The Republic of China has lost favor in America these days, and rightfully so. What is unfortunate is that it precludes appreciation of the rich culture developed by the Chinese people over thousands of years. One of my favorite books is “The Good Earth” by Pearl Buck. Pearl was an incredible storyteller who wrote many books recounting her experiences in mid-20th Century China. Her parents were missionaries there, and thanks to some extended trips back home to America, she grew up with a dual-culture background.
I wasn’t that lucky. We Sherwood dairy farm kids never got to travel to exotic locations, unless you count Hollandtown, my mother’s birthplace a few miles away. As Uncle Romy used to say, “Dem cows don’t milk demselves, ya know.” Nevertheless, I was able to travel wherever I wanted to go by reading, and China was a popular destination on my see-the-world-through-books tour of enchanting places to visit.
I still enjoy following certain Chinese traditions, like celebrating the Chinese New Year, which was observed this year from Feb. 10-24. Unfortunately, during that time I was dealing with family health issues, including a killer head cold, and unable to make the party. During my confinement, I found solace by indulging in one of my other favorite aspects of Chinese culture: the Chinese zodiac.
Unlike the horoscope-based Roman zodiac, the Chinese zodiac doesn’t rely on heavenly constellations. Instead, it’s animal-based: monkey, donkey, dog, horse, snake, etc. As I was doing my research, I was initially alarmed to discover that 2024 is the Year of the Wood Dragon. Dragon? As if things aren’t bad enough here on Planet Earth already.
Wait a minute. It’s not any old dragon; it’s the wood dragon, one of the good guys. This figure is formed by combining a generic dragon with the nourishing wood element. The wood dragon represents strength, authority, prosperity and good fortune, a character who brings forth evolution, improvement and abundance. Other dragon-born individuals are considered proud and arrogant, but the wood dragon is a humble soul. Even though wood dragons lead from a powerful position, they are savvy enough to know their limits and always consult trusted experts for advice on important matters.
It was encouraging to read that 2024 is the perfect time for revitalized beginnings that will form the foundations for long-term success. Wow. Let’s hope people everywhere are taking notice, or am I the only one who thinks a complete do-over is needed all around the world right now?
Case in point: If your family is welcoming a new baby this year, prepare for life with a wood dragon. You will find your child a highly intelligent, talented problem-solver who is self-assured, sociable and innovative. Get ready to raise a thinker and planner who can get stuff done, one who is creative with an insatiable desire for knowledge. Any brothers and sisters involved? Take heed. Sibling rivalry is a given where wood dragons are concerned. Grandparent alert: Be ready to attend lots of athletic events because your wood dragons will be participating in all manner of sporting contests.
Sigh. Nothing is perfect, and neither is the wood dragon. Too often they follow their instincts instead of reasoning, which is when disaster will strike. Often unable to control their emotions, they have a tendency to be hot-headed and quick-tempered over trifles. They can also be quite pushy in an attempt to prove what they said is right. Without meaning to, they can hurt people close to them.
Thinking through all of this led me to check my zodiac status to see what 2024 has in store for me. I was born in the Year of the Dog; my sign is the horse. I am independent (agreed) and happiest when communing with nature (definitely). I’m destined to come into my fortune in advanced age. Except exactly how old “advanced” is was not defined. Come on — I am running out of time here. The only other item of interest was that my first career choice should be writer, and I would be happiest married to a tiger, goat or dog.
Oh, dear. My husband, Jon, was born in 1940, another Year of the Wood Dragon. Like all wood dragon types, Jon is an honorable and lively character known for his captivating demeanor and distinct personality. Our Chinese zodiac signs are not at all compatible. This might explain why I have often thought I’ve got a dragon by the tail. Well, it’s too late to fix that now. We’re at almost 37 years of being happily married. Speaking of happy, I know I’m a bit late, but Happy Chinese New Year.
Kathleen Marsh is a lifelong educator, writer and community advocate. She has published eight books, four on the history of Townsend, where she and husband Jon are happily retired on the beautiful Townsend Flowage.
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