The year of the dragon

Living in a cultural salad bowl in NYC, I have been told many times that I’m blessed to be having a baby this year - the Year of the Dragon – the luckiest year to have a baby according to Chinese astrology! While I’m not Chinese, I do appreciate the beliefs of other cultures, especially if they are in my favor!

(I love the whole idea of being a Dragon Mother... how amazing is Khaleesi afterall?!)

Babies born in the year of the dragon are considered to be the strongest, smartest, and luckiest. Even better, boys born in the year of the dragon are said to be even more auspicious! Dragon boys are said to be destined to be successful and wealthy.

And true believers don’t take the auspicious year lightly! Chinese couples literally plan their family around the Chinese Lunar calendar. Among New York City’s Chinatown population, downtown’s maternity unit will likely see a 25% spike in deliveries in 2012. China is anticipating a 5% increase in the number of babies this year. 

According to Wikipedia, “Dragons are mythical powerful creatures worshiped by Chinese culture. A Dragon symbolizes strength, health, harmony, and intellectuality. Many consider Dragon people extremely lucky and blessed. Most people under this eccentric Chinese Horoscope sign are generally charismatic, gifted with great powers, and can evolve to become great inventors, scientists, actors, lawyers, politicians, and managers. It is unlikely for a Dragon to go unnoticed from a social meeting or a party. Their unique attitude and self confidence will always work wonders in such situations. Dragon people are also well known for their honesty and sense of duty. These characteristics can sometime work against them because others will tend to take advantage of them. Most Dragon people are compassionate, patient, and ambitious people, thus they make loyal friends and great companions.”

(Maybe it was destiny telling me to buy that “future president” onesie!)