by Leigh Munro
January 23rd marks the beginning of Chinese New Year 2012, or “Chinese Year” 4710, 4709, or 4649, (exact dates vary depending on who you talk to) and rings in the Year of the Dragon – revered as a particularly auspicious in Southeast Asian culture.
Chinese New Year is—a fresh beginning. Clean the house, decorate, feast, reflect, provide offerings, give thanks to ancestors, trade little red envelopes full of money, dance, then top it off by blowing up firecrackers, warding off evil, and ushering in a fresh heap of good luck, and light.
