Kung Hei Fat Choy! Once again it's that time of the year in Hong Kong. Red decorations can be seen dangling from the ceilings in most stores, apartment buildings, and restaurants. Red envelopes are being exchanged in the streets. Little children are wearing their new red outfits, as they watch the lion dances along the harbor. It is Chinese New Year; the year of the Dragon!
This year is quite important to D and me, since it is the year that we will be meeting our little "dragon." According to Chinese culture, the dragon is considered the most auspicious zodiac sign and is often associated with good fortune and intelligence. It is believed to be the sign of those destined for success. That being said, it is one of the most popular years to have a baby!
When Chinese people see that I'm pregnant, they get excited. When they find out that I'm having a boy, the excitement triples. I'm told that a dragon baby boy is the luckiest kind! With all the kicking, these days I feel like there is a dragon lurking inside me!
Last year, during the year of the Rabbit, many Chinese couples got married with the expectation of having a Dragon baby. As a result, the Hong Kong hospitals are packed this year! I had to put my name into a lottery just to secure a bed at one of the private hospitals at which I wanted to give birth. You can imagine how many other pregnant women I meet just walking down the street!
I don't know what we would do if we planned on sending our little "dragon" to school here. If you thought the NYC schools were overcrowded, you wouldn't believe the length of the waiting lists to get into private schools out here! (and that's during a normal year)
Well, on the upside, our little dragon boy will have lots of play-dates. If you would like to join me in having a dragon baby, you’d better get started soon... in the next 3 months to be exact! :)
