The coming Chap Goh Mei this Saturday marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebration. However, this is just the start of the Year of the Dragon in the zodiac cycle. While dragon is the only mythical creature among the 12 and considered as the most auspicious, this year is also expected to bring a baby boom as many parents believe a “Dragon Baby” brings good fortune to the family.
“Many Chinese families consider a child born in the year of the dragon to be especially auspicious, the dragon being a symbol of power, strength, and good fortune,” said PM Lee Hsien Loong in his Chinese New Year Message. “So now is as good a time as any for young couples to add a 'little dragon' to your family.”
This old but enduring superstition has had a profound impact on the demographics of many Chinese communities — not just in Greater China, but even across North America. Many parents find that children in the Year of the Dragon already have to face more crowded pediatric clinics and more intense competition for admission to higher schools before they get the expected good luck.
Why the Year of Dragon brings baby boom?
Many people consider having a “Dragon Baby” as an old tradition. Indeed, Dragon is used as a symbol for the Chinese emperor, while many ordinary Chinese may sometimes refer to themselves as "descendants of the dragon". Accordingly, children born under this zodiac are believed to be blessed with good fortune and longevity.
However, zodiac birth timing is actually a modern-day phenomenon, according to a NUS research. The practice marks a shift of fertility culture in the Chinese community, from having as many sons as possible to considering childbearing as a conscious choice. This usually comes with government-pushed family planning programs, which was a common practice in many Asian countries during the late 20th century.
While many Chinese parents are practicing the belief to “make their son becomes a dragon”, it's almost distined that their baby dragons are going to suffer from the larger cohort - even when government adjusted its policy measures. A study of dragon cohort in China found they have significantly higher scores in college entrance exams, compared to other students.
“It a horrible idea to have your child born during the Year of Dragon,” commented by a Chinese social media user. “While it remains unknown your baby wil become a dragon, there is a high probability that he will become a 'chive' (in China, the slang refers to someone who can be repeatedly deceived and exploited due to fierce competition).”
Are people still willing to have “Dragon Babies” this year?
Despite the fact it is still possible for people to have more children in the Year of the Dragon, this does not seem to be able to reverse the low fertility rates - which are among the lowest in the world - generally seen in the Chinese communities. Competition for higher education and worries about economic prospects have made many people more cautious about having children.
This is not what the government wants to see. The financial demands brought about by extremely low fertility rates and rapid aging will impose a huge burden on society. The Year of the Dragon has become a new excuse for many authorities to encourage people to have children.
“I know that the decision is a very personal one. Each generation has different aspirations,” said PM Lee. “All this is quite understandable. But I still hope that more Singaporean couples will decide to have more children, and to have them earlier!”
Some even prepared before the CNY comes to town. In his latest Policy Address released by the end of 2023, Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee announced that he will offer a one-off cash bonus of HKD 20,000 ($2557) to any newborn and provide priority access to housing for their families.
While government-led efforts to promote childbirth might work, it can also cause huge controversy. A huge debate was sparked in Malaysia during the past Valentine's Day after a politician asked young Chinese people to get married and have children as soon as possible in the coming Year of Dragon to prevent Chinese schools from closing.
“It's easier said than done,” a user commented. “People don't get married for the sake of increasing the numbers.”
Babies born on the first day of the Year of Dragon in Taichung, Taiwan. (Photo by Lee Women's Hospital)