Feb. 10 marks Chinese New Year, ushering in the Year of the Dragon. This seems an appropriate time to write about Boston’s China Trade Gate — a true "paifang" archway. https://t.co/glFhB0XiXf @universalhub @HUBhistory @WickedBoston_ @BostonHistory @BostonChinatown @VisitBoston pic.twitter.com/jXaEW8wcqy
— Aline Boucher Kaplan (@AlineKaplan) February 7, 2024
The lunar Year of the (Wood) Dragon begins tonight (or has already begun, depending on your location). Per CNN [for entertainment purposes only]:
… Every year, a heavenly stem (one of five elements, which fall into the yin or yang category) is paired with an earthly branch (one of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals).
This year combines the heavenly stem “Jia” – which represents yang wood – and the earthly branch “Chen” which represents the Dragon. That makes 2024 the Year of the Wood Dragon…
Chow says industries with a strong wood presence – including culture, publishing and floristry – will be more likely to thrive than earth industries such as property development and mining.
Regardless of which heavenly stem the Dragon is paired with, the sacred creature is a very popular zodiac sign, especially in Asia.
“It’s believed that the Dragon represents strong and great leadership. A lot of people are looking to have Dragon babies this year,” says Chow…
“This year will also be significant because it’s the year when the world enters a new chapter from the eighth period to the ninth period of Xuan Kong flying star.”
She explains that there are nine Xuan Kong flying stars that affect the feng shui of the world. Each of them lords over us for two decades before passing the torch to the next star.
The year 2024 marks the beginning of the next 20-year reign under the ninth flying star.
“The number nine star represents feminine energy – so ladies are going to take over in a lot of the areas. It also represents technology, art and design as well as spirituality,” says Chow…
Guess that explains all the strong female energy at the Grammys, she said. I’m told that green and gold are excellent colors for honoring the Dragon, so y’all can get dual use out of those Mardi Gras party supplies this year. And red is always a lucky color for new beginnings. If you’ve got time to spare, the SCMP has a comprehensive collection of articles about Lunar New Year customs — including a list of lucky foods. (We’ve already got dekopons, which are just coming into season, in the house… and I may order takeout scallops for dinner this weekend… )
Speaking of strong and great leadership (remember: Sharing is caring!):
Reporter: Why you?
President Biden: Because I’m the most qualified person in this country to be President of United States and finish the job I started pic.twitter.com/vKISOiHjs0
— Biden-Harris HQ (@BidenHQ) February 9, 2024
Doocy: The special counsel said you were a well meaning elderly man
Biden: I’m well meaning and I’m an elderly man and I know what the hell I’m doing. I put this country back on its feet. I don’t need his recommendation pic.twitter.com/hkkAHkVUf7
— Acyn (@Acyn) February 9, 2024
Biden: I lowered unemployment to 3.6% from Trumps level of almost 15%.
Media: it’s actually 3.7 and 14.8 percentage, this is a Half truth.
Also media: congress is broken
Dems: you mean republicans can’t govern?
Media: how dare you people nitpick at us?
— Monjula Ray ???????????? (@queerBengali) February 8, 2024
TGIFriday Morning Open Thread: Year of the DragonPost + Comments (214)