Post date: Jan 21, 2012 12:47:19 PM
Asian countries begin preparations for Lunar New Year festivities. Jessica Gray Reports.
VARIOUS-LUNAR NEW YEAR - Drummers celebrate ahead of the Lunar New Year in Bangkok.
Dancers soon enter the scene, bringing the year's spiritual animal on the Chinese Zodiac, the dragon.
The dragon is a powerful, mythical creature that symbolizes good luck in many Asian countries.
FORTUNE TELLER CHAN WEI-CHUNG"In the Chinese zodiac signs, the dragon is the symbol of auspiciousness, the exorcist, the power to avoid evil, and enhancer of the family fortune. The dragon also represents the royal highness or the emperor. With a dragon son or daughter could help the family to stay away from any evil and enhance good fortune. So traditionally the Chinese people like the dragon and stay away from the tiger."
In China, couples often plan for children during auspicious years in hopes of bringing good fortune.
Meanwhile in Cambodia, busy vendors sell certain fruit trees and plants also said to herald good tidings.
In Malaysia, an all female troop of dancers practices for their big performance.
Although the group's average age is 60, they are not letting their golden years keep them from ringing in the new year with a spectacular show.
The Lunar New Year holiday, which begins on Monday, is celebrated by billions of people around the world.
Jessica Gray, Reuters