2006 Year of the Snake

Author: Hu Zuqing
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-09-01
Features: People often call snakes the "Little Dragons" as a sign of respect. The third day of the third lunar month is the day when snakes end their hibernation and emerge from their holes, also known as the "Dragon's" (the Dragon's Elevation), which compares snakes to dragons. In reality, the status and symbolic meanings of snakes and dragons are vastly different. The symbolic meaning of snakes that people first think of is their cruelty. Many people feel an inexplicable fear when they think of snakes. The second symbolic meaning is treachery and indifference. This is likely related to the fact that snakes are considered "cold-blooded animals," and therefore, coldness is also seen as a characteristic of snakes. The third symbolic meaning is unpredictability. Snakes have no legs but can crawl, and they often appear and disappear without a trace, giving them a mysterious aura. The fourth symbolic meaning is cunning. This symbolic meaning is an "import," originating from the Bible, which states that snakes are one of the most cunning creatures created by God. Whether in Chinese culture or Western culture, the main symbolic meaning of snakes is negative. However, it's not entirely the case; the symbolic meaning of snakes also has a positive side. One positive symbolic meaning of snakes is good fortune, auspiciousness, and divinity. Ancient Egyptians believed that snakes were the protectors of kings, and pharaohs sculpted the image of cobras from gold and jewels, adorning their crowns as emblems of royal power. The second positive symbolic meaning is the pursuit of love and happiness. This meaning is primarily reflected in the folk tale "The Legend of the White Snake." The third positive symbolic meaning is longevity, reproduction, and wealth. In Chinese culture, snakes and tortoises are symbols of longevity. Practitioners of yoga believe that snakes can live for 500 years. Snakes are also symbols of wealth, so those who wish to achieve wealth and prosperity must pray devoutly in snake temples. The fourth positive symbolic meaning is medicine and the medical profession. The Chinese people generally believe that snakes have the ability to identify medicinal herbs.