Year of the Dragon

The lunar new year is almost here! February 12 marks the beginning of the year of the dragon. Dragons in Chinese mythology are quite different from those of Western lore. Rather than being frightening, fire-breathing monsters guarding hoards of gold, these dragons are more snake-like in appearance, and command life-giving wind, water, and rain.

Associated with lively, creative, yang energy, dragons are deified and worshiped as heavenly guardians. Throughout much of Imperial China, the dragon was used to symbolize the emperor, the only human considered worthy to be represented by such an incandescent creature.

I decided to draw a friendly dragon in warm tones to convey power and energy to complement the oxherd boy's tender youth and blue clothing. The image brought to mind "The Never Ending Story" from an Eastern lens.

May you make 2024 a year of peace, health, and abundance for yourself and those around you.