Happy New Year! You might think that it’s a bit late in the year to be wishing you a happy new year. But today marks the first day of Chinese New Year. It is also known as the first day of the Lunar (Moon) Calendar Year (the Western Calendar is based on the sun). But did you know that in China, it is actually called “Spring Festival” as it is now the first day of spring over there? It’s commonly called Chinese New Year because the Chinese who no longer live in the mother land retain a connection to the country.
This year is the year of the dragon. The animal type rotates over a 12 year cycle. And each 12 year cycle has an element associated with it. This year, it is water. So, I naturally thought, water + dragon = dragon fish!
I did a quick Google for dragon fish and this is from the first website I came across:
According to the Chinese, Dragon signifies auspicious, prosperity and wealth. It is believed that it will also ward off evil spirits and thereby protecting both the owner and his home. On the other hand, the Arowana’s large scales and barbels resemble that of the Dragon, and hence, its common name -DRAGON FISH. Its huge size, gold and red large scales, bold expression, noble air and elegant moves make it a hot favourite among hobbyists and aquarists worldwide.
These are truly magnificent fish. I remember someone likening their movement to liquid silver. I’ve visited a grow out farm in Malaysia and there were tanks and tanks of these fishes just waiting to grow up to go to a new home. To me their large scales look like prehistoric armour as they glide effortlessly through the water. They’re the high jumpers of the fish world, capable to taking mouth-sized prey in mid-air. There are several species of “Dragon Fish” and they may come from Asia, Africa, South America and Australia. Most prized and the aquarium industry is the Asian Arowana that have been selected for red or golden scales. And trust me, these are truly majestic creatures.
So in my native tongue, Kong Xi Fat Choi.
