Mom and Dad handed me a strange red envelope today. It had a dragon on it, and I thought, “It has no stamp and I know it’s not my birthday yet… what’s this??” I observed with avid interest as Mom helped me open the envelope. Inside was a golden coin, which made little sense to me, until she explained that it was a special time of year – Chinese New Year – a time of joyous celebration and reflection, and that the coin was meant as a wish of prosperity for the year to come. Dad also mentioned that in 2024 we welcome the Year of the Dragon, and my excitement exploded: it’s the Year of the Me!
It wasn’t long before the Cardboard Cantina HQ was filled with a mix of wonderful aromas. We were making egg rolls, dumplings, and other traditional Chinese goodies whose scents wafted through the air. Each dish was crafted in honor of prosperity, abundance, and good fortune. I’m told now is a time for feasting and revelry, a time when food takes center stage (as it often does here) in the celebration of culture and tradition. As a bearded dragon with a keen sense of smell and taste, I couldn’t help but salivate at these delectable treats. I knew I couldn’t eat them, but they smelled sooo good!
As the Lunar New Year begins, Mom and Dad want to take me to a parade where I can again join in the festivities, albeit from a distance. I can’t wait to watch in awe as dragon dancers weave their way through the streets, their vibrant costumes shimmering in the surrounding lights. I had no idea these were even a thing, and Dad had to pull up YouTube to show me. Oh wow! Exhilaration and pride filled my body as I watched them dance to the beat of the drums down the streets and through the crowds. I love looking at Christmas lights each year, but this is so much more exciting!
As a dragon myself, I was very interested in what all this meant. I cannot fly or breathe fire (yet), but even still the spirit of my kin is strong within me. As the symbol of power, strength, and good fortune, we dragons hold a special place in Chinese culture. For centuries, we have been revered as symbols of authority and protection. Our presence in the Chinese zodiac brings promises of prosperity and success to those born under our sign. I, as a bearded dragon, strive to embody these aspects in my own way.
As the Year of the Me unfolds, even on this first day, I am filled with a sense of optimism and excitement for the journey ahead. I may be just a humble (Mom and Dad disagree) bearded dragon, but I know that I have a part to play in this grand tapestry of life. This is going to be a time of great responsibility. As the symbol of this auspicious year, I carry the hopes and dreams of so many on my shoulders. It’s a reminder of the power and influence dragons wield, not just in the celestial realm but also in the hearts and minds of people everywhere.
Perhaps the most profound aspect of Chinese New Year is its ability to unite people from all walks of life. Regardless of age, background, or belief, the spirit of this holiday can bring us together in a shared celebration of hope and renewal. It’s a time to set aside our differences and come together as one community, bound by the promise of a better future.
In the words of an ancient dragon proverb, “A feast of a thousand bugs begins with a single bite.” As we embark on this journey, guided by the wisdom and strength of the dragon, I do not doubt that we will reach our destination – a future filled with promise, prosperity, and boundless possibilities. I hope everyone who reads my article finds all this and more in the year to come.
All photos for this article were taken and edited by Krista.