Dragon
I was born in 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012 you are a Dragon.
The Dragon was a symbol of Imperial power in ancient China; and Chinese consider it a great honor to be born in the Year of the Dragon. This belief is so strong that every time the Year of the Dragon comes around, there is a mini Baby Boom in this year.
Dragons are full of strength and energy, always on the go. I am powerful, wealthy and wise.
Chinese Dragons are symbols of wealth, wisdom, power and nobility. It was the symbol of the Emperor in ancient China.
Dragons in Chinese culture, unlike the Western dragons, are not depicted as enemies to be defeated. They are wise and welcoming and a sign that good things will happen.
Dragons are found everywhere in everyday Chinese life:
* in architecture at temples, palaces, walls... you will often encounter dragons while traveling through China.
* at parades specially at Chinese New Year
* and festivals such as the Dragon Boat Races
* as decorations and artwork. You will find it in handicrafts, jewelry, porcelain, paintings, embroideries, to name a few!
* in poetry, legends , or in the Chinese Zodiac... It is considered a great honor to be born in the Year of the Dragon.
Learn more about the Chinese Zodiac here.
Distinctive features of Dragon
Since the Dragon is a creature from Chinese mythology and not a real animal, it adopts characteristics from several animals. In Chinese culture the dragon has:
* the body of a serpent
* the claws of an eagle
* the legs of a tiger
* the whiskers of a catfish
* the antlers of a deer
* the scales of a fish