On January 23rd, an auspicious year will begin in the Asian zodiac: the year of the black dragon. Dragons are auspicious symbols in Asian mythology and culture, so a dragon year, is always cause for celebration. But because of the unique combination of the zodiac symbols and five traditional colors, a lucky black dragon year comes only every 60 years (from the Korea Times):
Among the cyclical years of the zodiac, the year 2012 is the Year of the Black Dragon, as “im” means black and “jin” means dragon according to Korean “Ganji” system, or the sexagenary cycle. The system is a combination of the 12 zodiac animals and the five traditional colors — blue, red, yellow, white and black.
The Year of the Dragon comes every 12 years, but the Black Dragon arrives every 60 years, making 2012 even more special. The birth rate is expected to rise next year, as many married couples will want their baby to be born under the energy of the dignified, powerful black dragon.
This is definitely a year to celebrate, so join the Korean United Methodist Church, Korean Focus and Ginkgo Leaf Arts for the best Korean Lunar New Year celebration in the Metro DC area:
- Date & Time: Saturday February 4th, 1 – 4 PM
- Location: Korean United Methodist Church of Greater Washington, 1219 Swinks Mill Rd, McLean, VA 22102
- Fee: $5 per person, $20 per family
More information will be posted here, in the eBulletin, on our Facebook and Twitter pages. For now, save the date – we’ll see you soon to ring in the Year of the Black Dragon!
Volunteers are welcome to help plan or on the day of the event to man tables at the craft sale, help with the kids crafts, and for set-up and clean-up. Email us if you’d like to help.
