What's this blog about?

I teach several courses under the broad topic of "Multicultural Education," prioritizing social justice issues of access, power/privilege, & narrowing the academic achievement gap. I am a person of color and I almost always have a white co-teacher. We include topics, such as: racism, sexism, heterosexism, ableism, ethnocentrism, deculturalization, transforming curriculum, etc. This is a place where I post information that we teach; lesson plans for activities; and resources we use and/or which are shared with me by my adult students.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Happy Lunar New Year

China will enter the 4709th year on January 23, 2012. Also, the Chinese Year uses the cycle of 60 Stem-Branch counting systems and the Black Water Dragon is the 28th Stem-Branch in the cycle. Since (60 *78) + 29 = 4709, therefore 2012 is the Water Dragon year, which is the 4709th Chinese Year.  http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/2012.htm

1964 was the year of the Green Wood Dragon (the year I was born):  http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/NewYearDays-PST.htm


Here are the cycles: http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/TDB/NewYears.asp


Five Element Chart:  http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/5Elist.htm


The Dragon had nine sons with different themes, and they all have different versions too. The names are skipped on the website because they are hard to remember. One version is:
  • The 1st son loves music. The head of Number 1 son becomes a decoration for music instrument, such as two-stringed bowed violin (huqin).
  • The 2nd son loves fighting. Many different handles of weapons have the symbol of Number 2 son.
  • The 3rd son loves adventure and keeping guard. He has prestige and is the symbol of safety, harmony and peace.
  • The 4th son loves howling. The image of Number 4 son can be found on the big bells. It is a symbol of protection and alertness.
  • The 5th son loves quietness, sitting, fire and smoke. His image is often found in temples, such as on incense burners.
  • The 6th son has the power of strength. He loves to carry heavy stuff to show off his magic energy. He is a symbol of longevity and good luck.
  • The 7th son loves to seek justice. Chinese like to apply his symbol around law, court, or jail.
  • The 8th son loves literature. Chinese like to put the 8th son as a symbol around steles. When used in this way, it is a symbol of knowledge or education.
  • The 9th son loves water. He is a symbol to prevent fire disasters.