Post date: Jan 23, 2012 4:16:18 PM
China expects to see 5 percent rise in births as Lunar New Year dawns, bringing with it the Year of the Dragon. Jessica Gray reports.
CHINA-DRAGON BABY BOOM -China's expected 'dragon baby' boom begins with this newborn.
The Year of the Dragon, which dawned on Monday, is one of the most auspicious times to have children, according to the Chinese Zodiac.
Children born during 'dragon years' are thought to bring fortune to their families and find much success in their personal and professional lives.
State news predicts there will be a 5 percent increase in the number of births during the dragon year in China alone.
This tiny baby boy's new parents say they couldn't be happier he was born 20 minutes after Hong Kong welcomed in the new year, although they hadn't planned it that way.
But not everyone agrees.
Feng shui masters say the time of day and birth month play a bigger role in determining a child's personality and luck.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) FENG SHUI MASTER, RAYMOND LO, SAYING:
"For the layman, it's just because the dragon sounds good. For example, they admire Bruce Lee, his Chinese name, Mr. Lee, is 'little dragon'. Besides it sounds good, there is nothing special about the animal of the dragon."
The influx of births during dragon years is prompting hospitals to raise fees and seek more accommodation, while mothers unable to book space are heading to public hospital emergency rooms to deliver.
Jessica Gray, Reuters