poor and suffering, the deserted and single, the hungry and disabled). After his father died, he ascended the throne. He made sure that everyone in his kingdom found peace and contentment.
In one, the Jade Emperor, although having ruled Heaven and Earth justly and wisely for many years, had never had the time to visit the Earth personally. He grew curious as to what the creatures looked like. Thus, he asked all the animals to visit him in heaven. The Jade Emperor was delighted with the animals and so decided to divide the years up amongst them.
There are several stories as to how the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac were chosen.
According to one of many myths, the Jade Emperor held a race and decreed that the order of the animals in the Chinese zodiac would be decided by who crossed the finish line in the first 12 places. It would seem a matter of common sense that the mighty Dragon would be deserving of first place, however he did not achieve this. He came after the Rabbit, Tiger, Ox, and Rat. How could this happen?…
When Dragon was on his way to the finish line, he found a village suffering from a very serious drought — even its plants and crops did not grow, and a great number of people were in famine. So, he flew across the clouds and opened his mouth to make rain and solve their hardship.
The Dragon continued the race, but after a while, he saw another village threatened by a flood. He stopped without hesitation and opened his mouth to absorb the water. His efforts and powers moved the flood waters to the sea, and the disaster at the village was averted.
As Dragon hurried on his way towards the race’s end, he saw that Rabbit was being chased by a wolf. To deal with the wolf and save Rabbit, he let Rabbit go on ahead who finished 4th place. So, by generously helping those he met on the way, as is always his nature, Dragon came in after Rabbit in the zodiac race. Despite finishing 5th, still because of its nobility the Dragon was highly regarded by the Jade Emperor and the people living under the Havens. Therefore, the successors, and earthly manifestations of the Emperor are derived from and born under the Dragon sign.
Different kinds of dragons…
Picture: tistory.com
Dragon is regarded as the noblest and most powerful of the Chinese Zodiac signs. Those born under the year of the Dragon are courageous, kind, confident, eloquent, ambitious, and dominant. They are great agents of change, as they always push the boundaries of their knowledge and skill, never feeling fully satisfied with their achievements. They often bring profound change to all serious relationships and any important situation.
It is theorized that a person’s characteristics are decided by their birth year’s zodiac animal sign and element. In Chinese mythology there are 5 elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. So, there are five types of Dragons respectively, each with different characteristics:
Chinese Zodiac Dragons:
- Wood Dragon (1964, 2024): Introverted, less enthusiastic, and lacking in good relationships
- Fire Dragon (1916, 1976): Smart and easygoing, agile, and flexible
- Earth Dragon (1928, 1988): Smart, ambitious, and hardworking
- Gold Dragon (1940, 2000): Natural and straightforward, talent and desire to be seen
- Water Dragon (1952, 2012): Persevering, farsighted, and vigorous
Famous People Born in the Year of the Dragon:
- Charles Darwin: born on February 12, 1809 (an Earth Dragon)
- Bruce Lee: born on November 27, 1940 (a Gold Dragon)
- John Lennon: born on October 9, 1940 (a Gold Dragon)
- Vladimir Putin: born on October 7, 1952 (a Water Dragon)
Predictions for Dragons in 2024
Photo: pngio.com
Here are some “forecast” for those who were born in 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012.
You may experience some challenges related to your poor overall luck. You may face certain restrictions and difficulties due to the clash with Tai Sui’s energy. However, there will also be fortunate stars that can provide protection and support for Dragons.
With the help of lucky star Yue De, your career development will be smooth sailing.
Your zodiac-ordained financial path will develop in a good direction, especially in the area of earnings, which will be significantly improved.
Single Dragons, you will encounter many setbacks in the process of interacting with the opposite sex, and you will easily feel disheartened about the prospects of marriage. Dragons who have a romantic partner, your relationship will be relatively flat this year, especially between husbands and wives, and there will often be quarrels over small things in life.
Single Dragons, you will encounter many setbacks in the process of interacting with the opposite sex, and you will easily feel disheartened about the prospects of marriage. Dragons who have a romantic partner, your relationship will be relatively flat this year, especially between husbands and wives, and there will often be quarrels over small there will often be quarrels over small things in life.
- Lucky Numbers: 1, 6, and 7
- Lucky Days: the 1st and 16th of any Chinese lunar calendar month
- Lucky Colors: Purple/red, silver, greyish white
- Lucky Flowers: bleeding-heart glory bower, dragon flowers
- Lucky Direction: east, north, south
In 2024, silver and purple are predicted to bring luck or avoid trouble for Dragons.
Dragon people may dress in silver, red or purple to invoke this luck, including outer clothing, bags, shoes, underwear, and even socks. Additionally, silver, red/purple coloured-glaze auspicious decorations are considered good for promoting financial fortunes.
Therefore we highly recommend Silverline cruises not just for those who were born under the sign of the Dragon, but for everyone who would like to follow the lucky path of the Dragon. As our boats has purple coating and well, we also wouldn’t be called Silverline for nothing. We welcome everyone aboard so secure your luck by choosing us all year round. Let it be a single sightseeing cruise or an elegant dinner cruise with either a splendid 3 or a truly satisfying 6 course menu, we got you covered.
Photo: Silverline Cruises
Chinese New Year Celebration Part 1: Quanzhou
Photo: China Cultural Center Budapest
If you wish to celebrate the New Year here in Budapest in authentic fashion, the Chinese community organizes a great event on two weekends starting on Sunday, 28 January 2024. Organized by the Chinatown Budapest and China Cultural Center in Budapest The 3-hour long celebration is filled to the brim with exciting shows and performances, workshops, and of course with plenty of delicious delicacies to try between 14:00-17:00.
Address: Budapesti Chinatown (X. ker. Jegenye u.30)
This year, visitors can gain insight of the cultural heritage of Quanzhou.
The coastal city of Quanzhou in the Fujian province was the premier port and cultural capital of Eastern China during the Song and Yuan dynasties. It boasts with the 22nd place among sites on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The event features cultural heritage elements, such as Nanyin folk music, puppetry, and tea-making techniques. On Sundays, you can gain insights into these stage performances, traditional craft demonstrations, and even try the dragon dance, all while traditional food stalls await with associated oriental delights.
For more information check out the link below:
(20+) 2024 Kínai Újévi Fesztivál 🧨 1. rész: Quanzhou, UNESCO világörökség | Facebook
We wish to all our passengers and readers a rich and prosperous new year in 2024!
