Know a thing or two… DRAGONS

Fearsome monsters or markers of success and good fortune, these giant mythological reptiles have left their footprints in cultures across the world

Illustrations: SARA MULVANNY

This year, 10 February marks the start of the Lunar Year of the Dragon, which comes around every 12 years and invariably causes a baby boom. Unlike their counterparts in the West, Chinese dragons bring good luck, and children born during dragon years are traditionally thought to be destined for success and prosperity. Asia might be the only place where dragons are part of the calendar, but giant mythological reptiles – which may or may not fly and breathe fire – are common to cultures across the world, from Scandinavia to Central America. To the Norse they were a symbol of strength, and Vikings carved their grimacing forms on their longships to frighten enemies. To the Aztecs, the ‘feathered serpent’ Quetzalcoatl was a revered god. Some First Nations cultures in Australia…

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The Simple Things (Digital) - 1 Issue, February 2024

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