One of the attractions of life in Korea for many of us is the two New Years we get to celebrate. Korea has two calendar systems, one governed by the Sun and one governed by the Moon, and each of them has its own year-end holiday. Marking the Year of the Black Dragon, this year’s New Year begins on Monday, January 23. The Korean Lunar New Year, called “Seollal” or “Gujeong,” usually falls on the second new moon after winter solstice. Seollal is Korea’s largest holiday.
The dragon, a legendary beast that is comprised of a combination of many animals including a snake, carp and tiger, is considered one of the most holy creatures - it is customary for people to buy lottery tickets after they have dreams about dragons.
This year is considered especially lucky, as it will be the Year of the Black Dragon, an event that occurs only every 60 years. Although the Year of the Dragon occurs every twelve years, only every fifth occurrence is the Black Dragon, making a sexagenary cycle. Korean people consider the Year of the Black Dragon to be a year of luck and good fortune, believing the Black Dragon ascends to Heaven at the end of its life. The last Year of the Black Dragon was from January 27, 1952 to February 13, 1953.
Besides being a favorite subject for literature and art, the dragon can also be found as a motif in many aspects of traditional Korean culture: architecture, furniture, clothing, ornaments and jewelry, and various household items. Also, many Buddhist temples are adorned with the dragon as it is said that nine dragons poured perfume from the heavens upon Buddha’s birth. Dragons hold a cintamani in their mouths – the magical jewel representing Buddha’s virtue – which can grant your every wish.
Everything related to the king had a dragon reference such as “dragon face” (용안), “dragon coat” (용포), “dragon seat” (용좌), with dragon engraved in the king’s royal seal. Also, the first work to be written in the Korean alphabet Hangeul was Yongbieochonga (용비어천가), “Song of the Dragons Flying to the Heavens”, praising the achievements of the forefathers of the Joseon Dynasty. A traditional funeral carriage is adorned with a dragon to escort the deceased to the other world. Dreaming of a dragon is the luckiest dream that can ever be, and expressions that equal the dragon with that of excellence and greatness are still used today.
Dragon Years are about important changes. As it is the presidential election year in Korea, there is no doubt that it will be. To learn more about what the dragon means in Korea, a visit to the National Folk Museum of Korea is highly recommended.
For more information :http://www.korea4expats.com/news-year-of-the-dragon-korea-2012.html
http://blog.korea.net/?p=6629
Have a very Happy Black Dragon New Year!
Posted by XY
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