While in Europe the dragon was seen as violent and dangerous, in China and in Eastern countries the dragon is much more nuanced.

The dragon is the only mythological figure in the Chinese Zodiac (rat, ox, tiger, rabbit dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig). While it roams the skies—often depicted flying among the clouds—it is thought to live in rivers, lakes, and oceans.

As a rain god, it has authority over water in all its forms. It controls everything from storms, typhoons, floods, to the life-giving gentle spring rains. It is the rain which allows people to survive and thrive. And it is that life-giving rain which is associated with fertility and plenty.

Although not the only sign considered lucky in the Zodiac, it may be the most desirable, for there is usually a spike in the birth rate in the year of the dragon.* So why do so many new parents want their child to be born in this special year?

It’s because the dragon is associated with charisma, intelligence, power, strength, and—most importantly—success. These attributes are showered upon dragon-year newborns. What parent wouldn’t want that for their child?

*Note “’Baby dragons’ to rescue China? Beijing is counting on 2024 to fix its population woes – Here’s Why” WION https://www.wionews.com/world/baby-dragons-to-rescue-china-here-is-why-beijing-is-counting-on-2024-to-fix-its-population-woes-681243; and “The Dragon Code: Career Success Through Dragon Baby Insights” Forbes  https://www.forbes.com/sites/juliettehan/2024/02/05/cracking-the-dragon-code-career-success-through-dragon-baby-insights/?sh=6ee5848e4581

Picture from depositphotos.com