IT'S ABOUT A DRAGON FOR 2012...

Illustration by Grace Lin, from Bringing in the New Year

Gong Xi Fa Ca! is the traditional Chinese New Year greeting that means “wishing you prosperity” in Mandarin.  The celebration begins today, on January 23, and lasts for 15 days total, ending with a Lantern Festival.  Each year is associated with one of twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac: 2012 is the "YEAR OF THE DRAGON".

Want to read some Dragon Tales?  Click here for my past post.

Traditional Chinese Dragon used in the dragon dance. Image credit: Caseman via Wikimedia Commons.

Chinese children are given red envelopes with money for luck in the New Year.

Red envelopes Image credit: BCody80 via Wikimedia Commons.

Read aloud recommendation: 

BRINGING IN THE NEW YEAR by Grace Lin.  Follow a Chinese American family as they prepare for the Lunar New Year. They all lend a hand as they sweep out the dust of the old year, hang decorations, and make dumplings. Then it’s time to put on new clothes and celebrate with family and friends. The celebration will include fireworks and lion dancers, shining lanterns, and a great, long dragon parade to help bring in the New Year. (The dragon parade at the end book is extra long–there's a surprise fold-out page.) Go to Grace Lin's website.