There are certain cultural elements that I have acquainted myself with as it relates to my Asian heritage. While I do not lament that I never knew about these aspects of my original roots, I find that there is a sense of familiarity in acknowledging them. Take, for example, the Lunar New Year.
Thanks to modern times forcing people to stop calling it Chinese New Year, I have found more comfort in embracing the zodiac calendar (which seems to still be called the Chinese Zodiac) where there are 12 different animals that are attached to the Lunar year in a cyclical fashion.
For some reason, I have always been fascinated by the fact that I was supposedly born in the year of the dragon – supposedly because I am not convinced this is true based on certain facts. In any case, it is the year I choose to accept as my spirit animal, so to speak. Really, it’s just another way – like the Myers-Briggs, or astrological horoscope – to somehow connect with others in this world; to feel as if I’m not completely alone in my uniqueness.
Just like Joseph Campbell suggests, there are hero and antihero stereotypes. Just like Carl Jung defines, we all have certain personality types in common. Just like you, or the person next to you, or me, we are all trying to fit in with each other, with this space, with this community of mankind, with this planet, with this universe and beyond.
So, it is for that reason that I take advantage of my ability to pick and choose what elements of my Asian background I want to embrace. The Lunar New Year is harmless, a celebration of hope for what is to come, a reminder for the past, and a sign that all is temporary yet cyclical. In that circle, we find that any gaps we think exist, are actually enwrapped in unity.
Happy Lunar New Year! May the year of the dragon bring peace, prosperity, and promise.
~T π₯πβοΈ
