"Year of the Dragon" New Year 2012

2012 (MMXII) is kicking off with a first. Starbucks is releasing the first ever New Year Starbucks Card in North America. Taiwan has released a New Year issue every year from 2008 to present, and China had one release in 2010. Released in the U.S. market during the week of December 12th, 2011. This is also a first for Thailand, released just before the Chinese New Year (around the middle of January 2012).

The Chinese New Year for 2012 is labeled the "Year of the Dragon" and is officially celebrated in 2012 on January 23rd, based on the new moon. Starbucks official name is "Lunar New Year". This Card reflects the dragon with paper Chinese New Year lanterns. The top of the Card says 'HAPPY NEW YEAR' and 2012 in Chinese letters below.

For anyone celebrating a special day, birth, wedding or the like - they will want this Card - reflecting this unique year. There are a variety of popular beliefs about the year 2012 as well, including beliefs ranging from the spiritually transformative to the apocalypse.

Special Note: Most stores received one box of 25 cards, so they went fast. The North American issue has a Matching Sleeve.

Update: It was reported to us that Hawaiian store managers were told to dispose of any remaining Cards on February 15th. This is an unusual practice, but Starbucks Hawaii is a separate division from North America.



More About the Year of the Dragon

Luck. Money. Ambition. Initiative. Success.Who wouldn't want all that? Well, if Chinese astrology is right, they're coming your way as we enter the lunar — or Chinese — New Year.

The Chinese New Year began Jan. 23 and festivities continue for two weeks. So "Gung hay fat choy!" (Loosely translated, that's "happy new year.")

Even if you're not a believer in astrology, why not have some fun with this tradition that more than a billion people around the globe share?

Chinese astrology is based on a 12-year cycle, each year named for one of the animals that supposedly responded when the Buddha called. Each animal is associated with certain traits, generally ones you can figure out: the ox for hard work, the tiger for aggressiveness. In a large part of the world, personal and business decisions are influenced by which year it is in the Chinese zodiac.

The Year of the Dragon is an incredibly auspicious year, the most fortunate of all, according to tradition. Dragon years are associated with good luck, money, accomplishment, celebrations, longevity, success.

If that's what this year brings, it should be a terrific time for business owners or to start a new business. People born in the year of the dragon are likely to be leaders, who are active and powerful, take initiative and are creative — good traits for entrepreneurs.

The dragon is considered the most powerful symbol. It's the only symbol that is not a real animal and has mystical qualities. In China, many people want children who embody Dragon traits, and births in China rise by about 5% in Dragon years.

So what is the astrological forecast for 2012, and what does that mean for you and your business?

• Wealth. It should be a good year for making money, and with luck this means an increasingly strong overall economy. So don't be afraid to aggressively pursue financial goals this year. You're more likely to succeed. But as the cash rolls in, be sure to put some aside for a rainy day.

• Ambition. Have you been afraid to live your dreams, follow your passion? Now's the time to go for it.

• Innovation. A good year for trying new approaches, introducing new products or services, and reinvigorating your company with creative ideas.

• Virtue. As you grow your business this year, remember your social responsibility to others: your employees, society, environment.

• Harmony. Find ways to communicate better with your employees and customers and create an amiable workplace.

• Big changes. Dragon years can be tumultuous, so be prepared for the unexpected.

But this year can be a time to shake yourself up, too, so it can be a terrific year to try new things, take big chances, make significant change. Be bold, be brave. Make your mark. After all, a fire-breathing, tail-wagging dragon would likely carve quite a path wherever it goes

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