The dragon is the only mythical creature of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals, making it the most favored of all the zodiac years.
In addition, because the Chinese people are supposedly descended from dragons, it is believed that the Year of the Dragon will be an auspicious year for all, not just those born under the sign.
Therefore, because of its significance, when the Year of the Dragon rolls around (every 12 years), the Chinese and their diaspora ensure that the celebrations are an especially extravagant affair.
(And let’s face it, it’s a welcome change after the Year of the Rabbit — a fierce dragon on a bridge seems much more impressive and exciting after a year of fluffy bunnies.)
The following photos were taken in Singapore’s Chinatown and The Floating Stage at Marina Bay. Because I’m now in Europe — and missing out on celebrating Chinese New Year for the first time in my life — Mike went out and took these for me so I could still vicariously experience how Singapore saw in the Year of the Dragon. For anyone else who might be missing Singapore, Asia, and the holiday that sees more fireworks than Christmas and western New Year’s combined, read on — and 恭喜发财!
Photo credits: Mike Alford
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