Dragon Babies and the influx of babies in China!

Last week was Chinese New Year and the start of the year of the Dragon! In Chinese culture, many Chinese women in China are superstitious in feeling that because the year of the dragon is the “luckiest” year in the lunar calendar, they need to scramble to have a “dragon baby” this Chinese Zodiac year.  I have been reading that there has been a surge in the number of mainland China women going to Hong Kong to give birth in order to avoid China’s one-child policy, which is now prompting authorities to cap the number of births permitted in the former British colony.

Parents across China right now are aspiring to produce “Dragon Babies” in the hope that the symbol, long associated with emperors, power and intelligence will bring wealth and luck. Doctors have warned some women may even turn to illegal means to dodge the cap. Newspapers have reported cases of mainland women illegally crossing the border and skirting the rules by going straight to emergency rooms in public hospitals to deliver their babies. As a special administrative region within China, Hong Kong largely runs its own affairs under the “one country, two systems formula.” Hong Kong also has its own currency and legal system — the “one child” rule does not apply. Who knew that the year of the Dragon could cause a baby boom! I thought you might find this topic interesting – what are your thoughts on the topic? Next year is the year of the snake in the lunar calendar and it is speculated there will be a drop in baby births in China.

CHECK OUT LE TOP CHILDREN’S CLOTHING AT
www.letop-usa.com

Read Full Post »

What is the Chinese Zodiac Calendar and how did it come about?

You may be hearing from friends and family that this is the “Year of the Rabbit”? But what does this mean? Well, it is Chinese New Year and according to the Chinese Zodiac calendar – it is literally the year of the “rabbit.”

Most people’s understanding of the Chinese Zodiac Calendar doesn’t extend beyond what they see on the paper placemats that cover the tables of their favorite Chinese restaurants. But there so much more to know – it dates back 2,000 years!

This post has been moved to our website. Please visit it at http://blog.letop-usa.com/?p=15809

VISIT OUR LE TOP HOME…
www.letop-usa.com

Read Full Post »

Happy New Year! (Chinese New Year that is!)

In the multi-cultural environment of le•top we celebrate many holidays – but on February 14^th – when most people were buying valentines – we were buying…FIRECRACKERS!  One of our favorite holidays is celebrating the beginning of the lunar New Year – Chinese New Year.   Our fearless leader (my husband Paul) was born in Hong Kong, and we have a great time every year when we celebrate his favorite childhood holiday. 

The most spectacular (and very loud) part of the celebration is setting off firecrackers in front of our building.  Why?  To rid ourselves of any lurking ‘evil spirits’ and start the new year off with a (literal) BANG!  This year we set off 20,000 firecrackers!  We warn our neighbors – and everyone enjoys the spectacle.  We follow this up with a luncheon here in our office – Chinese food of course!  Yummy!

The cycle of the Chinese Zodiac consists of 12 animal signs and the Year of 2010 is the Year of a Golden Tiger, which began on February 14, 2010 and ends on February 2, 2011.   It is a sign of courage. This fearless and fiery fighter is revered by the ancient Chinese as the sign that wards off the three main disasters of a household: fire, thieves and ghosts.  On New Year’s Day itself, it is beneficial to celebrate, to be happy, to have smiling faces, and to refrain from scowling, quarreling, or criticizing anyone.

Year of the Tiger

The Chinese believe that children have qualities that reflect their birth year, so for new ‘tiger’ babies here is what you can anticipate:

Courageous, active, and self-assured.   Optimistic, passionate and independent.  Rebellious, dynamic, and unpredictable.  Quick tempered but considerate.   Affectionate but careless.  The Tiger is a natural born leader and symbolizes power, passion and daring.

People born in the Year of the Tiger are generally well liked because of their charming personalities.  Tigers are fond of competitions. They simply cannot pass up a challenge.  They may appear cool and are unpredictable, and it would be unwise to underestimate their reactions.  Natural leaders, they have a strong sense of their own dignity.  They are intelligent, alert, and farsighted.  Good strategists and tacticians, they often have a hidden agenda.  As long as they do not risk their luck too often, and keep their restless nature under control, they will enjoy success and happiness.  Generally speaking, people born in the Year of the Tiger are fond of playing, and full of enthusiasm and sentiment. 

Famous Tiger People:  Agatha Christie, Crystal Gayle, Cybil Shepherd, Demi Moore, Hilary Swank, Jodie Foster, Marilyn Monroe, Mary Queen of Scots, Penelope Cruz, Queen Elizabeth II, Rosie O’Donnell, and Tom Cruise.

Gung Hay Fat Choy!  Happy New Year!  Wishing everyone a happy and prosperous year of the Tiger!

Read Full Post »