Written by Ben Tsui

Note: The following are for your amusement and curiosity only!

Gong hey fat choi (Chinese); Say hay boke-mahn he pah du say oh (Korean); Chúc mừng năm mới (Vietnamese); Tashi Delek (Tibetan & Bhutanese); and Amar baina uu? (Mongolian)!  Happy Lunar New Year to our Press+1 readers!

The Asian Lunar New Year is the most important festivity and holiday for the many Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Mongolian, Bhutanese, and Tibetan mosaic around our globe. This year, the calendar cycle begins on January 23rd and ends on February 9th, 2013. Many cultures commemorate the beginning of this special period as the Spring Festival. It marks the end of winter and the beginning of a new growing season.  However, the Tibetan, Bhutanese and Mongolian communities will not celebrate their New Year Losar until February 22, 2012 due to leap year discrepancies.

During the Chinese Han period (2 BC - 2 AD), traditional Chinese Yin-Yang philosophy, the five Zodiac elements theory (Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth), Heaven and Earth studies and Confucius morality were amalgamated  as the principle practices of Chinese medicine, divination, astrology and alchemy.

Based on their ancient Zodiac animal signs, 2012 corresponds with the "Year of the Yang Black Water Dragon." This only occurs once every 60 years. European dragons usually represent evil, doom and destruction; the auspicious Asian dragon symbolizes fierce energy, dynamic power, creative growth and favorable opportunities.  It controls water, weather, storms and natural disasters.  Unpredictability and volatility also overshadows its mysterious flight paths. A Korean dragon is considered a benevolent beast that resides in selective rivers, lakes, oceans and deep mountainous ponds. A Bhutanese thunder dragon roars with a loud authoritative voice. A Vietnamese dragon encourages royalty, prosperity and power. A Himalayan Tibetan Dragons are wise and solitary serpents which are also thinner and shorter than their counterparts. In addition, the Chinese dragon is often associated with the number 9 because it is the largest possible single digit. It is best to give birth to new born babies during its reigning year.

So, what opportunities can you expect in 2012? How will this auspicious dragon year affect your creative endeavors? What preventive activities should you remedy to safeguard this transformational year’s good fortunes?  After surveying a number of cosmological oracles and prophecies by astrologers, fortune tellers and geomancy practitioners, here are nine personal suggestions for our Press+1 filmmakers, musicians and artists in the coming months.

1. The dragon is a fierce fighter who is an expert of many diverse weapons. It’s great to be competitive in your talented field; it’s not a good year to start friction amongst showbiz colleagues, roadies or tech crew members. If clashes arise, try to solve them immediately.
   
2. If you are a musician or composer, this is an advantageous year to learn new instruments. Incorporate them into your rhythmic compositions. Also, try not to overindulge with too many mind bending substances or illicit vices that may hinder your artistic process.  They do not advance your originality
3. If you are a filmmaker, producer, actor or crew members, this is a good year for travels and adventures.  Try to integrate more outdoor locations and exotic sets. However, be vigilant and careful while working on busy highways, off roads and treacherous sites.
4. Be alert with the roar of your dragon’s tongue. Think ahead. Then choose the right words, meanings and vocal intonations. Use them at appropriate moments only so that you do not hurt others’ feelings or integrity.
5. As an artist, it is okay to take quaint periods of moderate breaks to rest and contemplate your work. Do not make any frantic inconsistencies that may affect any irreversible consequences. Be calm, be assertive and be precise.
6. The dragon symbolizes longevity, strength and power. It is better to be at the helm of one’s own project. Don’t micro-manage the project by overburden yourself with every pint-sized detail.  Trust your team. Take care of your body, spirit and mind throughout the next twelve months. It is not wise to be overworked or weak. Be on guard of any sickness and health issues.
7. Be familiar with the justice system. Be cautious of all Canadian and international copyright legal matters to assure your art are free from unavoidable litigations.
8. Screenwriters, playwrights, journalists, poets, novelists and storytellers, protect your ownerships! It is no use to endure a worthwhile project without the knowledge or understanding with proper privileges and compensations.
9. Water is an important element of the dragon. It is a symbol of calmness and preventive action. It doses firestorms. Try not to encourage unnecessary conflicts or calamities that may affect your stellar year of boundless possibilities.

 Despite what some zealous hypocrites and Hollywood producers proposed with their negative prophecies, embrace 2012, the Year of the Black Yang Water Dragon, with passion, gusto and gallantry! Chase your dragon fireball like there is no tomorrow. Don’t look back! Don’t hold back! It’s up to you to inspire the unknown future with assertive pride, strength, and creativity.

So... gong hey fat choi!

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bhftsui