The fortune and significance of being born in the year of the dragon
In the Chinese zodiac, the dragon is a symbol of power and greatness. There is no creature like it, with such immense strength and captivating allure. Everything in the Asian superpower is intertwined with this mythical being. Ancient scriptures depict dragons as deities from whom emperors descended. They serve as protectors of Buddhist temples and embody the energy that is harnessed in the philosophy of feng shui. Dragons are an integral element of art and architecture, and even hold significance in current politics. The revered leader Mao Zedong, who founded the communist homeland, and subsequent statesmen who spearheaded the economic miracle, are often symbolized as the Chinese dragon.
In China, a country steeped in superstition, there is a staunch belief that being born in the year of the dragon bestows greater intelligence, strength, eloquence, and wealth. It is seen as a pathway to success. The year of the dragon commences this Saturday, February 10. As an advertising campaign to boost declining birth rates, it is hard to find a more enticing proposition than convincing Chinese couples that now is the opportune time to have a baby dragon, ensuring prosperity for the entire family.
Beijing has been laying the groundwork for the grand festivities for quite some time, emphasizing the fortune and significance attached to being born in the year of the dragon. Doubtful? The state press provides several examples to substantiate their claims: Abraham Lincoln, John Lennon, Bruce Lee, Rihanna, Shakira, Al Pacino, Andy Warhol, Betty Grable, Chuck Norris, Betsy Rawls, Ronaldo Nazario, and even Vladimir Putin. All of these individuals, who have achieved great things (and in some cases, ominous ones), were once baby dragons.
To address the current demographic crisis, the Chinese government relies on statistics that show a baby boom occurring every time the most auspicious sign in the calendar emerges, swinging back in a 12-year cycle. In 2023, the population declined for the second consecutive year, with the Chinese census tallying 1.409 billion people, two million fewer than the previous year. The birthplace of one-sixth of the world’s population is shrinking and rapidly aging, with 21% of its citizens over the age of 60. This historic decline poses a threat to the slow post-pandemic economic growth.
The Lunar New Year holidays, celebrated in the cozy confines of one’s home, provide a favorable environment for conceiving baby dragons. During this time, political entanglements and economic issues take a backseat to vacation and family time.
It is awe-inspiring to witness how an immense country like China comes to a complete standstill during this period, except for the bustling airports, train stations, and roads. Chinese travelers are projected to embark on a record-breaking 9 billion domestic trips, marking the largest migration on the planet as people return to their hometowns and cities of origin.
This massive movement of individuals, known as chunyun, presents an excellent opportunity to gauge the level of domestic consumption. The Asian giant requires a considerable impetus to reignite its economic locomotive, as it did in the past. However, the looming challenge lies in the dwindling workforce due to an aging population. In the future, there may not be enough hands to lift the dragon that once aspired to surpass the American eagle and become the world’s leading economy.