The dragon is one of the most revered creatures in Chinese mythology as it is believed to be a symbol of power, strength, and good fortune. This mythical creature is also an important symbol in the Chinese zodiac which assigns one of 12 animals to each year in a repeating 12-year cycle. People who are born during the Year of the Dragon are believed to be confident, ambitious, and courageous. Furthermore, the Dragon is the only mythical creature in the Chinese zodiac and occupies a central position in Chinese culture.
As the influence of Chinese culture has spread worldwide, the dragon has become a recognizable symbol in the English language. People use the dragon metaphor in various contexts to express different meanings. In this article, we will explore the influence of the dragon zodiac sign in the English language and how it has found its way into Thai culture.
One of the most visible ways the dragon has influenced the English language is through idioms and phrases. For example, the phrase “chase the dragon” is a slang term for smoking opium. This phrase has its roots in Chinese culture where the dragon is associated with the mythical creature that guards the entrance to the imperial palace. Opium users would smoke the drug and try to catch the dragon for a hallucinogenic high. Another example of a dragon idiom in English is the phrase “slay the dragon,” which means to overcome a difficult challenge or obstacle.
The dragon also appears in many English literary works as a symbol of power and mythical creatures. For example, in the classic epic poem of Beowulf, the hero slays a dragon that terrorizes an entire kingdom. Similarly, in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, the protagonist Bilbo Baggins steals a dragon’s treasure and defeats the dragon in battle. The dragon is also a prominent symbol in many works of fantasy fiction, such as George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series, in which dragons are used as weapons of war by various factions.
In addition to literature, the dragon has also influenced the English language in popular culture such as in films and TV shows. For instance, the movie “How to Train Your Dragon” tells the story of a young Viking who befriends a dragon and learns to train it for battle. Another popular animated TV show, “Dragon Ball Z,” features a wide range of dragons, from the evil Dragon King Piccolo to the benevolent Shenron, who can grant wishes to those who summon him using the Dragon Balls.
The influence of the dragon in the English language has also reached Thai culture. Many Thai people are familiar with the dragon symbol and use it in different ways. For instance, in Thai astrology, the dragon is one of the 12 zodiac signs and has a similar meaning to its Chinese counterpart. People born in the Year of the Dragon are believed to have traits such as ambition, confidence, and success.
In Thailand, the dragon is also a popular tattoo design. Many Thai people get tattoos of dragons as a symbol of power and strength. The dragon tattoo is usually placed on the back or shoulders and is often accompanied by other mythical creatures such as tigers or snakes. Similarly, many Thai businesses use the dragon symbol in their logos or branding to convey a sense of power and success.
The dragon also features prominently in Thai festivals and celebrations. For instance, during Chinese New Year, the Wat Mangkon Kamalawat temple in Bangkok holds a dragon dance performance. This event attracts thousands of visitors who watch as performers dressed in colorful dragon costumes dance in the streets to the sound of drums and cymbals. Additionally, during the Songkran festival, which celebrates the Thai New Year, people parade through the streets carrying dragon effigies as a symbol of good fortune.
In conclusion, the influence of the dragon zodiac sign is evident in the English language and has found its way even into Thai culture. From idioms and phrases to literature, movies, and TV shows, the dragon is a symbol of power and mythical creatures that has captured the imagination of people worldwide. As such, it is not surprising that the dragon continues to play an important role in many cultures – including Thai culture – and that people continue to use it as a symbol of aspiration, power and good fortune.
