The Gull's Call - Jan/Feb/Mar 2024

President'sColumn by Bill Pai, Community Board President

THE DRAGON What are the characteristics and personality traits associated with people born in the year of the Dragon? People born in the year of the Dragon are often seen as confident, ambitious, and adventurous. They are also known to be passionate, strong-willed, and have excellent leadership qualities. Dragons are the fifth animal sign in the Chinese zodiac and are associated with the Fire element, which is believed to symbolize energy, creativity, and transformation. Dragons are highly respected and revered in Chinese culture and are often associated with the emperor, power, and authority. People born in the year of the Dragon are believed to possess some of these characteristics and are often successful in their careers and personal lives. They are also said to be charismatic, imaginative, and have a strong sense of justice and fairness. Despite their many positive traits, Dragons can also be impulsive, stubborn, and prone to anger. They can sometimes struggle with their emotions and may find it challenging to work with others who do not share their vision or passion. However, with their determination and perseverance, Dragons can overcome most obstacles and achieve their goals. HOW CHINESE USE THE ZODIAC The Chinese zodiac is deeply embedded in Chinese culture and is often used in daily life to predict fortune and compatibility. Many people in China consult their zodiac sign when making important decisions, such as choosing a career, getting married, or starting a business. They may also use their zodiac sign to gain insight into their personality traits and tendencies. In addition to personal use, the Chinese zodiac is also incorporated into various public events and festivals throughout the year. For example, during Chinese New Year celebrations, people often exchange gifts and greetings based on their zodiac sign. They may also attend special events and performances that feature the animals of the zodiac. Overall, the Chinese zodiac serves as a cultural symbol of unity and connection in China. It is an integral part of daily life and remains a powerful tool for self-discovery and social interaction.

CHINESE ZODIAC AND THE YEAR OF THE DRAGON T HE CHINESE NEW YEAR COMING SOON (FEBRUARY 10th), and 2024 will be the Year of the Dragon. For those unfamiliar with it, what follows is a brief overview of the Chinese zodiac, a system of divination that differs from Western astrology. The main similarity between the Chinese and Western systems is that both systems are based on date and time of birth, with 12 symbols or signs used to communicate across meaning. Here are some of the primary differences: THE 12 SIGNS In both systems, there are the same number of signs: 12. Two are superficially similar: Ox/Bull and Goat/Ram. • The Chinese signs: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. • The Western signs: Ram, Bull, Twins, Crab, Lion, Virgin, Scales, Scorpion, Centaur, Sea-Goat, Water Bearer, and Fish. ORIGINS OF THE SIGNS • In Chinese astrology, the 12 signs are derived from a myth that when God was developing a calendar, all creatures on Earth were summoned to participate in a race. The first 12 to cross the line were awarded signs in the Chinese zodiac. • This differs from Western astrology, in which the 12 signs are based on constellations' positions relative to the earth. The constellations were named according to Greek mythology.

6 January | February | March 2024

The Gull’s Call