Year of the Dragon
It’s still the Year of the Rabbit, a real animal. But come February 10, 2024, we will be in the Year of the Dragon. Have you ever wondered how a mythical creature got into the Chinese zodiac’s list of twelve “animals”?
Here are the years in order: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.
I say “in order” because there’s a legend about a Great Race held by the Jade Emperor, and this is the order in which the animals finished the race. The rat was first, then the ox, tiger rabbit, and so on. For us cat lovers, there are also several stories about why the cat didn’t make the list.
Why a Dragon Theories
I’ve read various theories of why the dragon was included. One of the least plausible to me: Dragons look a lot like dinosaurs, and when a Chinese person digs up new dinosaur bones, they call them dragon bones.
The more plausible theories all center around the part dragons have played in Chinese myths over the centuries. For example, there’s a famous Chinese folk tale about the four benevolent dragons that gave China its four major rivers.
Then there’s the Azure Dragon who is part of the Four Symbols of the Chinese constellations: The Azure Dragon of the East, the Vermillion Bird of the South, the White Tiger of the West, and the Black Turtle of the North. Once again, we have three animals and a dragon. Hmm.
There’s also the Yellow Dragon that’s the symbol of the emperor and the treasure dragons that live deep underground, and the flying dragons that fly through the clouds although they have no wings.
So, obviously, dragons, real or mythical, are too important to be left out of the twelve-animal zodiac.
Another question: Why are there dragon myths all over the world? Interesting, but that’s a topic for another time.
With the Year of the Dragon just around the corner, I’m wondering what we can expect from the coming year. (Even if you don’t really believe in astrology, aren’t you interested?) First of all, remember, this is a Chinese dragon. In the West, dragons are bad. You need someone like Saint George or Siegfried or Beowulf to slay the evil dragon.
In China, though, dragons are good, which is why Chinese around the world will be having more babies than usual this year. Planned babies. Everyone wants a child who is strong, determined, charismatic, and lucky, the supposed characteristics of a person born in the Year of the Dragon.
Predictions for the Year of the Wood Dragon
Who knows how the year will turn out, but here are a couple of the more positive predictions. No one seems to be predicting a slow, quiet year.
Jill Dearman says a “Wood Dragon year has the potential to usher in good fortune, action and expansion, and you’d better brace yourself, because things will be happening quickly!”
Jonathan H. X. Lee, a professor of Chinese folklore and religion at San Francisco State University, sees it as “a year of unlimited potential in terms of prosperity. Long-term, it could also be the year in which major conflict can be resolved, if people can focus on empathy …”
Do you know your birth year?
I’ve observed that the Chinese are all keenly aware of theirs. My late husband was always proud of having been born in the Year of the Tiger, a strong symbol for a man. I, on the other hand, was born in the more peaceful year of the sheep (or goat).
I am Year of the Monkey. No idea what that means, but I can own it. The Year of the Dragon is cool beans, though. I’m liking its message.
I think monkeys are supposed to be intelligent, witty, and fun. The Year of the Dragon, well … I did choose some of the more positive predictions. You don’t need a horoscope to guess that 2024 will be a year of change and excitement. We’ll see.
Himself is a Dragon, while I am a Rooster (Scorpio + Taurus in the other kind).
I had a period in my life when I was absolutely fascinated by all things Feng Shui and chinese astrology, and while I wondered how the dragon got in the mix, I never got round to investigating – so thank you.
I’d love to read more on the subject, so I do hope you’ll continue to write on it Nicki 🙂
My late husband was Scorpio and Tiger. I’m Taurus and Goat. I don’t know much about Feng Shui, but it does have some sensible ideas, like not having a front door facing north. One of my husband’s old friends went so far as to block their north-facing front door and install another door on the east side. I didn’t plan it this way, but the north side of my house is all garage.
I love being a Dragon 🐉 absolutely will celebrate! Thx for fun and informative essay Nicki. Important point to clarifies that the Chinese year is not January 1 to January 1. It is a lunar calendar and so it begins usually end of January early February. I thought for years I was a snake and only as an adult did. I realize that it was still the year of the Dragon when I was born!
Lots of Dragon posters decorating 99 shop!
I’m not surprised that you were born in the Year of the Dragon, Kizzie. Much better than a Snake.
1958 + Year of the Dog ~> I may experience positivity and good fortune in VARIOUS aspects of my life in 2024.
Aah . . . but WHICH aspects?
There’s the rub. 😀
You’re already a positive person, and I suspect you feel that you’re fortunate in many ways.
Thank you for the background of the dragon! I was born in the year of the goat… just a few weeks later it would have been the (much more fun, I think) monkey. Sigh. Added to that I am a Capricorn, so I guess I should fully embrace my inner goat.
I hope you explore why there are dragons in just about all cultures. I’m hoping it has something to do with an alien visitation many, many years ago.
Actually, from the little bit I read, dinosaur bones is still a popular theory. I was surprised to see how widespread dragon myths are all around the world–hundreds of them. Just look at this list on wikipedia.
They say goats are gentle, kind, intelligent, curious, creative, and friendly. That sounds pretty good.
I mean, if I got to pick a year to be born, I would totally pick the Year of the Dragon. Who wouldn’t want to be a dragon?!
It’s funny. I can see why other people would like to be born in the Year of the Dragon. But I can’t imagine being charismatic, confident, and powerful. A quieter life suits me better.
Interesting info! I was in awe of seeing the Chinese dragons in Shanghai. Today I think I’ll go down to Ranch 99 Market to get a couple of ingredients I need and see if there are any dragons around.
I hope you’ll be lucky enough to see some dragons. Ranch 99 should be a popular place for the next few days.
Fascinating
Thanks, Derrick.